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Region · Northern Europe
Baltic States
After decades of Soviet atheism, many people have no religion at all; small churches seek to show a living faith to a secular generation.
4 countries
18 peoples
6.5% evangelicals
The 4 flags of the region. Tap one to open the country.
Gospel reach among the 18 peoples
5Unreached · 27.8% of peoples
13reached peoples
6.5%evangelicals (weighted average)
- 22.2% Unreached (4)
- 5.6% Minimally reached (1)
- 44.4% Superficially reached (8)
- 22.2% Partially reached (4)
- 5.6% Significantly reached (1)
Largest unreached peoples:
Deaf 8K
Latvian Jews 2K
Eastern Yiddish-speaking Jew 2K
The Bible in the languages of the region
26languages spoken
22With complete Bible
4Without complete Bible
- 84.6% With complete Bible (22)
- 15.4% Only portions of the Bible (4)
Source: Joshua Project and Progress.Bible. Estimates, may vary. Compiled from the data of each country in this region.
What it is
The Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, together with the territory of the Åland Islands, form a small region on the shores of the Baltic Sea, marked by decades of Soviet occupation that ended only in the late 20th century. Before that, Lithuania had a strong Catholic tradition, while Estonia and Latvia preserved Lutheran influences inherited from Scandinavian and German neighbors.
The Soviet period left a particular spiritual mark: decades of religious restrictions emptied churches and distanced entire generations from any practice of faith. Since independence, the Baltic countries have gradually been rebuilding their religious life, but remain among Europe’s most secular societies, especially Estonia.
The figures show a small region with a real challenge: 4% of the population is evangelical. Of the 18 peoples living in the region, 5 are unreached. There are already 26 languages with some cataloged biblical translation, and only 4 still have no part of Scripture, the lowest number among the European blocs.
Pray for these three small nations that resisted Soviet occupation and now need to rebuild their spiritual life as well as their political independence.
Context and characteristics
The mark of Soviet occupation
Decades under Soviet rule restricted religious practice and emptied historic churches.
Distinct religious traditions
Lithuania has a Catholic tradition, while Estonia and Latvia have stronger Lutheran influences.
One of Europe's most secular regions
Estonia, in particular, is among the countries with the lowest religious practice on the continent.
Rebuilding after independence
Since the end of Soviet occupation, local churches have worked to reach again generations distanced from faith.
The Bible widely translated
It is the European region with the fewest languages still without any part of Scripture.
Unreached peoples of this region 5 in total
What to pray for
Intercession
For Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to rebuild their spiritual life after decades of Soviet occupation.
For the 5 unreached people groups still living in the Baltic region.
For Bible translation into the 4 languages that still have no part of Scripture.
For a younger generation not to grow up indifferent to the Christian faith, as happened under communism.
For local Catholic and Lutheran churches to be renewed in spiritual vitality.
Against the pronounced secularism that particularly marks Estonia.
For Christian leaders of integrity to guide the rebuilding of faith in these three small nations.