Government restrictions on religion – laws, policies and actions by state officials that restrict religious beliefs and practices – have increased markedly around the world over the decade from 2007 to 2017, according to Pew Research.

The research also found that social hostilities involving religion – including violence and harassment by private individuals, organizations or groups – also have risen since 2007.

The latest data shows that 52 governments – including some in very populous countries like China, Indonesia and Russia – impose either “high” or “very high” levels of restrictions on religion, up from 40 in 2007. And the number of countries where people are experiencing the highest levels of social hostilities involving religion has risen from 39 to 56 over the course of the study.