According to 2014 study by Pew Research Center, except for the Americas, religious conflict within countries rose around the world in 2012 to the highest level in six years.

One third of 198 countries reviewed saw high or very high levels of internal religious strife, such as sectarian violence, terrorism or bullying in 2012, compared to 29 per cent in 2011 and 20 percent in 2010.

The biggest rise came in the Middle East and North Africa, two regions that are still feeling the effects of the Arab Spring of 2010-2011.

Three out of ten countries have high or very high levels of restrictions, the study said.

Among the 25 most heavily populated countries, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, Pakistan and Myanmar suffered the most religious conflict.

Christians and Muslims, who make up more than half of the world’s population, have been stigmatized in the largest number of countries. Muslims and Jews have suffered the greatest level of hostility in six years, the report said.

Harassment against women and religious connotations of the way they dress has also risen in nearly a third of countries to 32 per cent, compared to 25 per cent in 2011 and seven per cent in 2007.  For more information read the article: http://www.pewforum.org/2014/01/14/religious-hostilities-reach-six-year-high/