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Top 10 Countries With Highest Number Of Churches 2024

Published

1 year ago

September 1, 2024

As Christianity continues to be one of the world’s most practiced religions, certain countries stand out for their sheer number of churches

When it comes to the expression of faith and spirituality, few things are as significant as places of worship. Churches, in particular, have played a central role in the spiritual lives of millions worldwide.

These sacred spaces not only serve as venues for worship but also act as pillars of community life, education, and social support. As Christianity continues to be one of the world’s most practiced religions, certain countries stand out for their sheer number of churches.

This article explores the top 10 countries with the highest number of churches, per ratings from Bscholarly, delving into the historical, cultural, and social factors that have led to their proliferation.

1. Vatican City
While Vatican City is the smallest country in Europe by population, it holds a unique distinction: it boasts the highest concentration of churches. With around 1,700 churches, Vatican City has more churches per capita than any other country. This small, yet powerful state, located within Rome, Italy, is home to about 1,000 residents and hosts St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the holiest sites for Catholics worldwide.

2. Rwanda
Rwanda, with a Christian population of 93.6%, is predominantly Roman Catholic. Despite being one of Africa’s smallest and most densely populated countries, it has an estimated population of 11 million people, with around 1 million identifying as Christians. The country’s rich history and significant Christian presence have earned it the nickname “the Jerusalem of Africa” by some Westerners, particularly after the 1967 conflict between Christians and Muslims.

3. Malawi
Malawi stands out with the highest number of churches per capita, with one church for every 132 people. The country has approximately 10,000 churches spread across its territory, reflecting its deep-rooted Christian heritage. Many of these churches date back to colonial times when missionaries established numerous Catholic churches and chapels independently of government support. Before gaining independence from Britain in 1964, Malawi was known as Nyasaland, meaning “the land of lakes.”

4. Angola
Christianity is the dominant religion in Angola, with 95% of the population identifying as Christians. The majority are Roman Catholics, while the rest belong to various Protestant denominations like Methodists, Congregationalists, and Baptists. Christian missionaries played a crucial role in spreading Christianity across Angola, also contributing to the country’s social development through initiatives like free medical care and education.

5. Romania
Romania, located in Southeastern Europe with Bucharest as its capital, is home to approximately 1,800 churches. The country’s cultural and ethnic identity is deeply influenced by Roman history, shaped by its strategic location along major migration routes in Europe. The Orthodox Church, one of the three major Christian denominations, is predominant in Romania, where about 200 million people adhere to Orthodox Christianity.

6. Italy
Italy, with a population of 60.6 million, is the fourth-largest economy in Europe and a founding member of the European Union. It has a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its art and architecture, with masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and Brunelleschi’s Duomo in Florence. Italy is also home to a significant number of churches, a testament to its deep-rooted Christian traditions.

7. Poland
Poland, situated in Central Europe with a population of 38.5 million, is home to over 10,000 churches. The country’s history is steeped in Catholic tradition, which plays a central role in Polish culture and identity. Polish cuisine, influenced by Russian, Ukrainian, Lithuanian, and German culinary traditions, reflects the country’s rich heritage, with dishes passed down through generations.

8. Spain
Spain is a country with a deep European heritage, influenced by significant historical events such as the discovery of the Americas and its neutral stance during the world wars. The Catholic Church has long played a pivotal role in Spanish history, influencing both political and social landscapes. The Church in Spain grew as new members shared their faith with their communities, further solidifying its influence.

9. Portugal
Portugal, one of Europe’s most religious countries, has a long-standing Christian heritage, with 90% of its population identifying as Catholic. Despite its relatively small size, Portugal maintains strong ties with religious institutions, offering benefits such as tax rebates for clergy. The Catholic faith continues to be a significant aspect of Portuguese society.

10. São Tomé and Príncipe
The small island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, located in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Central Africa, was settled in the 15th century by Portuguese explorers. The islands became a crucial hub for the African slave trade, and today, Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, with 55.7% of the population identifying as Catholic, a legacy of Portuguese colonialism.
SOURCE: VANGUARD

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Israel-Palestine Conflict: Nigeria, 141 Countries Endorse Two-State Solution

Published

4 hours ago

September 13, 2025

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Nigeria on Friday joined 141 other countries to endorse New York Declaration on two-State solution between Israel and Palestine at the UN headquarters in New York.

Applause rang out in the UN General Assembly Hall as countries endorsed the declaration on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and implementation of the two-State solution with Israel.

The New York Declaration is the outcome of an international conference held in July at UN Headquarters, organised by France and Saudi Arabia, which resumes later this month.

The General Assembly comprises all 193 UN Member States and 142 countries voted in favour of a resolution backing the document.

Israel voted against it, alongside nine other countries: Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tonga and the United States, while 12 nations abstained.

Prior to the vote, French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont recalled that the New York Declaration “lays out a single roadmap to deliver the two-State solution”.

This involves an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of all hostages held there, and the establishment of a Palestinian State that is both viable and sovereign.

The roadmap further calls for the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from governance in Gaza, normalisation between Israel and the Arab countries, as well as collective security guarantees.

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I Won’t Allow His Movement To Die, Charlie Kirk’s Widow Vows

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4 hours ago

September 13, 2025

Editor

Erika Kirk, widow of prominent right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, has vowed to continue her husband’s work after US authorities confirmed the arrest of his alleged assassin.

A grieving Erika, in a live video on Friday, paid tribute to her late husband, describing him as “the perfect father…the perfect husband.”

“The evil-doers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done.

“The movement my husband built will not die. It won’t. I refuse to let that happen,” she added.

Tribune Online reports that the suspected killer of Kirk has been identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump confirmed that a suspect had been arrested after a massive manhunt.

“Somebody very close to him turned him in,” Trump told Fox News in a live studio interview.

“The person was involved with law enforcement, but was a person of faith, a minister, and brought him to a US Marshal who was fantastic.

“They drove into the police headquarters, and he’s there now.”

He added: “We have the person that we think is the person we’re looking for.”

Kirk, 31, who was known for rallying youth support for Trump, was shot dead on Wednesday during an appearance at a Utah university.

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California Lawmakers Approve Ban On Face Masks For Authorities

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5 hours ago

September 13, 2025

Editor

California lawmakers in the United States have approved a bill that would prevent most law enforcement officers from covering their faces while on duty.

According to ABC News, the measure follows a series of immigration raids in Los Angeles.

This is the first bill of its kind to pass a state legislature, though similar proposals have been introduced in Congress and in states such as Tennessee, Michigan, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

The California Legislature, controlled by Democrats, passed the bill on Thursday as part of a broader response to immigration enforcement actions.

If signed into law, the bill would prohibit local and federal officers, including immigration agents, from using neck gaiters, ski masks and other facial coverings while carrying out official duties. Exceptions include undercover work, protective medical masks and tactical gear.

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California has about a month to decide whether to sign it. He has criticised the use of masks by federal agents but in July questioned whether the state has the authority to regulate them. His office said Friday it does not usually comment on pending bills.

According to supporters, the legislation is needed, especially after the Supreme Court this week allowed the federal government to continue large-scale immigration operations in Los Angeles.

Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, vice chair of the Latino caucus, said the ruling is “effectively allowing federal agents stop suspects based solely on their race, language, or job.”

“How is anyone supposed to reasonably believe that they are law enforcement officers and not masked individuals trying to kidnap you?” he said before the vote. “Imagine the absolute fear of being pulled over at gunpoint by a group of masked individuals.”

Backers also cited constitutional law expert Erwin Chemerinsky of the University of California, Berkeley, who argued that federal employees must still follow state laws unless doing so prevents them from performing their duties. “ICE agents have never before worn masks when apprehending people, and that never has posed a problem. Nor have other officers of local, state and federal law enforcement faced dangers from the public because they don’t wear masks in the streets,” he wrote in an opinion piece for the Sacramento Bee.

Republicans and law enforcement groups strongly opposed the bill, saying it puts officers at risk.

“Bad guys wear masks because they don’t want to get caught. Good guys wear masks because they don’t want to get killed,” said Republican state Sen. Kelly Seyarto on Thursday.

The use of masks by immigration agents has deepened the divide between those who oppose Trump-era enforcement policies and those who support them.

Trump administration officials defended the practice, saying agents have faced growing harassment in public and online. They argue covering their faces helps protect officers and their families. Democrats and several state attorneys general counter that the masks cause public fear and should be banned.