Afghanistan

Islam has been the state religion of Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 1996. Muslims make up more than 99% of the population. Specific figures for the Christian population in Afghanistan do not exist because most Christians practice in private or secret to avoid persecution and social pressure. The Christian population represents less than 1% of all religious backgrounds and is estimated to be around 30,000 people, according to the Pew Research Center.

Crime and violent conflict have resulted in a turbulent and unpredictable way of life for many Afghans. The country is one of the least developed in the world. More than a third of the population lives below the poverty line, and the average life expectancy is just 51 – the third-lowest in the world. Afghanistan has the world’s highest infant mortality rate, and the literacy rate is just 38%. 13.5% have access to the Internet (CIA World Factbook).

• Pray for peace between Afghanistan’s many people groups and that they will be able to work together to rebuild their country.
• Pray that God will protect His children in Afghanistan, who are often isolated and vulnerable.
• Pray for development in Afghanistan that will result in improved quality of life for all.