The Top Nine Countries with the Most Stakes with Only One Temple

Overview 

The following list highlights the nine countries with the most Latter-day Saint stakes that currently have only one temple—either dedicated or announced. Stakes are among the most reliable predictors of temple announcements, as they reflect sufficient membership, activity, and leadership to sustain both stake and temple operations. In recent years, due to the Church’s rapid pace of temple construction, all countries with at least 24 stakes now have multiple temples announced or dedicated. This is not a traditional “Top 10” list, as four additional countries or territories (American Samoa, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and Switzerland) each have five stakes and one temple. Including them would extend the list to 13 entries, so this post focuses on the nine countries with the highest stake counts under that threshold. Countries with the Most Stakes and Only One Temple (Dedicated or Announced)

Country	Stakes	Districts	Notes
Côte d’Ivoire	23	8	Most likely to receive a second temple; Yamoussoukro or western Abidjan are likely candidates
Nicaragua	12	4	Low growth in recent years may delay second temple; nearly all stakes are in Managua
Paraguay	11	9	Stakes are concentrated in Asunción
Sierra Leone	11	3	Bo, with 4 stakes, is a strong candidate for a future temple
Zimbabwe	11	2	Bulawayo (3 stakes) is the top prospect for a second temple
Costa Rica	10	1	Nearly all stakes are in San José
France	10	0	Southern France (e.g., Toulouse) could be considered for a future temple
Panama	7	4	Slow growth; second temple unlikely soon as nearly all stakes are in Panama City
Liberia	7	2	Likely remains a one-temple country for the near future, as all stakes are in Monrovia

Outlook 

Among these, Côte d'Ivoire is by far the most promising candidate for a second temple due to its high number of stakes and geographic spread. Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe follow, based on stake density outside the capital. France also presents a realistic medium-term possibility, while other nations may require more growth and geographic diversification to warrant an additional temple.

New Temples Announced in April 2025 - Part II: In the United States

Caldwell Idaho Temple

The Caldwell Idaho Temple will be the Church's 11th temple in Idaho following the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple (dedicated in 1945), the Boise Idaho Temple (dedicated in 1984), the Rexburg Idaho Temple (dedicated in 2008), the Twin Falls Idaho Temple (dedicated in 2008), the Meridian Idaho Temple (dedicated in 2017), the Pocatello Idaho Temple (dedicated in 2021), the Burley Idaho Temple (announced in 2021), the Teton River Idaho Temple (announced in 2021), the Montpelier Idaho Temple (announced in 2022), and the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple (announced in October 2024). The new temple will likely be a medium-sized temple to serve up to 15 stakes currently assigned to the Meridian Idaho Temple (which has 20 stakes assigned, so it is likely that the Boise Idaho Temple district, which has 16 stakes, will also be adjusted). I had reclassified Caldwell as a location more likely to have a temple announced in March 2025 due to growth in the area over the past decade. The first stake in Caldwell was created in 1972. The Church reported 481,049 members, 1,274 congregations, and three missions as of year-end 2024. There are currently 144 stakes in Idaho.

Flagstaff Arizona Temple

The Flagstaff Arizona Temple is another temple that has been highly anticipated due to its distant location from the nearest temple and a small but sufficient number of stakes in the area to support a temple. Stakes in northern Arizona are divided between the Phoenix Arizona Temple district and the Snowflake Arizona Temple district. Flagstaff was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. There are two stakes in Flagstaff that were organized in 1956 and 2017. The new temple will likely be a small temple with approximately seven stakes in its temple district. Slow growth has occurred in northern Arizona. As of year-end 2024, the Church reported 444,789 members, 118 stakes, 904 congregations, and six missions in Arizona.

Rapid City South Dakota Temple

The Rapid City South Dakota Temple has also been highly anticipated due to its remote location. The temple will be the first temple to be built in South Dakota. The new temple will likely be a very small temple that serves just two stakes: the Rapid City South Dakota Stake (organized in 1972) and the Gillette Wyoming Stake (organized in 1980)—both of which pertain to the Casper Wyoming Temple (dedicated in 2024). The Church has reported moderate rates of membership growth in South Dakota in recent years. There were 11,979 members, 32 congregations, and two stakes as of year-end 2024.

Greenville South Carolina Temple

The Greenville South Carolina Temple will be the Church's second temple in South Carolina following the Columbia South Carolina Temple (dedicated in 1999). The new temple will likely be a small temple that serves just three stakes—two in Greenville (organized in 1963 and 2003) and one in Asheville, North Carolina (organized in 1979)—all of which pertain to the Columbia South Carolina Temple district. The Church has reported moderate rates of growth in South Carolina in the past decade. As of year-end 2024, there were 46,586 members, 10 stakes, 83 congregations, and two missions.

Norfolk Virginia Temple

The Norfolk Virginia Temple will be the Church's fourth temple in Virginia following the Richmond Virginia Temple (dedicated in May 2023), the Winchester Virginia Temple (announced in April 2023), and the Roanoke Virginia Temple (announced in October 2023). The new temple will likely be a small temple that serves three stakes in the Norfolk/Newport News/Virginia Beach area. The first stake in the area was created in 1964, followed by additional stakes in 1977 and 1988. Norfolk was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. Once the state with the most members without a temple before the announcement of the Richmond Virginia Temple in 2018, there are now four temples dedicated or planned. As of year-end 2024, there were 100,031 members, 22 stakes, 213 congregations, and two missions in Virginia. The Church has generally experienced slow to moderate growth rates in the state as a whole, and stagnant growth in the Norfolk/Newport News/Virginia Beach area for many years.

Spanish Fork Utah Temple

After many, many years on my list of locations more likely to have a temple announced, the Spanish Fork Utah Temple was finally announced. The Spanish Fork Utah Temple was my top prediction for a new temple announcement for this General Conference. The new temple will be the Church's 32nd temple in Utah following the St. George Utah Temple (announced in 1871, dedicated in 1877), the Logan Utah Temple (announced in 1876, dedicated in 1884), the Manti Utah Temple (announced in 1875, dedicated in 1888), the Salt Lake Temple (announced in 1847, dedicated in 1893), the Ogden Utah Temple (announced in 1967, dedicated in 1972), the Provo Utah Temple (announced in 1967, dedicated in 1972), the Jordan River Utah Temple (announced in 1978, dedicated in 1981), the Bountiful Utah Temple (announced in 1990, dedicated in 1995), the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple (announced in 1992, dedicated in 1996), the Vernal Utah Temple (announced in 1994, dedicated in 1997), the Monticello Utah Temple (announced in 1997, dedicated in 1998), the Draper Utah Temple (announced in 2004, dedicated in 2009), the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple (announced in 2005, dedicated in 2009), the Brigham City Utah Temple (announced in 2009, dedicated in 2012), the Payson Utah Temple (announced in 2010, dedicated in 2015), the Provo City Center Temple (announced in 2011, dedicated in 2016), the Cedar City Utah Temple (announced in 2013, dedicated in 2017), the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple (announced in 2017, dedicated in 2023), the Layton Utah Temple (announced in 2018, dedicated in 2024), the Red Cliffs Utah Temple (announced in 2018, dedicated in 2024), the Deseret Peak Utah Temple (announced in 2019, dedicated in 2024), the Orem Utah Temple (announced in 2019, dedicated in 2024), the Taylorsville Utah Temple (announced in 2019, dedicated in 2024), the Syracuse Utah Temple (announced in 2020, dedication scheduled for June 2025), the Lindon Utah Temple (announced in 2020), the Smithfield Utah Temple (announced in 2021), the Ephraim Utah Temple (announced in 2021), the Heber City Utah Temple (announced in 2021), the West Jordan Utah Temple (announced in April 2024), the Lehi Utah Temple (announced in April 2024), and the Price Utah Temple (announced in October 2024). The new temple will likely serve 20–25 stakes in the Spanish Fork, Mapleton, and Springville area. Steady growth has occurred in these cities for many years. The Church in Utah reported 2,205,134 members, 640 stakes, six districts, 5,386 congregations, and 13 missions as of year-end 2024. There are now 643 stakes and six districts in Utah.

New Temples Announced in April 2025 - Part I: Outside of the United States

Reynosa Mexico Temple

The Reynosa Mexico Temple will be the Church's 27th temple in Mexico and the second temple in Tamaulipas state. Previously dedicated or announced temples include the Mexico City Mexico Temple (dedicated in 1983), the Colonia Juárez Chihuahua Mexico Temple (dedicated in 1999), the Ciudad Juárez Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Hermosillo Sonora Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Oaxaca Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Tuxtla Gutiérrez Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Tampico Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Villahermosa Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Mérida Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Veracruz Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Guadalajara Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2001), the Monterrey Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2002), the Tijuana Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2015), the Puebla Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2024), the Querétaro Mexico Temple (announced in April 2021), the Torreón Mexico Temple (announced in April 2021), the Culiacán Mexico Temple (announced in October 2021), the San Luis Potosí Mexico Temple (announced in April 2022), the Mexico City Benemérito Mexico Temple (announced in April 2022), the Cuernavaca Mexico Temple (announced in October 2022), the Pachuca Mexico Temple (announced in October 2022), the Toluca Mexico Temple (announced in October 2022), the Tula Mexico Temple (announced in October 2022), the Cancún Mexico Temple (announced in October 2023), the Chihuahua Mexico Temple (announced in April 2024), and the Juchitán de Zaragoza Mexico Temple (announced in October 2024). The new temple will likely be a small temple that serves only three stakes and two districts. There are two stakes in Reynosa, which were organized in 1980 and 2003. Although Reynosa is in close proximity to the McAllen Texas Temple, difficulties crossing the United States border have likely contributed to the Church's decision to announce a temple in Reynosa. The Church reported 1.53 million members, 1,878 congregations, 230 stakes, 43 districts, and 34 missions as of year-end 2024. Growth rates in Mexico have been essentially stagnant or very slow for many years. Mexico has the second-largest number of Latter-day Saints of any country in the world.

Reynosa was not a less likely or a more likely location predicted to have a temple on my temple predictions map. The reason why I had not included it is due to the few number of stakes in the area.

Chorrillos Peru Temple

The Chorrillos Peru Temple will be the Church's 10th temple in Peru following the Lima Peru Temple (dedicated in 1986), the Trujillo Peru Temple (dedicated in 2015), the Arequipa Peru Temple (dedicated in 2019), the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple (dedicated in 2024), the Cusco Peru Temple (announced in April 2022), the Chiclayo Peru Temple (announced in October 2022), the Iquitos Peru Temple (announced in April 2023), the Piura Peru Temple (announced in October 2023), and the Huancayo Peru Temple (announced in October 2023). A temple in southern Lima was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. The new temple will likely serve 10 stakes in the southern Lima metropolitan area, although additional stakes in the Pisco area may also be assigned to the temple. Lima and Manila, Philippines, became the first cities outside of the United States to have three temples dedicated or planned with this month's temple announcements. As of year-end 2024, the Church reported 648,045 members, 797 congregations, 115 stakes, 18 districts, and 15 missions in Peru. Peru is the country with the fifth-largest number of Latter-day Saints in the world.

Rivera Uruguay Temple

The Rivera Uruguay Temple will be the Church's second temple in Uruguay. Rivera is a medium-sized city with approximately 85,000 inhabitants, making it the second-most populous city in northern Uruguay following Salto (population: 114,000). Neighboring Tacuarembó was on my list of less likely locations for new temples. The Church's first temple in Uruguay was dedicated in Montevideo in 2001. The new temple will likely be a small temple that will serve approximately 10 stakes in northern Uruguay (which are assigned to the Montevideo Uruguay Temple district) and southern Rio Grande do Sul State in Brazil (which are assigned to the Porto Alegre Brazil Temple district). The Church created its first (and only) stake in Rivera in 1977, which was the first stake to be created in northern Uruguay. The most recently organized stake in central or northern Uruguay was in Treinta y Tres in 2012. Church growth in northern Uruguay and in Brazil along the Uruguayan border has been stagnant for many years. There were 109,905 members, 18 stakes, two districts, and two missions in Uruguay as of year-end 2024.

Campo Grande Brazil Temple

The Campo Grande Brazil Temple will be the Church's 24th temple in Brazil following the São Paulo Brazil Temple (dedicated in 1978), the Recife Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Porto Alegre Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Campinas Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2002), the Curitiba Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2008), the Manaus Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2012), the Fortaleza Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2019), the Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2022), the Belém Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2022), the Brasília Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2023), the Salvador Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2024), the São Paulo Brazil East Temple (announced in 2020), the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple (announced in April 2021), the Vitória Brazil Temple (announced in October 2021), the Maceió Brazil Temple (announced in April 2022), the Santos Brazil Temple (announced in April 2022), the Londrina Brazil Temple (announced in October 2022), the Ribeirão Preto Brazil Temple (announced in October 2022), the Teresina Brazil Temple (announced in April 2023), the Natal Brazil Temple (announced in April 2023), the Goiânia Brazil Temple (announced in October 2023), the João Pessoa Brazil Temple (announced in October 2023), and the Florianópolis Brazil Temple (announced in April 2024). Campo Grande was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. The new temple will likely be a small temple that serves at least three stakes—two of which are in Campo Grande and were organized in 1991 and 2009. Additional stakes in Mato Grosso State may also be assigned to the new temple. The remote location appears to be the primary factor that contributed to the announcement of the new temple, as the closest Brazilian temple is located in Brasília over 500 miles away (and the planned Goiânia Brazil Temple is more than 400 miles away).

Porto Portugal Temple

The Porto Portugal Temple will be the Church's second temple in Portugal following the Lisbon Portugal Temple (dedicated in 2019). Porto was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. The new temple will likely serve three stakes—two of which are located in Porto (organized in 1986 and 1989). The Church has headquartered a mission in Porto intermittently over the decades, as it was first organized in 1987, closed in 2011, reinstated in 2015, closed again in 2018, and reinstated once more in 2024. Currently, all stakes in Portugal are assigned to the Lisbon Portugal Temple. The Church reported 48,840 members, 64 congregations, 7 stakes, 1 district, and 2 missions as of year-end 2024. The Church has experienced slow to moderate membership growth rates in Portugal in recent years, although the number of congregations has been relatively stagnant for many years.

Uyo Nigeria Temple

The Uyo Nigeria Temple will be the Church's seventh temple in Nigeria following the Aba Nigeria Temple (dedicated in 2005), the Lagos Nigeria Temple (announced in 2018), the Benin City Nigeria Temple (announced in 2020), the Eket Nigeria Temple (announced in October 2022), the Calabar Nigeria Temple (announced in October 2023), and the Abuja Nigeria Temple (announced in October 2024). Uyo was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. The new temple will likely serve at least six stakes in the Uyo area, where the Church has experienced rapid growth in recent years. The Church created its first stake in Uyo in 2001. The other five stakes likely to be assigned to the new temple district have all been created within the past 10 years. The four temples in southeastern Nigeria—Aba, Calabar, Eket, and Uyo—are in a small geographical area less than 100 miles across, making it one of the greatest concentrations of temples in the world outside of North America. The unprecedented rate of temple growth in Nigeria has been greatly needed to keep up with rapid growth that has been maintained for decades. There were 250,341 members, 840 congregations, and 11 missions as of year-end 2024. Currently, there are 80 stakes and 13 districts—all of which are assigned to the Aba Nigeria Temple.

San Jose del Monte Philippines Temple

The San Jose del Monte Philippines Temple will be the Church's 14th temple in the Philippines following temples in Manila (dedicated in 1984), Cebu (dedicated in 2010), Urdaneta (announced in 2010), Alabang (announced in 2017), Cagayan de Oro (announced in 2018), Davao (announced in 2018), Bacolod City (announced in 2019), Tacloban City (announced in 2021), Naga (announced in October 2022), Santiago (announced in October 2022), Tuguegarao City (announced in April 2023), Iloilo (announced in April 2023), and Laoag (announced in October 2023). Nearby Quezon City was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. The new temple will likely serve approximately 18 stakes in the northern Manila metropolitan area and in cities between Manila and Angeles City. Steady growth has occurred in this area of the Philippines. The first stake was created in San Jose del Monte in 2013, followed by a second stake in 2017. New stakes were also created in Baliwag and Camarin in 2019. As of year-end 2024, there were 882,461 Latter-day Saints, 1,324 congregations, 131 stakes, 56 districts, and 26 missions in the Philippines. Moderate growth rates have occurred for the Church in the Philippines during the past couple of decades.

Nouméa New Caledonia Temple

The Nouméa New Caledonia Temple will be the first temple in New Caledonia—an overseas collectivity of France. Nouméa was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. There is only one stake in New Caledonia, which was created in 2012. Slow growth has occurred for the Church in New Caledonia. As of year-end 2024, there were 2,531 members and 9 congregations in New Caledonia. The new temple will likely be a very small temple similar to the Yigo Guam Temple or the San Juan Puerto Rico Temple—both of which are under 7,000 square feet. The remote location appears to be the primary factor that prompted the temple announcement.

Liverpool Australia Temple

The Liverpool Australia Temple will be the Church's seventh temple in Australia following the Sydney Australia Temple (dedicated in 1984), the Adelaide Australia Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Melbourne Australia Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Perth Australia Temple (dedicated in 2001), the Brisbane Australia Temple (dedicated in 2003), and the Brisbane Australia South Temple (announced in April 2024). The announcement came as a complete surprise to me, as there are only nine stakes in the Sydney metropolitan area, and the last new stake to be created was in 2016. Stagnant growth in the number of congregations has occurred in the Sydney area. Traffic is probably one of the primary factors that contributed to the new temple announcement given that the area has not experienced much growth in recent years and there are not even 10 stakes in the metropolitan area (all other metropolitan areas where a second temple has been announced have had at least 10 stakes, and often more than 15). The Church in Australia reported 158,969 members, 296 congregations, 40 stakes, 4 districts, and 5 missions as of year-end 2024.

Membership Growth by US State for 2024

See below for a list of annual membership growth rates by each United States state for the year 2024. Previous lists are available for 2017, 2018, the biennial period of 2020-2021, 2022, and 2023.

In 2024, the Church continued to experience gradual improvements in annual membership growth rates across many U.S. states, maintaining momentum that has developed in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Only one state reported a net decline in membership for the year—a notable decrease compared to five in 2023, 22 during the 2020–2021 period, 13 in 2018, and nine in 2017.

Rhode Island, which topped the list in 2023, was overtaken in 2024 by the District of Columbia, which reported a 3.79% growth rate. Other states leading in growth included Kentucky, New York, Missouri, and South Dakota, all posting growth rates above 3.2%. New York’s annual membership growth rate of 3.46% was the highest reported since the 2000s and was slightly higher than what was reported for 2023.

Several traditionally slow-growth or declining states have also seen improvement. For example, California, which had reported net declines in membership every year since 2014, experienced a virtually flat trend in 2024—posting a minimal net increase of 41 members (0.01%). This marks the first positive change for California since 2013. The Church in Illinois reported the highest annual membership growth rate since 2004.

Utah, home to the Church’s headquarters and largest membership base, again reported near-historic lows in growth—just 0.66% for 2024. This trend continues to reflect the impact of declining birth rates and increased outward migration among members. Similarly, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado posted modest increases below 0.5%.

Ranked List of U.S. States and D.C. by 2024 Latter-day Saint Membership Growth Rate

Rank	State	Growth Rate (%)
1	District of Columbia	3.79
2	Kentucky	3.48
3	New York	3.46
4	Missouri	3.45
5	South Dakota	3.26
6	Tennessee	2.81
7	New Jersey	2.60
8	Arkansas	2.44
9	Delaware	2.25
10	Indiana	2.22
11	Connecticut	2.10
12	Florida	1.95
13	Ohio	1.88
14	New Hampshire	1.87
15	Pennsylvania	1.87
16	North Carolina	1.85
17	North Dakota	1.83
18	Illinois	1.81
19	Texas	1.76
20	Michigan	1.74
21	Alabama	1.72
22	South Carolina	1.69
23	Iowa	1.63
24	Georgia	1.58
25	Oklahoma	1.46
26	Nebraska	1.40
27	Rhode Island	1.36
28	Maine	1.34
29	Virginia	1.26
30	Maryland	1.26
31	West Virginia	1.17
32	Wisconsin	1.09
33	Minnesota	1.05
34	Idaho	1.04
35	Hawaii	0.95
36	Massachusetts	0.95
37	Montana	0.73
38	Utah	0.66
39	Louisiana	0.54
40	Kansas	0.53
41	Vermont	0.50
42	Mississippi	0.47
43	Arizona	0.43
44	Colorado	0.36
45	Nevada	0.17
46	Washington	0.16
47	Oregon	0.16
48	Alaska	0.11
49	New Mexico	0.03
50	California	0.01
51	Wyoming	-0.26

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.