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Unreached people group

Karelian

World population45K
LanguageKarelian
ReligionChristianity
Reached
5.144%
Evangelicals
Eurasian PeoplesFinno-Ugric
Who they are

The Karelians are a Finno-Ugric people native to the boreal forests and lakes of the Karelia region, in northwestern Russia and eastern Finland. Known for their rich oral traditions and folk songs that inspired the epic Kalevala, they possess an identity strongly tied to rural life, fishing, and woodworking. They face the constant challenge of preserving their mother tongue and cultural heritage amid modernization.

Where they live
5
Countries
45K
World population
CountryShare of the peoplePopulation
Russia Partially reached
70,5%
32.000
Finland Partially reached
24,2%
11.000
Ukraine Superficially reached
2,6%
1.200
Belarus Partially reached
2%
900
Kazakhstan Superficially reached
0,7%
300
The Bible in this people's language

A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.

Russian Complete Bible
Audio recordings Available Jesus Film Available
Karelian New Testament complete
Audio recordings Not available Jesus Film Available

Translation data: Joshua Project.

Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)63.869%
Evangelicals5.144%
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
For spiritual revitalization and for a living, transformative faith among the Karelians.
For the strengthening and unity of small churches serving in the most isolated villages.
For the availability and use of Christian literature in the Karelian language to reach the younger generations.
For the raising up of local leaders committed to biblical discipleship and service to their people.

Pray for Karelian

Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.

Open the Prayer Calendar