Saudi Arabia: The Only Country in the World Without a Church

TJ News Nigeria reports that while Christianity is the world’s largest religion with over 2.3 billion adherents globally, there remains one country where the public practice of Christianity through church worship is completely banned—Saudi Arabia.

Is There a Country Without a Single Church? Yes—Saudi Arabia

Among the nearly 200 countries in the world, Saudi Arabia stands out as the only nation that does not have a single public church building. While this may be surprising to many, it is rooted in the religious, cultural, and legal structure of the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia, located in Western Asia, is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, covering an area of approximately 2.15 million square kilometers. It is also the second-largest country in the Arab world, after Algeria.

Why Saudi Arabia Has No Churches

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is officially an Islamic theocracy, governed by a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam (Wahhabism). Islam is the only official religion, and the constitution is based on Sharia law (Islamic law). Due to this, no public non-Muslim religious practice is allowed.

Although Saudi Arabia is home to over 1 million Christians, most of whom are expatriate workers from the Philippines, India, and African countries, they are not allowed to build or attend churches publicly. Christians can only worship privately within their homes and under strict discretion.

🛑 Public display of Christian symbols, such as Bibles, crosses, or even religious gatherings outside private residences, is prohibited.

Religious Tolerance in the Kingdom

While the Saudi government claims to tolerate the presence of non-Muslims in the country, this tolerance does not extend to public religious freedom. Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, and other religious groups are allowed entry primarily for labor or economic purposes—not for religious expression.

Despite internal and external calls for reform, no public churches, temples, synagogues, or gurdwaras exist in Saudi Arabia to date.

Mecca: The Spiritual Epicenter of Islam

Saudi Arabia’s religious identity is further entrenched by the presence of Mecca and Medina, the two holiest cities in Islam. Mecca, in particular, is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and hosts the Kaaba—the focal point of Islamic prayer and pilgrimage.

Every year, millions of Muslims across the globe travel to Mecca for Hajj, an annual pilgrimage that is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The event is scheduled based on the Islamic lunar calendar, specifically between the 1st and 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic year.

Double Standards? A Point of Global Debate

The issue of religious infrastructure has often sparked international debate, especially in Western countries. For example, in the United Kingdom, where Muslims are free to build mosques and practice Islam openly, some politicians and citizens have questioned the reciprocity of religious freedom.

Councilman Craig, a British politician, once stated:
“Why should the Saudis pay for mosques in the UK when not a single church is allowed in Saudi Arabia?”

His remarks followed a public outcry when plans for a London Mega Mosque were proposed—one that would be larger than several cathedrals in the UK. Critics argued that mutual respect and religious freedom should be observed both ways.

Is Christianity Completely Banned in Saudi Arabia?

No, Christianity is not banned as a personal faith, but organized, public Christian worship is prohibited. Foreign Christians are permitted to work and live in the kingdom, but they must not evangelize or proselytize. Doing so can lead to severe legal consequences, including arrest, deportation, or imprisonment.

Despite this, underground Christian gatherings and house churches exist but operate with caution. The fear of discovery by Saudi religious police (mutawwa) often keeps these gatherings small and secretive.

Future Outlook: Is Change Possible?

In recent years, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has introduced limited reforms under his Vision 2030 plan, aimed at modernizing the country. However, religious freedom remains a highly sensitive and restricted area. International human rights organizations and religious freedom advocates continue to pressure the kingdom to allow churches and other places of worship.

But as of now, Saudi Arabia remains the only country in the world without a single church.

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🔎 Key Facts at a Glance

• Country: Saudi Arabia

• Region: Middle East / Western Asia

• Religion: Islam (official, Sunni majority)

• Christian Population: Over 1 million (foreigners only)

• Number of Churches: Zero (0)

• Public Worship for Christians: Prohibited

• Private Worship: Tolerated, but discreet

• Penalty for Evangelism: Deportation, jail, or worse

• Most Sacred Islamic Site: Mecca (birthplace of Prophet Muhammad)

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📌 Conclusion

TJ News Nigeria gathered that despite hosting one of the largest Christian expatriate populations in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has no public churches, making it a unique case in global religious geography. As the world advances toward greater religious tolerance, the spotlight remains on the kingdom to open its doors to public religious plurality.

Until that day comes, Saudi Arabia will continue to hold the title of the only country in the world without a single church.