Christians remain the most harassed religious group, Pew Research Center finds

There has been a decline in government restrictions and social hositilities related to religion in 2014, but religion-driven terrorism increased, according to a new study released June 23 by the Pew Research Center.

Government restrictions analyzed data on "laws, policies and actions that restrict religious beliefs and practices." Social hostilities, on the other hand, measured "acts of hostility by private individuals, organizations or groups in society" that are related to religion, such as harassment and mob violence.

According to the study, out of 198 countries investigated, 24 percent have "very high levels" of government-imposed restrictions on religious practices in 2014, showing a decrease from 28 percent in 2013.

Countries with "high or very high" religion-driven social hostilities also decreased from 24 percent in 2013 to 23 percent in 2014, showing a declining pattern since 2012.

Although this is good news, terrorism driven by religion sharply increased. In 2013, there were only 73 countries experiencing this danger, but in 2014, there were 82 countries experiencing terrorism because of religion. This has caused injury or death in 60 countries, showing an increase from 51 countries in 2013.

Terrorism involving religion is still highest in the Middle East and North Africa, but the biggest increase was seen in the Asia-Pacific region, rising from 36 percent in 2013 to 44 percent in 2014.

Of the 25 most highly populated countries, the highest restrictions imposed by both government and society were seen in Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, Russia and Turkey.

The highest level of government restrictions on religion was observed in China, while the highest level of social hostilities related to religion was found in Pakistan.

Christians, comprising 30 percent of the global population, continue to be the most harassed religious group. Christians were discriminated upon, arrested and assaulted in 108 countries in 2014, showing an increase from 102 countries in 2013.

Of particular note is the marked increase in the harassment of Jews, who represent 0.2 percent of the world's population. Jews faced both government restrictions and social hostilities in 81 countries in 2014, showing a steep increase from 77 countries in 2013, 71 in 2012 and 51 in 2007.

Pew Research Center noted that the 198 countries included in the study represented 99.5 percent of the global population, excluding data from North Korea. Although sources indicate that North Korea has the most repressive practices against religion, there is not enough data to determine specific information needed for the research.