Greetings!
This time of year, we see an uptick in annual reports of various kinds, many of them providing info and insights you can use to update your own messages, presentations, and more.
Looking for data on religion?
At this writing, Gordon-Conwell’s Status of Global Christianity page still shows last year’s report, but a new one should be released soon. Meanwhile, check out two interesting pieces that came out last year from the Pew Research Center. As you read, ask yourself: What are the implications?
- Many religions are heavily concentrated in a few countries
- If the U.S. had 100 people: Charting Americans’ religious affiliations
We also have new data on religious persecution.
Open Doors has released its 2026 World Watch list, an annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. See story and video below.
And see also the recently released 2026 Red List, which also reports on the most dangerous places to be a Christian according to five categories of concern (Global Christian Relief).
Plus some interesting links…
For when life feels precarious, Marti came across news about an interesting new proof-of-life app developed in China. “Are You Dead?” has become the #1 paid iPhone app in China (BGR).
If you were born somewhere else, how would your life be different? Check out a great data visualization comparing income, education, life expectancy, and more (Giving What We Can, via Flowing Data). Spin the globe and scroll down the window for a one-minute, three-question quiz to test your knowledge of global inequality. I (Pat) failed big time!
On a more positive note, you might want to check out What the World Eats to discover and compare global cuisines with data-driven culinary infographics. Fun!
Hope this gives you something to chew on.
Pat and Marti