Congregational Growth by Country in 2025

Below is a list of the countries where the Church reported a net increase of four or more units for the year 2025. The annual percentage increase for the number of wards and branches for each country is also provided:

1. Democratic Republic of the Congo +85 (24.6% increase)
2. United States +63 (0.43% increase)
3. Philippines +46 (3.47% increase)
4. Nigeria +40 (4.76% increase)
5. Kenya +26 (34.2% increase)
6. Sierra Leone +24 (25.5% increase) 
7. Zimbabwe +21 (20.6% increase) 
8. Ghana +14 (3.62% increase)
9. Peru +12 (1.51% increase) 
10. Spain +12 (8.70% increase) 
11. Tanzania +11 (32.4% increase) 
12. Argentina +10 (1.37% increase) 
13. Mozambique +10 (12.5% increase) 
14. Uganda +8 (14.8% increase)
15. Cote d'Ivoire +7 (2.62% increase)
16. Botswana +6 (35.3% increase) 
17. Republic of the Congo +6 (16.2% increase) 
18. Haiti +6 (12.0% increase) 
19. Liberia +6 (7.50% increase) 
20. Madagascar +6 (13.0% increase) 
21. Bolivia +5 (1.75% increase) 
22. Angola +4 (13.8% increase) 
23. Australia +4 (1.35% increase)
    
24. Ecuador +4 (1.20% increase) 
25. Guatemala +4 (0.92% increase) 
    
26. Solomon Islands +4 (66.7% increase)

The net increase in the number of wards and branches in these 26 countries totals 444; a larger number than the net increase in the number of wards and branches for the entire Church for 2025 (370). This indicates that a relatively small number of high-growth countries not only accounted for all global congregational growth in 2025, but also offset widespread stagnation or contraction elsewhere. Three countries experienced a net decrease of four or more units during 2025. Altogether, the net decrease in congregations in these four nations totaled 98. 

1. Brazil -88 (4.20% decrease)
2. Russia -5 (8.93% decrease) 
3. United Kingdom -5 (1.65% 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, 2023, and 2024.

Several key observations with the 2025 congregational numbers by country.

First, the number of countries that have had a net increase of at least four congregations continues to climb from previous years and set what appears to be a new all-time record. There were 26 countries where there was a net increase of four or more congregations in 2025, up from 23 in 2024, 16 in 2023, and 12 in 2022. The average year in the past quarter century has had 15-16 countries with a net increase of four or more congregations. Thus, more countries are reporting stronger congregational growth than ever before in the 21st century. However, it is also important to note that there were approximately 160 countries where growth was essentially flat with the number of congregations in the Church (i.e., a net change of three or fewer congregations for the year).

Second, there is greater geographical diversification with countries reporting net increases in the number of congregations than what has been seen in historical trends, although most new congregations were organized in Africa. Nearly three-fifths of the countries where there was a net increase of four or more congregations in 2025 were in Africa, and Latin American countries comprised nearly another fifth of these nations. 

Third, the rates of congregational growth in Africa stand out from all other countries on this list considering the rapid growth of new wards and branches being created relative to the total number of congregations in these countries. Several African nations reported annual increases exceeding 20–35%, including Kenya (+34.2%), Tanzania (+32.4%), Botswana (+35.3%), Sierra Leone (+25.5%), Zimbabwe (+20.6%), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (+24.6%), which alone added 85 new congregations. These rates of increase are several times higher than those observed in more established regions, where growth typically ranges from approximately 0–3% annually. Such sustained double-digit expansion indicates that many African countries remain in an early and accelerated phase of Church development, characterized by rapid unit multiplication, expansion into new cities, and the creation of new districts and stakes. Collectively, African nations accounted for the majority of countries on this list and a substantial share of the total net increase in congregations, underscoring that Africa has become the primary driver of global congregational growth.

Fourth, the Church in the United States reversed a previous three-year trend of net losses in the number of congregations, as there was a net increase of 63 congregations. The Church reported a decline of 15 congregations in 2024, 21 congregations in 2023, and 62 congregations in 2022. Historically, the Church has generally posted net increases of more than 100 congregations in the United States annually. With a net loss of a couple hundred members in 2025 for the Church in the United States, the Church reported higher rates of congregational growth than membership growth, reflecting continued stability in the average number of members per congregation (which was 473) and suggesting a period of structural stabilization following several years of unit consolidation outpacing unit creations. The average congregation in the United States has remained remarkably stable for the past 40 years, oscillating from 450 to 475. 

Fifth, the Church in Brazil continues to have widespread congregation consolidations that have far outpaced new unit creations. As I noted with the 2024 numbers, contraction mirrors past restructuring periods—most notably in 2000 (-116 units) and 2001 (-74 units)—when the Church consolidated congregations with low activity levels. Current and past efforts have appeared aimed at strengthening existing units and optimizing administrative efficiency rather than reflecting a broader membership decline. Moreover, unlike the early 2000s, restructuring efforts in the mid-2020s have not resulted in the discontinuation of stakes or cessation of creating new branches in previously unreached cities. Additionally, unlike earlier restructuring periods, current consolidation in Brazil is occurring alongside unprecedented global expansion elsewhere, particularly in Africa. Finally, it appears that widespread efforts in Brazil to consolidate congregations with few active members are reaching an end, as these efforts have lasted for multiple consecutive years.

Sixth, Spain was the only country in Europe to make the list of countries with a net increase of at least four congregations and actually tied with Peru for the country with the ninth largest net increase (12). Europe has been noticeably absent from this list of countries where there are substantial net increases in congregations due to stagnant growth or slight decline in nearly all nations. Spain has made a substantial turnaround with creating new branches in many cities where no branches previously operated, as well as the creation of a couple new wards in major cities like Barcelona.  

Seventh, the Church in the Philippines reported its highest net increase in congregations (46) since 2001 when there was a net increase of 71 congregations. The number of congregations in the Philippines increased by 3.47% in 2025 - a higher rate than total Church membership (2.56%), suggesting good rates of convert retention and success with member reactivation. Congregational growth rates in the Philippines have steadily increased over the past decade (0.58% in 2017, 0.74% in 2018, 0.98% in 2019, 0.56% in 2020, 0.80% in 2021, 1.27% in 2022, 1.89% in 2023, and 2.16% in 2024). 

Eighth, there are several countries in Latin America reporting more meaningful increases in the total number of congregations than what has been seen in many years. However, membership growth rates continue to outpace congregational growth rates, suggesting ongoing problems with convert retention and member activity. For example, membership grew by 3.66% in Ecuador, 3.05% in Peru, 2.98% in Argentina, and 2.95% in Bolivia in 2025, yet the total number of congregations increased by only 1.20% in Ecuador, 1.51% in Peru, 1.37% in Argentina, and 1.75% in Bolivia for the year.

2025 Membership and Congregational Data Released by Region

The Church has published regional figures for membership and the total number of congregations by world region for 2025. The tables below summarize these data. Table 1 presents membership and congregation totals for 2024 and 2025 by world region. Table 2 provides percentage growth rates for membership and congregations in 2025, as well as the average number of members per congregation and the change in this metric from 2024 to 2025.

 Table 1

Region	2024 Mem	2025 Mem	2024 Cong	2025 Cong
North America	9,733,719	9,807,340	18,426	18,501
South America	4,392,463	4,517,233	5,599	5,547
Europe	513,534	528,704	1,290	1,280
Asia	1,316,373	1,343,071	2,145	2,192
Oceania	607,302	629,697	1,290	1,306
Africa	933,511	1,046,270	2,927	3,220

 

Table 2

Region	Mem %	Cong %	M/C 2024	M/C 2025	Change
North America	+0.76%	+0.41%	528	530	+2
South America	+2.84%	-0.93%	785	814	+29
Europe	+2.95%	-0.78%	398	413	+15
Asia	+2.03%	+2.19%	614	613	-1
Oceania	+3.69%	+1.24%	471	482	+11
Africa	+12.08%	+10.01%	319	325	+6

The Church has not yet published country-by-country data for 2025. However, data for individual U.S. states and the District of Columbia have been updated and are available through the state and district profiles on this page. The Church recently transitioned its facts and statistics page from the Newsroom website to ChurchofJesusChrist.org, and some data have not yet been fully integrated into the new platform. I will provide analysis of these numbers once the country-specific data are released. 

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

Congregational Growth by Country in 2023

Below is a list of the countries where the Church reported a net increase of four or more units for the year 2023. The annual percentage increase for the number of wards and branches for each country is also provided:

1. Nigeria +41 (5.33% increase)
2. Philippines +24 (1.89% increase)
3. Democratic Republic of the Congo +20 (7.43% increase)
4. Ghana +17 (4.82% increase)
5. Mexico +13 (0.70% increase)
   
6. Mozambique +13 (23.2% increase) 
7. Kenya +12 (21.1% increase)
8. Ecuador +10 (3.15% increase)
   
9. Zimbabwe +9 (9.89% increase) 
10. Liberia +8 (11.9% increase) 
11. Angola +6 (31.6% increase) 
12. Benin +6 (30.0% increase)
13. Cote d'Ivoire +5 (1.95% increase)
14. Peru +5 (0.64% increase)
    
15. Republic of the Congo +4 (12.5% increase) 
16. Sierra Leone +4 (4.44% increase) 

The net increase in the number of wards and branches in these 16 countries totals 197; a larger number than the net increase in the number of wards and branches for the entire Church for 2023 (160). Seven countries experienced a net decrease of four or more units during 2023. Altogether, the net decrease in congregations in these four nations totaled 64. 

1. United States -21 (0.14% decrease)  
2. Russia -12 (17.4% decrease)  
3. United Kingdom -10 (3.15% decrease) 
   
4. Hong Kong -9 (25.7% decrease)
5. Canada -4 (0.81% decrease)
6. Brazil -4 (0.18% decrease)
7. Australia -4 (1.29% 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, and 2022.

A few observations to make about congregational growth in 2023.

First, the rate at which the number of congregations increases continues to lag behind membership growth rates for the worldwide Church - a trend that has continued year over year since 1998. The average ward or branch now has 548 members, whereas the average ward or branch had 405 members in 1998. This metric suggests that the Church has continued to experience compounding problems with low member activity rates in countries that have the most Latter-day Saints on the Church records. Generally, equal percentage growth rates for the number of total congregations and Church membership suggest that member activity rates are stable. This metric is not a perfect barometer for member activity rates. For example, this statistic does not track the progress of branches growing sufficiently to become wards, as wards require significantly more active members to operate than a branch. Also, this metric may make a country look like it is having improving member activity rates if many new branches are organized in cities with few members. Like any missiology statistics, they should be examined with several others to get a more accurate assessment of the health of the Church and growth trends. 

Second, the United States has now had two years in a row when it ranked as the country with the largest net decrease in congregations for the entire world - a distinction never led by the Church in the United States prior to 2021. The Church in the United States reported a net increase of 105,774 members between year-end 2021 and year-end 2023, yet the Church reported a net decline of 83 congregations during this two-year period. This resulted in a net increase of 10 members for the average ward or branch during this time frame. Although this may appear alarming and suggest a decreasing rate of member activity and/or convert retention during this period, the Church reported a loss of seven members per average ward or branch between 2018 and 2021. Thus, the average number of members per ward or branch as of year-end 2023 (471) was not significantly different than what it was in 2018 (468). Furthermore, the net loss of congregations in the United States in 2023 (21) was nearly one-third the net loss of congregations in the United States in 2022 (62). In sum, there is no evidence from examining these statistics that the Church in the United States has experienced worsening member activity or convert retention rates within the past decade given the stability in the members-to-congregations ratio. Moreover, the number of stakes in the United States continues increase year over year. The Church reported 1,642 stakes in 2019, 1,658 stakes in 2020, 1,671 stakes in 2021, 1,681 stakes in 2022, and 1,693 stakes in 2023. 

Third, most new congregations created in the Church were in Africa in 2023. This has been a longstanding trend for much of the past decade. The Church in the Philippines continues to experience steady congregational growth rates comparable to membership growth rates. Congregational growth rates have accelerated in a few Latin American countries, such as Ecuador and Mexico. However, the Church reported a net decrease in the number of congregations in Brazil. Typically, the Church in Brazil reports net increases in the number of congregations year over year.

United States Congregational Growth by State: 2022 vs 2020-2021

See below for US states/District of Columbia by net change in congregations for the year 2022. Membership growth rates by state can be found here. Congregational growth rates often provide insights into changes in active membership, albeit this is far than a perfect metric for ascertaining active membership. For instance, new congregations may be organized to accommodate a specific language group or demographic such as young single adults without a noticeable increase in the number of active members in a particular area. Moreover, congregations may be consolidated after years for slow decline or due to members moving away from a particular area. Nevertheless, trends in congregational growth over time often provide the greatest insight into active membership changes given congregations must meet certain requirements for active membership to operate.

1. Utah    +37
2. Texas    +7
3. Michigan    +3
4. Arkansas    +2
5. Indiana    +2
6. Montana   +2
7. North Carolina    +2
8. South Carolina   +2
9. Tennessee    +2
10. Alaska    +1
11. Hawaii    +1
12. Minnesota    +1
13. Missouri    +1
14. New York    +1
15. South Dakota    +1
16. West Virginia    +1
17. Wisconsin    +1
18. Alabama    0
19. Delaware    0
20. District of Columbia    0
21. Florida    0
22. Idaho    0
23. Kansas    0
24. Kentucky    0
25. Maine    0
26. Massachusetts    0
27. Mississippi    0
28. Nebraska    0
29. New Hampshire    0
30. New Mexico    0
31. North Dakota    0
32. Oklahoma    0
33. Rhode Island    0
34. Vermont    0
35. Wyoming    0
36. Connecticut    -1
37. Iowa    -1
38. Louisiana    -1
39. Maryland    -1
40. New Jersey    -1
41. Pennsylvania    -1
42. Virginia    -1
43. Illinois    -2
44. Ohio    -2
45. Georgia    -3
46. Colorado    -4
47. Oregon    -5
48. Nevada    -9
49. Arizona    -10
50. Washington    -32
51. California    -55

In contrast, see below for the net change in congregations by state for the two-year period of 2020-2021:

1. Utah    +146
2. Idaho    +32
3. Florida    +15
4. Arizona    +14
5. Texas    +14
6. Nevada    +12
7. Virginia    +12
8. Maryland    +6
9. North Carolina    +6
10. South Carolina    +6
11. Missouri    +5
12. Kentucky    +4
13. Colorado    +3
14. Georgia    +3
15. Iowa    +3
16. New York    +3
17. Arkansas    +2
18. New Jersey    +2
19. Ohio    +2
20. Tennessee    +2
21. Connecticut    +1
22. Hawaii    +1
23. Montana    +1
24. Wyoming    +1
25. Alabama    0
26. Alaska    0
27. Delaware    0
28. District of Columbia    0
29. Maine    0
30. Massachusetts    0
31. Michigan    0
32. Nebraska    0
33. New Hampshire    0
34. North Dakota    0
35. Oklahoma    0
36. Rhode Island    0
37. South Dakota    0
38. Vermont    0
39. Wisconsin    0
40. Illinois    -1
41. Kansas    -1
42. Minnesota    -1
43. Mississippi    -1
44. New Mexico    -1
45. Pennsylvania    -1
46. West Virginia    -1
47. Indiana    -2
48. Louisiana    -2
49. Oregon    -5
50. Washington    -23
51. California    -40
    

Congregational Growth by Country in 2022

Below is a list of the countries where the Church reported a net increase of four or more units for the year 2022. The annual percentage increase for the number of wards and branches for each country is also provided:

1. Philippines +16 (1.27% increase)
2. Democratic Republic of the Congo +14 (5.49% increase)
3. Mexico +14 (0.76% increase)
   
4. Ghana +12 (3.52% increase)
5. Nigeria +11 (1.45% increase)
6. Tanzania +10 (76.9% increase) 
7. Liberia +9 (15.5% increase) 
8. Mozambique +6 (12.0% increase) 
9. Papua New Guinea +5 (5.75% increase) 
10. Chile +4 (0.70% increase) 
11. Republic of the Congo +4 (14.3% increase) 
12. Sierra Leone +4 (4.65% increase) 

The net increase in the number of wards and branches in these 12 countries totals 124; a larger number than the net increase in the number of wards and branches for the entire Church for 2022 (15). Four countries experienced a net decrease of four or more units during 2022. Altogether, the net decrease in congregations in these four nations totaled 109. 

1. United States -62 (0.42% decrease)  
2. Russia -21 (23.3% decrease)  
3. Japan -20 (7.97% decrease)
4. Canada -6 (1.20% decrease)

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

Congregational Growth by Country: 2020-2021

Below is a list of the countries where the Church reported a net increase of four or more units for the two-year period including the years 2020 and 2021. The Church did not publish official congregational statistics for the year 2020. The biennial percentage increase for the number of wards and branches for each country is also provided:

1. United States +217 (1.50% increase)
2. Democratic Republic of the Congo +44 (20.9% increase)
3. Nigeria +36 (4.99% increase)
4. Brazil +34 (1.59% increase)
5. Philippines +17 (1.37% increase) 
6. Ghana +13 (3.96% increase)
7. Cote d'Ivoire +7 (2.80% increase) 
8. Sierra Leone +7 (8.86% increase) 
9. Mexico +6 (0.33% increase) 
10. Mozambique +6 (13.6% increase) 
11. Papua New Guinea +6 (7.41% increase) 
12. Colombia +5 (2.01% increase) 
13. Dominican Republic +5 (2.55% increase) 
    
14. Kiribati +5 (13.51% increase) 
15. Liberia +5 (9.43% increase) 
16. Tanzania +5 (62.5% increase) 
17. Venezuela +5 (2.19% increase) 
    
18. Malawi +4 (50.0% increase) 
19. Zambia +4 (30.8% increase) 
20. Zimbabwe +4 (8.75% increase) 

The net increase in the number of wards and branches in these 20 countries totals 435; a larger number than the net increase in the number of wards and branches for the entire Church for the two-year period of 2020 and 2021 (375). Seven countries experienced a net decrease of four or more units during the two-year period of 2020 and 2021. Altogether, the net decrease in congregations in these seven nations totaled 55. 

1. Japan -10 (3.83% decrease)
2. Taiwan -10 (9.26% decrease) 
   
3. Argentina -9 (1.23% decrease)
4. Russia -7 (7.22% decrease) 
   
5. Armenia -6 (54.6% decrease) 
6. Uruguay -5 (3.73% decrease) 
7. Portugal -5 (7.46% decrease)

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

Congregational Growth by Country: 2019

Below is a list of the countries where the Church reported a net increase of four or more units for the year 2019. The annual percentage increase for the number of wards and branches for each country is also provided:

1. United States +185 (1.30% increase)
2. Nigeria +73 (11.25% increase)
3. Brazil +31 (1.47% increase)
4. Peru +21 (2.77% increase) 
5. Cote d'Ivoire +19 (8.23% increase) 
6. Democratic Republic of the Congo +15 (7.65% increase)
7. Ghana +14 (4.46% increase)
8. Bolivia +13 (5.06% increase)
9. Philippines +12 (0.98% increase) 
10. Mozambique +10 (29.41% increase) 
11. Sierra Leone +10 (14.49% increase) 
12. Ecuador +8 (2.62% increase) 
13. Zimbabwe +7 (8.75% increase) 
14. Kenya +6 (12.50% increase) 
15. Australia +5 (1.65% increase) 
16. Canada +5 (1.02% increase) 
17. Kiribati +5 (15.63% increase)
18. Liberia +5 (10.42% increase)
19. Samoa +4 (2.53% increase) 

The net increase in the number of wards and branches in these 19 countries totals 448; a larger number than the net increase in the number of wards and branches for the entire Church for the year 2019 (404). Five countries experienced a net decrease of four or more units during 2019. Altogether, the net decrease in congregations in these 12 nations totaled 58. 

1. Chile -22 (3.73% decrease) 
2. Argentina -17 (2.26% decrease)
3. Taiwan -9 (7.69% decrease) 
4. Uruguay -5 (3.60% decrease) 
5. El Salvador -5 (3.07% decrease)

Previous lists for annual congregational growth by country are available for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Congregational Growth by Country: 2018

Below is a list of the countries where the Church reported a net increase of four or more units for the year 2018. The annual percentage increase for the number of wards and branches for each country is also provided:

1. United States +49 (0.34% increase)
2. Nigeria +48 (7.99% increase)
3. Brazil +22 (1.05% increase)
4. Cote d'Ivoire +21 (10.0% increase) 
5. Democratic Republic of the Congo +15 (8.29% increase)
6. Liberia +13 (37.1% increase)
7. Peru +12 (1.61% increase)
8. Ghana +11 (3.63% increase)
9. Philippines +9 (0.74% increase) 
10. South Africa +7 (3.83% increase) 
11. Mozambique +5 (17.3% increase)
12. Uganda +4 (13.8% increase)

The net increase in the number of wards and branches in these 12 countries totals 216; a larger number than the net increase in the number of wards and branches for the entire Church for the year 2018 (30). Twelve (12) countries experienced a net decrease of four or more units during 2018. Altogether, the net decrease in congregations in these 12 nations totaled 218. This was primarily due to a significant decline in the number of congregations in Mexico (-141). This decline in Mexico was attributed to changes in the Mexico Area policies in regards to the size of wards. More specifically, this change in policy has focused on better utilization of meetinghouse space by the establishment of congregations with larger numbers of active members. As a result, the Church closed scores of wards in the Mexico City metropolitan area. The plan in Mexico City to combine wards took years in planning to execute due to the large number of stakes and wards in the city. It appears unlikely that sizable numbers of congregation consolidations will continue in Mexico into 2019 as nearly all major metropolitan areas in Mexico have undergone similar congregation consolidations.

1. Mexico -141 (7.64% decrease) 
2. Venezuela -15 (6.49% decrease)
3. Argentina -12 (1.60% decrease)
4. Chile -11 (1.86% decrease)
5. Germany -7 (4.61% decrease) 
6. Australia -6 (1.98% decrease) 
7. South Korea -5 (4.85% decrease)
8. Russia -5 (5.15% decrease)
9. United Kingdom -4 (1.24% decrease)
10. Italy -4 (4.12% decrease)
11. Colombia -4 (1.63% decrease)
12. Canada -4 (0.81% decrease)

Previous lists for annual congregational growth by country are available for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.