Myanmar Getty Images Myanmar has been designated as a CPC since 1999, and was redesignated as one in 2011. An ongoing embargo is in effect, connected with this designation. The constitution and other legal mechanisms officially restrict religious freedom in the country. The government has actively promoted Theravada Buddhism to the detriment of other faiths. The Rohingya Muslim minority community continues to suffer from ethnic and religious violence. -IRF Report

China WikiMedia: China was designated a CPC in 1999 and redesignated in 2011. The government's state control over religion has led to restrictions on activities and personal freedom when such activities are perceived as threatening to the Chinese Communist Party.

Eritrea WikiMedia: Eritrea was designated as a CPC in 2004, and redesignated in 2011. Assistance restrictions are in place. There are four officially religious groups: the Eritrean Orthodox Church, Sunni Islam, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Eritrea, which are subject to government influence. Members of unregistered religious groups are subject to government detention.

Iran WikiMedia: Iran has been listed as a CPC since 1999, and was redesignated as one in 2011. Blasphemy is a crime in Iran, and reports of government harassment, discrimination, and intimidation against individuals for their religious beliefs persist. Christian pastor Saeed Abedini has reportedly been abused during his imprisonment, despite political calls for his release. The Baha'i faith is illegal in Iran, and Baha'is face especially severe persecution in comparison to other minority groups.

North Korea AP North Korea was listed as a CPC in 2001, and redesignated in 2011. Though religious freedom is provided for in the constitution and legal system, in practice the government has severely restricted religious activity except for groups explicitly recognized by the state.

Saudi Arabia WikiMedia: Saudi Arabia was designated as a CPC in 2004. In 2011, in conjunction with its redesignation, the Secretary of State issued a waiver of sanctions against the country. The constitution neither recognizes nor protects religious freedom, and all religions except for the official religion of Sunni Islam are highly restricted. The public practice of any religion except for Islam is prohibited.

Sudan Getty Images Sudan was first designated as a CPC in 1999, and was redesignated in 2011. It is ineligible for U.S. aid. Sudan's Interim National Constitution restricted religious freedoms, a policy generally enforced by government officials. Laws against defaming Islam and preventing blasphemy are enforced. Minority religious groups have reported instances of harassment by authorities.