UPDATED: List of the Countries with the Most Members without a Stake - April 2025 Edition

Below is an updated list of the 19 countries/territories with the most Latter-day Saints (at least 1,500) without a stake. Membership totals are as of 2024 and congregational and district totals are current. Estimated membership for mainland China and Pakistan is provided as official statistics are unavailable. The number of branches in mainland China is not provided due to the sensitive nature of the Church in that country. Previous lists of the countries with the most members without a stake can be found here.

1. China - 12,700 members? - 12 districts
2. Malaysia - 11,341 members - 24 branches - 5 districts
3. Guyana - 7,033 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
4. Pakistan - 6,500 members? - 19 branches, 4 districts
   
5. Belize - 5,688 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
6. Armenia - 3,625 members - 8 branches - 1 district
7. Cameroon - 3,327 members - 18 branches - 2 districts
8. Romania - 3,029 members - 15 branches - 1 district
9. Rwanda - 2,489 members - 10 branches - 1 district 
10. Ethiopia - 2,423 members - 8 branches - 1 district
11. Bulgaria - 2,412 members - 7 branches - 1 district
12. Eswatini - 2,348 members - 6 branches - 1 district
13. Poland - 2,249 members - 11 branches - 1 district
14. Cook Islands - 1,912 members - 5 branches - 1 district
15. Lesotho - 1,890 members - 6 branches - 1 district 
16. Suriname - 1,887 members - 6 branches - 1 district
17. Burundi - 1,807 members - 11 branches - 1 district
18. Sri Lanka - 1,674 members - 5 branches - 1 district 
19. Solomon Islands - 1,627 members - 6 branches - 1 district
    

Countries removed from this list since April 2024 included Malawi and Tanzania. As noted in the list from 2024, prospects appear most favorable for the formation of stakes within the next few years in mainland China, Malaysia, Guyana, Belize, Pakistan, Eswatini, Cameroon, Rwanda, Burundi, and Suriname as all of these countries have at least one district that is close to reaching the minimum qualifications for a stake to operate. However, additional countries also appear likely to have stakes organized in the next 2-3 years, including Ethiopia, Lesotho, and the Solomon Islands. As noted in previous posts, low member activity rates, an insufficient number of branches in individual member districts, slow or stagnant growth, and few full-tithe paying Melchizedek Priesthood holders will likely continue to delay the organization of stakes in other countries on this list for several more years to come.

UPDATED: The 10 Countries with the Most Members without a Temple Announced, Under Construction, or in Operation - April 2025

I have updated the list of the countries with the most members without a temple using year-end 2024 membership totals. Temples that service stakes, districts, and mission branches in each country are identified. Previous lists are also available for April 2024, May 2023, April 2022, March 2022, November 2020, April 2020, April 2019, October 2018, April 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, mid-2011, late 2008, and late 2007. Countries in Italics do not have a stake. Uganda was removed from this list given the announcement of the Kampala Uganda Temple in October of 2024. Malawi has since ascended to the list to replace Uganda. Benin is the country on the list with the most recent Church establishment. The first branch created in Benin was organized in 2005. Countries that may ascend to this list in the coming months and years include (in order) Tanzania, Botswana, Armenia, Trinidad and Tobago, Cameroon, Albania, Romania, the Czech Republic, Rwanda, and Ethiopia.

1. Malaysia

• 11,341 members
• 0 stakes, 5 districts
• 24 congregations (24 branches)
• Bangkok Thailand Temple (Singapore Republic of Singapore Temple announced)

2.  Togo

• 7,684 members
• 3 stakes
• 28 congregations (19 wards, 9 branches)
• Ghana Accra Temple

3.  Zambia

• 7,072 members
• 1 stake, 2 districts
• 20 congregations (6 wards, 14 branches)
• Johannesburg South Africa Temple (Harare Zimbabwe Temple under construction)
  

4.  Benin

• 7,071 members
• 2 stakes, 1 district
• 32 congregations (22 wards, 10 branches)
• Accra Ghana Temple (Lagos Nigeria Temple announced)

5.  Guyana

• 7,033 members
• 0 stakes, 2 districts
• 12 congregations (12 branches)
• Manaus Brazil Temple

6.  Jamaica

• 6,871 members
• 1 stake, 1 district
• 18 congregations (6 wards, 12 branches)
• Panama City Panama Temple

7. Marshall Islands

• 6,660 members
• 2 stakes
• 13 congregations (12 wards, 1 branch)
• Suva Fiji Temple (Tarawa Kiribati Temple announced)
  

8. Malawi

• 5,937 members
• 2 stakes, 1 district
• 20 congregations (10 wards, 10 branches)
• Johannesburg South Africa Temple (Harare Zimbabwe Temple announced)

9.  Federated States of Micronesia

• 5,915 members
• 1 stake, 1 district
• 22 congregations (5 wards, 17 branches)
• Yigo Guam Temple 

 10.  Belize

• 5,688 members
• 2 districts
• 12 congregations (12 branches)
• Coban Guatemala Temple

Congregational Growth by Country in 2024

Below is a list of the countries where the Church reported a net increase of four or more units for the year 2024. The annual percentage increase for the number of wards and branches for each country is also provided:

1. Democratic Republic of the Congo +57 (19.7% increase)
2. Nigeria +30 (3.70% increase)
3. Philippines +28 (2.16% increase)
4. Ghana +17 (4.59% increase)
5. Uganda +15 (38.5% increase)
6. Canada +13 (2.66% increase)
   
7. Peru +13 (1.66% increase) 
8. Bolivia +12 (4.40% increase)
   
9. Mozambique +11 (15.9% increase) 
10. Tanzania +9 (36.0% increase) 
11. Burundi +8 (200% increase) 
    
12. Ecuador +7 (2.14% increase) 
13. Kenya +7 (10.1% increase)
14. Benin +6 (23.1% increase)
15. Cape Verde +5 (12.5% increase) 
    
16. Cote d'Ivoire +5 (1.91% increase)
17. Honduras +5 (2.09% increase) 
    
18. Liberia +5 (6.67% increase) 
19. Malawi +5 (38.5% increase) 
20. Pakistan +5 (35.7% increase)
    
21. Angola +4 (16.0% increase) 
22. Chile +4 (0.70% increase) 
    
23. Colombia +4 (1.56% increase)

The net increase in the number of wards and branches in these 23 countries totals 461; a larger number than the net increase in the number of wards and branches for the entire Church for 2023 (186). Five countries experienced a net decrease of four or more units during 2023. Altogether, the net decrease in congregations in these four nations totaled 112. 

1. Brazil -76 (3.50% decrease)
2. United States -15 (0.10% decrease)  
3. Australia -10 (3.27% decrease)
   
4. New Zealand -7 (3.10% decrease)
5. United Kingdom -4 (1.30% decrease) 
   

Previous lists for annual congregational growth by country are available for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020-2021, 2022, and 2023.

Key Observations from 2024 Congregational Growth Data

1. 2024 marks one of the strongest years of congregational growth in the 21st century
The Church reported significant congregational expansion in a wider range of countries than seen in any other year in recent memory. In total, 23 countries experienced a net increase of at least four congregations each, totaling a combined net gain of 461 wards and branches—the highest number reported since at least the late 2000s.

2. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to drive global growth
This region accounted for nearly half of the global net increase in congregations among countries with at least four new units. Countries with the most aggressive national outreach—Democratic Republic of the Congo (+57), Uganda (+15), Burundi (+8), Mozambique (+11), and Tanzania (+9)—lead in both absolute and percentage growth. Burundi, in particular, saw an extraordinary 200% increase in the number of congregations, and Malawi and Uganda both grew by 38.5%. These rapid growth rates reflect continued high levels of convert baptisms and unit creation in newly opened or expanding areas.

3. Latin America showed broader but modest congregational growth
Several Latin American countries—including Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, and Honduras—each reported a net increase of four or more congregations. This represents a more widespread growth footprint than seen in many previous years. However, the percentage growth in these countries remains modest, rarely exceeding 2–4%. This suggests ongoing maturation of Church infrastructure rather than aggressive outreach or unusually high convert activity.

4. Brazil experienced substantial contraction
With a net decrease of 76 congregations, Brazil was responsible for approximately two-thirds of the total unit losses globally in 2024. This contraction mirrors past restructuring periods—most notably in 2000 (-116 units) and 2001 (-74 units)—when the Church consolidated congregations with low activity levels. These efforts appear aimed at strengthening existing units and optimizing administrative efficiency rather than reflecting a broader membership decline.

5. Congregational decline in the United States continues, but at a slowing pace
For the third consecutive year, the United States saw a net decrease in congregations (-15). However, this was an improvement over 2023 (-21) and 2022 (-62). Despite this trend, the Church reported a net membership increase of 125,928 over the past two years. During this time, the average number of members per ward or branch rose from 466 to 475—a modest increase of only nine members per congregation.

To put this in perspective, while some might interpret these declines as signs of weakening activity or retention, the members-to-congregations ratio has remained remarkably stable. Between 2018 and 2021, the average number of members per congregation actually declined slightly (from 468 to 461), yet rebounded by 2024. Moreover, the number of stakes in the United States continues to grow steadily, rising from 1,642 in 2019 to 1,709 in 2024. 2025 will be an important year to determine whether there is a noticeable net increase in congregations based on the past couple years of strong membership growth, or if there is a near net-zero increase or decrease in the total number of congregations.

In sum, the data do not support the idea of a major downturn in Church activity or convert retention in the United States. Instead, they likely reflect ongoing consolidation efforts and a mature Church structure, with moderate increases in stake-level leadership even as local units are optimized.

See below for a graph of the members-to-congregations ratio for the United States

Country-by-Country Membership Statistics Released for 2024

The Church has released year-end 2024 membership and congregation totals for most nations with a reported Church presence. These statistics can be accessed on Church's official website at https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics.

Countries with the highest annual membership growth rates for 2024 are listed below. Lists for nations with the most rapid annual membership growth rates are also available for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. A list of the biennial membership growth rates for countries between year-end 2019 to year-end 2021 can be found here. The percentage next to the country name for the list below is the annual membership growth rate for 2024. Countries in bold experienced a membership increase greater than 200 during 2024.

1. Russia* - 255% - 18,132
2. Rwanda - 61.9% - 2,489
3. Mozambique - 27.9% - 31,633
4. Tanzania - 26.5% - 5,022 
5. Malawi - 24.3% - 5,937
6. Angola - 24.1% - 7,321
7. Lesotho - 21.0% - 1,890
8. Zambia - 19.7% - 7,072
9. Burundi - 17.3% - 1,807
10. DR Congo - 16.6% - 134,067
11. Benin - 15.2% - 7,071
12. Republic of Georgia - 14.2% - 313
13. Uganda - 13.9% - 25,210
14. Madagascar - 12.7% - 17,331
15. Zimbabwe - 11.7% - 46,071
16. Sierra Leone - 11.4% - 34,617
17. Kazakhstan - 11.0% - 242
18. Ethiopia - 10.5% - 2,423
19. Kenya - 10.4% - 21,204
20. Bosnia and Herzegovina - 10.3% - 86
    

*Membership dramatically increased in Russia due an apparent change in membership reporting from 2023

The following is a list of the top 10 countries with the highest negative membership growth rates (i.e., fastest rate of membership decline) during 2024. The percent growth rate is provided next to the country name, and the number to the right of the percentage growth rate is the year-end 2023 membership total for the country. Four of these countries had at least 1,000 members: the Marshall Islands, Romania, Singapore, and Ukraine.

1. Palau - -23.3% - 421
2. Israel - -5.78% - 310
3. Luxembourg - -3.51% - 522
4. Kuwait - -3.48% - 361
5. Iceland - -2.65% - 404
6. Romania - -2.38% - 3,029
7. Jersey - -1.82% - 270
8. Singapore - -1.74% - 3,227
9. Marshall Islands - -1.51% - 6,660
10. Ukraine - -1.49% - 9,903

Below is a list of the top 10 countries by numerical membership net increase for 2024. Each country is provided with the numerical national increase in membership for the year. Additionally, the percentage of total church membership increase that is accounted for by each country is provided (i.e., a percentage of the world membership increase for 2024 that is within that country). Lists are also available for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. A list of the biennial period of 2020-2021 is also available. 73.4% of the 2024 net increase in Church membership can be attributed to the following 11 nations (I included 11 this year because Russia should not count given a change in membership reporting appears to explain the large increase in membership for the year). 

1. United States - 61,163 - 21.5%
2. Brazil - 30,865 - 10.9%
3. DR Congo - 19,040 - 6.7%
4. Nigeria - 17,687 - 6.2%
5. Mexico - 17,652 - 6.2%
6. Philippines - 15,190 - 5.3%
7. Russia* - 13,031 - 4.6%
   
8. Peru - 10,865 - 3.8%
9. Argentina - 9,642 - 3.4%
10. Mozambique - 6,900 - 2.4%
11. Ghana - 6,582 - 2.3%
    

*Membership dramatically increased in Russia due an apparent change in membership reporting from 2023

Below is a list of the top four countries by numerical membership decrease for 2024. Each country is provided with the numerical national decrease in membership during the year 2024. There were only four countries that experienced a net decrease by 100 or more during 2024. 

1. Japan - -474
2. Ukraine - -150
3. Palau - -128
4. Marshall Islands - -102

Several points to make with the 2024 annual membership growth numbers.

First, growth rates in East Africa and Central Africa have not only been sustained from 2023 but accelerated in some nations during 2024. This is especially impressive, as higher rates of membership growth become more difficult to achieve as membership grows larger. All countries in the Africa Central Area with reported statistics experienced at least 10% annual membership growth in 2024, except for the Central African Republic and the Republic of the Congo (which experienced an annual membership growth rate of 8.4%). Membership in Rwanda more than doubled during the two-year period from year-end 2022 to year-end 2024. For the first time in over a decade, membership increased by more than 10% in Ethiopia and Uganda. In the DR Congo, membership increased by 16.6%—the highest annual growth rate since 2002, when there were only 13,637 members. The Church also experienced very high rates of membership growth in Mozambique and Malawi. In Mozambique, membership has doubled since year-end 2021, and there are now over 31,000 Latter-day Saints in the country. In Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Church reported its second-highest annual growth rate for membership since 2004. In southern Africa, the Church in Botswana and South Africa reported the highest membership growth rates in over a decade. In Lesotho, the Church reported its highest annual membership growth rate since 1993, when there were only 300 members. In Angola, Church membership grew by 24.1%—the highest annual growth rate since 2009, when there were fewer than 1,000 members in the country. In West Africa, membership growth rates accelerated in most countries in 2024 compared to 2023, but generally remained below growth rates achieved prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Second, the Church in Europe experienced some of its most rapid membership growth in decades during 2024 in several countries. In Spain, Church membership increased by 3.85% (just slightly higher than the 3.82% reported for 2023)—the highest reported by the Church since 2007. In Italy, membership grew by 2.62% in 2024—the highest annual growth rate since 2004 (which was also 2.62%). In France, Church membership increased by 1.79%—also the highest annual membership growth rate since 2007. In Germany, Church membership increased by 1.06%—the highest rate of membership growth since 2011. In Denmark, membership increased by 0.83%—the second-highest year for membership growth since 1995. Most other European countries experienced typical membership growth rates consistent with recent years.

Third, the Church in the United States reported nearly the same net increase in membership for 2024 compared to 2023 (61,163 in 2024 versus 64,765 in 2023), with membership increasing by 0.89% for the year. The year 2023 was significant for membership growth in the United States, as it saw the highest net increase in membership (64,765) since 2015 and the highest annual membership growth rate (0.95%) since that same year. Thus, recent membership growth in the United States appears to represent a new trend, rather than a continuation of the steady decline in membership growth that had persisted for nearly a decade.

Fourth, membership growth rates in much of Latin America have returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. In a few instances, annual membership growth rates were even higher than before the pandemic. For example, the Church in Paraguay reported its highest membership growth rate since 2013 (2.27%), while the Church in Uruguay reported its highest membership growth rate since 2012 (1.71%). Church membership in Puerto Rico grew by 1.0% in 2024—the highest seen in a decade.

Fifth, the Church in Canada reported an annual membership growth rate of 1.26% for 2024—slightly higher than in 2023 and the highest rate of annual membership growth since 2012.

15 New Temples Announced

This afternoon, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to construction 15 new temples in the following locations:

• Reynosa, Mexico
• Chorrillos, Peru
• Rivera, Uruguay
• Campo Grande, Brazil
• Porto, Portugal
• Uyo, Nigeria
• San Jose del Monte, Philippines
• Nouméa, New Caledonia
• Liverpool, Australia
• Caldwell, Idaho
• Flagstaff, Arizona
• Rapid City, South Dakota
• Greenville, South Carolina
• Norfolk, Virginia
• Spanish Fork, Utah

With today's announcement, there are now 382 dedicated or planned temples worldwide. I will provide an analysis of today's announcement in the coming days.

2024 Statisical Report

This morning, the Church reported its annual statistical report as of December 31st, 2024.

• Membership: 17,509,781 (increase of 254,387 from 2023; a 1.47% annual increase)
• Congregations: 31,676 (increase of 186 from 2023; a 0.59% annual increase)
• Stakes: 3,608 (increase of 43 from 2023; a 1.21% annual increase)
• Districts: 494 (increase of 5 from 2023; a 5.41% annual decrease)
• Missions: 450 (increase of 36 from 2023; a 8.70% annual increase)
• Convert Baptisms: 308,682 (increase of 56,919 from 2023; a 22.6% annual increase)
• Increase of Children on Record: 91,617 (decrease of 1,977 from 2023; a 2.11% annual decrease)
• Full-time Teaching Missionaries: 74,127 (increase of 6,256 from 2023; a 9.22% annual increase)
• Senior Service Missionaries: 31,120 (increase of 3,319 from 2023; an 11.9% annual increase)
  
• Young Service Missionaries: 4,192 (increase of 308 from 2023; a 7.93% annual increase)

Key Takeaways from the 2024 Statistical Report

1. Convert Baptisms Surge to Highest Levels Since 1997
The Church in 2024 baptized more converts than in any year since 1997—an impressive milestone, especially given the sustained emphasis on meaningful pre-baptism preparation. The increase of nearly 57,000 more convert baptisms compared to 2023 occurred without any single world area being identified as the primary driver, suggesting widespread global momentum.

Despite a modest increase of 6,256 full-time proselytizing missionaries, the average number of baptisms per missionary rose from 3.71 in 2023 to 4.16 in 2024—the highest figure since 2012 (4.62 per missionary). For historical perspective, the modern-era peak was 8.03 baptisms per missionary in 1989.

2. Highest Number of Proselytizing Missionaries (Excluding the “Double Cohort” Years)
With 74,127 full-time missionaries, the Church achieved its highest missionary force ever—outside the anomalous surge from the 2013–2014 age-change “double cohort.” The 9.22% increase marks significant success in mobilizing young adults for missionary service.

3. Most New Missions Since 2013
In 2024, 36 new missions were organized—the second-largest annual increase in modern history, trailing only the 58 missions added in 2013. The 8.7% increase in missions closely mirrors the 9.22% increase in missionary numbers, showing strategic infrastructure expansion to support the rising missionary force.

4. Net Increase in Districts for the First Time Since 2008
A notable turnaround occurred in 2024 with a net gain of five districts—the first such increase in 16 years. The Church organized 28 new districts, the most since 2016. This growth likely reflects expanding outreach in developing areas, where branches are forming and new communities are being opened to missionary work.

5. Highest-Ever Number of Member Record Removals
The Church added 308,682 convert baptisms and 91,617 children of record in 2024, totaling 400,299 new members. Yet total membership only rose by 254,387. This implies at least 145,912 records were removed—due to death, resignation, or loss of membership (formerly known as excommunication).

This figure surpasses the previous high in 2018 (140,868) and suggests intensified record updating or a rise in voluntary resignations. Attrition was 0.86% of the 2023 membership base—comparable to the 0.87% attrition rate in 2018. A more detailed country-by-country breakdown, when available, will help determine where this attrition is most concentrated—likely in the U.S., Mexico, and Brazil, where most members reside.

6. Persistently Low Children of Record Numbers
Children of record remain alarmingly low, continuing a multi-decade trend. The 2024 figure (91,617) is far below the 124,000 recorded in 1982. Adjusted for Church size, that means children of record made up 2.5% of Church membership in 1982 but only 0.53% in 2024—an 80% drop.

This decline reflects both falling birth rates among Latter-day Saints (especially in the U.S.) and the Church's limited success in fostering multi-generational families in newer international areas. In most countries, even where national fertility rates remain high, the Church struggles to retain converts and raise second-generation members.

7. Stakes and Congregations Growing at Half the Rate of Membership
Stakes and congregations increased in 2024, but at about half the rate of total membership growth. This consistent pattern, present for two decades, signals ongoing challenges with member retention and congregation sustainability. While not worsening, the trend continues to show that many new members—particularly converts—are not being integrated into their respective congregations over the long term to warrant the creation of larger numbers of wards and branches.

2024 Statistical Report: Predictions

This afternoon, the Church will publish its annual statistical report for the year 2024 with figures as of December 31st, 2024. My analysis of the 2023 statistical report can be found here. The following is what I anticipate for these growth metrics:

• Membership: 17,600,000
• Converts Baptized: 300,000
• Increase in Children of Record (i.e., children under age 8, most of whom are infants born and blessed during the previous year): 100,000
• Official Congregations (i.e., wards and branches): 31,700
• Stakes: 3,609
• Districts: 492
• Missions: 450
• Missionaries Serving: 77,000

I anticipate that convert baptisms in 2024 will reach a 25-year high, based on reports indicating approximately 300,000 convert baptisms during the year. I also expect the number of children of record to be slightly higher than in 2023—potentially surpassing 100,000 for the first time since 2018.

The number of proselytizing missionaries may have reached as high as 77,000 by the end of the year. However, this figure could be inflated, as it is unclear whether some reports from Church leaders included young service missionaries.

Notably, the number of districts appears to have experienced a slight net increase in 2024. If confirmed, this would mark the first such increase since 2008. The Church organized a near-record number of new districts in 2024, largely driven by expansion in lesser-reached areas of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ward Radio Appearance This Evening at 8 PM MDT

I will be appearing on a livestream broadcast for Ward Radio in about 30 minutes. Click here to join!

Two New Branches Created in the Central African Republic (CAR); First Young Full-time Missionaries to be Assigned to the CAR

In a major development, the Church has organized two new branches—Bangui 2nd and Bangui 3rd—in the capital and most populous city of the Central African Republic (CAR), Bangui, where a single branch has operated since 1993. This marks the first time in over 30 years that more than one congregation has functioned in the country. During the 2000s and early 2010s, mission presidents visited the isolated branch approximately once every two to three years. In October 2012, Apostle Elder Jeffrey R. Holland dedicated the CAR for missionary work, just two months after the Church received provisional recognition from the government. Plans to assign full-time missionaries to Bangui were ultimately canceled after the mission president at the time felt spiritually impressed not to proceed with the assignment, despite approval from the Area Presidency. Weeks later, rebel forces captured the city.

The Church briefly operated a second branch in Bangui in the early 1990s; however, the two congregations were soon consolidated into a single unit. The CAR was initially under the jurisdiction of the Ivory Coast Abidjan Mission, but in 2005, administrative responsibility shifted to the newly created Ghana Cape Coast Mission. Oversight was transferred shortly thereafter to the Democratic Republic of the Congo Kinshasa Mission. In 2014, the country was reassigned to the newly organized Republic of Congo Brazzaville Mission, and in 2020, it was transferred to the Cameroon Yaoundé Mission. The creation of the Africa Central Area in 2020, which included the CAR, signaled increased institutional focus on strengthening the Church in underreached regions of the continent.

The CAR government requires religious groups to have at least 1,000 members to formally register. As of year-end 2023, there were 278 Latter-day Saints in the country. Senior missionaries serving in the Cameroon Yaoundé Mission have reported imminent plans to assign full-time missionaries to Bangui which have either recently arrived or will soon arrive to begin more formalized missionary efforts.

The population of the CAR is approximately 5.3 million, with nearly 1.7 million residing in Bangui alone. Around 90% of the population identifies as Christian. The country has remained largely unreached for decades due to its remote location, limited accessibility from other African cities with significant Latter-day Saint populations, political instability, and historically few Church resources allocated to Central Africa. Few Church materials are currently available in Sango, the national language, which further limits member engagement and missionary outreach. In contrast to neighboring Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo—both of which have seen more consistent growth and missionary presence—the Church in the CAR remains in the early stages of development. Prospects for growth appear favorable; however, challenges such as low literacy rates, a lack of experienced local leadership, and ongoing political instability continue to pose major obstacles to long-term, sustainable Church development.

New Temple Predictions - March 2025 Edition

I have updated my temple prediction map in preparation for General Conference in April. The size of the Church in a specific geographical area (i.e. number of stakes and districts, the number of wards and branches), the age of the oldest stake in a specific geographical area, church growth trends, the distance to the nearest temple, traffic/transportation, the square-footage of the nearest temple, the historical number of weekly endowment sessions scheduled at the nearest temple, and member and missionary reports regarding member activity, temple attendance, and convert retention are variables used to identify prospective sites for future temple announcements. Altogether, there are 194 potential temples on the map (which is 14 potential temple sites less than the total number of potential sites identified in September 2024). The following seven locations have been added to the temples prediction map with this current update - all of which are less likely temples:

• Cabanatuan City, Philippines
• Feira de Santana, Brazil
  
• General Santos, Philippines 
• Tagbilaran, Philippines
• Hilo, Hawaii
  
• Madang or Lae, Papua New Guinea
• Taravao, Tahiti
  

Also, there were six locations that were moved from the less likely to be announced list to the more likely to be announced list. Provided with a reasoning for the transfer from the less likely temples to be announced list to the more likely temples to be announced list, these locations included:

• Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (remote location, three stakes in the metropolitan area, creation of the Zimbabwe Bulawayo Mission in 2018)
• Caldwell or Nampa, Idaho (steady growth in the western Boise metropolitan area likely warrants a third temple for the area, now approximately 15 stakes in the area that could be part of a new temple district)
• Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (remote location, first stake created in early 2025, rapid growth throughout the country, high prospects for a second stake in the near future, Tanzania Dar es Salaam Mission organized in 2020).
• Ibadan, Nigeria (rapid growth in this area of Nigeria for many years, two stakes in Ibadan, Nigeria Ibadan Mission reinstated in 2018)
• Lilongwe, Malawi (remote location, first two stakes in Malawi were organized in 2024, rapid growth)
• Santa Maria, Brazil (large number of stakes in central and western Rio Grande do Sul State, two stakes now in Santa Maria, large number of stakes (29) assigned to the Porto Alegre Brazil Temple)

In my opinion, the following 10 locations appear most likely to have temples announced this coming General Conference. As always, your prediction lists are welcome and encouraged.

1. Spanish Fork, Utah
2. Angeles or Olongapo, Philippines 
3. Bo, Sierra Leone
4. Port Harcourt, Nigeria
5. Rigby, Idaho
6. Lomé, Togo 
7. Southeast Salt Lake City, Utah (i.e., Cottonwood Heights, Holladay, or Sandy)
8. Evanston, Wyoming
9. San Pablo City, Philippines
10. Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
    

See below for the map of likely and less likely new temple sites: