Bible Access List: Research
A comprehensive framework for assessing global Bible access and shortages
Introduction
The Bible Access List (BAL) identifies where access to the Bible is most difficult and where shortages among Christians are greatest.
Developed by the Bible Access Initiative, a collaborative of Bible agencies, it provides a structured, data-informed framework to support strategic planning, distribution, and advocacy for Bible accessibility and addressing Bible shortages.
Guiding Principles
Accessibility to All
Every individual should be able to access and own a Bible if they wish, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Free Accessibility
There should be no legal or socio-economic barriers that impede or complicate access to Bibles.
Access in Any Quantity
Churches, Bible agencies, and mission organizations should be able to acquire Bibles in any quantity necessary.
What we Measure
Core Assessments
- Bible Restrictions List: a ranked, scored list of countries based on access restrictions
- Bible Shortage List: a ranked, scored list of countries where the shortage among Christians is greatest
- Country Profiles: Narrative and visual summaries of Bible access realities and prayer needs
Scope and Coverage
2026 Edition
- 106
- countries assessed
- 87
- countries ranked on the Restrictions List (BRL)
- 81
- countries ranked on the Shortage List (BSL)
Countries are included in the BRL when they obtain 20 points or more across the Bible Restrictions indicators. These indicators measure both restrictions imposed by governments, religious extremists, or other actors (Block 1), and socio-economic barriers that limit Bible access (Block 2). In addition, countries with more than 10 points for Block 2 indicators alone are also ranked, recognizing that severe socio-economic barriers can significantly restrict Bible access even where legal or societal restrictions are relatively limited.
Countries are included in the BSL where sufficient survey data, supporting evidence, and expert validation provide adequate confidence in the estimate of need.
Where available information is insufficient, inconsistent, or inconclusive, results may be withheld until further research is completed.
How it works
Factors Considered
The Bible Restrictions List assesses each country on 11 indicators organized in two blocks.
Block 1: Imposed Restrictions (75%)
Restrictions imposed by governments, religious extremists, or other actors:
- Ability to freely import Bibles, in any quantity
- Ability to freely print Bibles, in any quantity
- Ability to freely store Bibles, in any quantity
- Ability to freely own Bibles, in any quantity
- Ability to freely distribute Bibles, in any quantity
- Ability to safely access Bibles on the internet
Block 2: Socio-economic Factors (25% weight)
Broader socio-economic conditions that indirectly restrict access:
- Poverty
- Lack of access to the internet
- Lack of access to electricity
- Low literacy levels
- Poor infrastructure limiting distribution
Block 1 restrictions are given more weight because they are harder to change and often put believers at personal risk. Socio-economic barriers are serious but can often be mitigated with resources.
Data and Validation
The BAL integrates multiple primary and secondary data sources. No single source determines a country's score or Bible Shortage estimate. Instead, information is triangulated across BAL surveys, expert interviews, field observations, established international datasets, and other supporting evidence.
Primary Data
- BAL Survey: Distributed in 7 languages and over 100 countries to resident and diaspora-based country experts.
- Expert Interviews: In-depth interviews with country-specific experts.
- Field Observations: On-site visits to selected countries or regions to verify data and collect additional information.
- Plausibility Review: Consultations with partner organizations and country experts to review findings and deliverables.
Secondary Data
- World Christian Database: Population, world religion, and denominational data at national and provincial levels.
- World Watch List Survey: Persecution data and country analysis.
- World Development Bank Indicators: Country income levels, internet usage, logistics performance, electricity access, literacy.
Key Definitions
Bible Access
The ability to obtain or read the Bible through various means such as physical copies, digital formats, or availability in public/community locations (such as churches or libraries), or family settings.
Bible Ownership
Personal possession of a Bible. Ownership implies individual access and choice and may be affected by availability or legal constraints.
Bible Shortage
The estimated number of Christians who desire but do not own a personal Bible. Calculated using survey data, demographic modeling, and expert review.