Bible Access List: Research
A comprehensive framework for assessing global Bible access and shortages
Overview
Collaborative research focused on the worldwide access of God's Word.
Maps
Interactive maps showing Bible restrictions and global Bible needs.
Methodology
Our research approach and data collection methods for this project.
Overview & Summary
The Bible Access List (BAL) is a global initiative developed by the Bible Access Initiative, a collaborative of Bible agencies, to identify where access to the Bible is most difficult and where shortages among Christians are greatest.
The 2025 edition covers 88 countries, offering a structured, data-informed framework to support strategic planning, distribution, and advocacy for Bible accessibility and addressing Bible shortages.
Core Assessments
- Bible Restrictions list: A ranked score identifying where Bible access is most difficult
- Bible Shortage list: A ranked overview of where the greatest number of Christians lack Bibles
- Country Profiles: Narrative and visual summaries of Bible access realities and prayer needs
Scope and Coverage
2025 Edition
- • 88 Countries covered
- • 76 Countries with Bible Shortage estimates
- • Range-based estimates to reflect uncertainty
Selection Criteria
- • Known or suspected access restrictions
- • Data availability and quality
- • Feasibility of reliable data collection
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.
Bible Restrictions Assessment
The Bible Restrictions List evaluates each country against 11 indicators organized into two blocks:
Block 1: Imposed Restrictions (75% weight)
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
Data Sources
Primary Data
- • BAL Survey: Distributed to respondents in 100+ countries, translated into 6 languages
- • Expert Interviews: In-depth interviews with country-specific experts
- • Field Observations: On-site visits to selected countries or regions
- • Plausibility Review: Consultations with partner organizations and country experts
Secondary Data
- • World Christian Database: Population, religion, and denominational data
- • Open Doors World Watch List: Persecution data and country analysis
- • World Bank Indicators: Income levels, internet usage, literacy rates, Logistics Performance Index
- • Bible Translation Databases: Translation availability per language group
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.