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: List of the Countries with the Most Members without a Stake - April 2024 Edition

Below is an updated list of the countries with the most Latter-day Saints without a stake. Membership totals are as of 2023 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 - 12,500 members? - 12 districts
2. Malaysia - 11,086 members - 24 branches - 5 districts
3. Guyana - 6,834 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
4. Pakistan - 6,000 members? - 15 branches, 4 districts
   
5. Belize - 5,631 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
6. Malawi - 4,776 members - 13 branches - 2 districts
7. Tanzania - 3,969 members - 27 branches - 4 districts
8. Armenia - 3,572 members - 7 branches - 1 district
9. Romania - 3,103 members - 15 branches - 1 district
10. Cameroon - 3,071 members - 16 branches - 2 districts
11. Bulgaria - 2,414 members - 7 branches - 1 district
12. Eswatini - 2,253 members - 6 branches - 1 district
13. Ethiopia - 2,193 members - 8 branches - 1 district
14. Poland - 2,178 members - 11 branches - 1 district
15. Cook Islands - 1,888 members - 5 branches - 1 district
16. Suriname - 1,848 members - 6 branches - 1 district
17. Sri Lanka - 1,674 members - 5 branches - 1 district
18. Lesotho - 1,562 members - 6 branches - 1 district 
19. Burundi - 1,541 members - 6 branches - 1 district
20. Rwanda - 1,537 members - 9 branches -1  district
    

As noted in the list from 2023, prospects appear most favorable for the formation of stakes within the next few years in mainland China, Malaysia, Guyana, Belize, Pakistan, Eswatini, and Cameroon 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 now appear likely to have stakes organized in the next 1-2 years, including Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Suriname. 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 for several more years to come.

UPDATED: List of the Countries with the Most Members without a Stake - June 2023 Edition

Below is an updated list of the countries with the most Latter-day Saints without a stake. Membership totals are as of 2022 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 - 12,500 members? - 12 districts
2. Malaysia - 10,829 members - 25 branches - 5 districts
3. Guyana - 6,645 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
4. Belize - 5,534 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
5. Pakistan - 5,500 members? - 15 branches - 3 districts
6. Malawi - 3,872 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
7. Armenia - 3,546 members - 5 branches - 1 district
8. Romania - 3,082 members - 15 branches - 1 district
9. Tanzania - 2,999 members - 22 branches - 3 districts
10. Cameroon - 2,721 members - 15 branches - 2 districts
11. Bulgaria - 2,398 members - 7 branches - 0 districts
12. Eswatini - 2,198 members - 6 branches - 1 district
13. Poland - 2,184 members - 11 branches - 1 district
14. Ethiopia - 2,075 members - 8 branches - 1 district
15. Cook Islands - 1,862 members - 5 branches - 1 district
16. Suriname - 1,797 members - 6 branches - 1 district
17. Sri Lanka - 1,662 members - 5 branches - 1 district
18. Lesotho - 1,474 members - 6 branches - 1 district 
19. Macau - 1,456 members - 2 branches - 1 district 
20. Solomon Islands - 1,375 members - 5 branches, 1 district

As noted in the list from 2022, prospects appear most favorable for the formation of stakes within the next few years in mainland China, Malaysia, Guyana, Belize, Pakistan, Swaziland, and Cameroon as all of these countries have at least one district that is close to reaching the minimum qualifications for a stake to operate. Tanzania also appears a likely candidate for a stake in the near future since most members live in Dar Es Salaam and there has been rapid growth in the country for the past 1-2 years. There are too few members and growth rates are too slow for stakes to be likely in the next couple years in Sri Lanka, the Solomon Islands, and Lesotho. 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 for several more years to come.

UPDATED: List of the Countries with the Most Members without a Stake - April 2022 Edition

Below is an updated list of the countries with the most Latter-day Saints without a stake. Membership totals are as of 2021 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 - 12,500 members? - 12 districts
2. Malaysia - 10,719 members - 28 branches - 5 districts
3. Guyana - 6,417 members - 11 branches - 2 districts
4. Belize - 5,519 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
5. Pakistan - 5,300 members? - 13 branches - 3 districts
6. Malawi - 3,612 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
7. Armenia - 3,537 members - 5 branches - 0 districts
8. Romania - 3,087 members - 15 branches - 3 districts
9. Cameroon - 2,409 members - 14 branches - 2 districts
10. Bulgaria - 2,395 members - 7 branches - 0 districts
11. Tanzania - 2,309 members - 15 branches - 1 district
12. Eswatini - 2,158 members - 6 branches - 1 district
13. Poland - 2,089 members - 11 branches - 1 district
14. Ethiopia - 1,943 members - 5 branches - 1 district
15. Cook Islands - 1,893 members - 5 branches - 1 district
16. Suriname - 1,759 members - 5 branches - 1 district
17. Sri Lanka - 1,671 members - 5 branches - 1 district
18. Macau - 1,456 members - 2 branches - 1 district 
19. Solomon Islands - 1,374 members - 5 branches, 1 district
20. Lesotho - 1,369 members - 6 branches - 1 district
    

As noted in the list from 2021, prospects appear most favorable for the formation of stakes within the next few years in mainland China, Malaysia, Guyana, Belize, Pakistan, Swaziland, and Cameroon as all of these countries have at least one district that is close to reaching the minimum qualifications for a stake to operate. Tanzania also appears a likely candidate for a stake in the near future since most members live in Dar Es Salaam. There are too few members and growth rates are too slow for stakes to be likely in the next couple years in Sri Lanka, the Solomon Islands, and Lesotho. 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 for several more years to come.

UPDATED: List of the Countries with the Most Members without a Stake - April 2020 Edition

Below is an updated list of the countries with the most Latter-day Saints without a stake. Membership totals are as of 2019 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 - 12,500 members? - 12 districts
2. Malaysia - 10,845 members - 31 branches - 6 districts
3. Guyana - 6,264 members - 11 branches - 2 districts
4. Belize - 5,485 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
5. Pakistan - 5,000 members - 14 branches - 3 districts
6. Armenia - 3,579 members - 11 branches - 2 districts
7. Malawi - 3,216 members - 8 branches - 2 districts
8. Romania - 3,064 members - 15 branches - 2 districts
9. Bulgaria - 2,440 members - 7 branches - 0 districts
10. Cameroon - 2,245 members - 13 branches - 2 districts
11. Eswatini - 2,091 members - 6 branches - 1 district
12. Poland - 2,058 members - 13 branches - 2 districts
13. Cook Islands - 1,865 members - 5 branches - 1 district
14. Ethiopia - 1,803 members - 4 branches - 1 district
15. Tanzania - 1,793 members - 8 branches - 1 district
16. Suriname - 1,747 members - 5 branches - 1 district
17. Sri Lanka - 1,631 members - 5 branches - 1 district
18. Macau - 1,463 members - 2 branches - 1 district

As noted in the list from 2019, prospects appear most favorable for the formation of stakes within the next few years in mainland China, Malaysia, Guyana, Belize, Pakistan, Swaziland, and Cameroon as all of these countries have at least one district that is close to reaching the minimum qualifications for a stake to operate.  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 for several more years to come.

UPDATED: List of the Countries with the Most Members without a Stake - 2019 Edition

Below is an updated list of the countries with the most Latter-day Saints without a stake. Membership totals are as of 2018 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 and districts 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 - 12,000 members?
2. Malaysia - 10,504 members - 33 branches - 6 districts
3. Guyana - 6,001 members - 11 branches - 2 districts
4. Belize - 5,429 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
5. Pakistan - 4,600 members? - 14 branches - 3 districts
6. Armenia - 3,560 members - 11 branches - 2 districts
7. Romania - 3,077 members - 15 branches - 2 districts
8. Malawi - 2,941 members - 8 branches - 2 districts
9. Bulgaria - 2,444 members - 7 branches - 0 districts
10. Cameroon - 2,125 members - 13 branches - 2 districts
11. Eswatini (Swaziland) - 2,057 members - 6 branches - 1 district
12. Poland - 2,033 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
13. Ethiopia - 1,933 members - 4 branches - 1 district
14. Cook Islands - 1,854 members - 5 branches - 1 district
15. Tanzania - 1,726 members - 8 branches - 1 district
16. Suriname - 1,630 members - 5 branches - 1 district
17. Sri Lanka - 1,597 members - 4 branches - 1 district
18. Macau - 1,455 members - 3 branches - 1 district

As noted in the list from 2018, prospects appear most favorable for the formation of stakes within the next few years in mainland China, Malaysia, Guyana, Belize, Pakistan, Swaziland, and Cameroon as all of these countries have at least one district that is close to reaching the minimum qualifications for a stake to operate.  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 for several more years to come.

UPDATED: List of the Countries with the Most Members without a Stake - 2018 Edition

Below is an updated list of the countries with the most Latter-day Saints without a stake. Membership totals are as of 2017 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 and districts 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 - 11,500 members?
2. Malaysia - 10,224 members - 32 branches - 6 districts
3. Guyana - 5,840 members - 11 branches - 2 districts
4. Belize - 5,374 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
5. Pakistan - 4,400 members? - 14 branches - 3 districts
6. Armenia - 3,570 members - 11 branches - 1 district
7. Romania - 3,052 members - 15 branches - 2 districts
8. Malawi - 2,745 members - 8 branches - 2 districts
9. Angola - 2,458 members - 14 branches - 2 districts
10. Bulgaria - 2,418 members - 9 branches - 0 districts
11. Swaziland - 1,994 members - 6 branches - 1 district
12. Poland - 1,983 members - 12 branches - 3 districts
13. Cameroon - 1,943 members - 13 branches - 2 districts
14. Ethiopia - 1,923 members - 4 branches - 1 district
15. Cook Islands - 1,843 members - 5 branches - 1 district
16. Tanzania - 1,642 members - 6 branches - 1 district
17. Suriname - 1,578 members - 5 branches - 1 district
18. Sri Lanka - 1,511 members - 4 branches - 1 district
19. Macau - 1,449 members - 3 branches - 1 district

Prospects appear most favorable for the formation of stakes within the next few years in mainland China, Malaysia, Guyana, Belize, Pakistan, Swaziland, Angola, and Cameroon as all of these countries have at least one district that is close to reaching the minimum qualifications for a stake to operate.  Low member activity rates, an insufficient number of branches in individual member districts, slow or stagnant LDS growth, and few full-tithe paying Melchizedek Priesthood holders will likely continue to delay the organization of stakes in other countries for several more years to come

UPDATED: List of the Countries with the Most Members without a Stake

Below is an updated list of the countries with the most Latter-day Saints without a stake. Membership totals are as of 2016 and congregational and district totals are current. Estimated membership for mainland China and Pakistan is provided as official statistics are available. The number of branches and districts 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 - 11,000 members?
2. Malaysia - 10,010 members - 33 branches - 6 districts
3. Guyana - 5,674 members - 12 branches - 1 district
4. Belize - 5,332 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
5. Pakistan - 4,200 members? - 13 branches - 3 districts
6. Armenia - 3,612 members - 11 branches - 1 district
7. Romania - 3,059 members - 16 branches - 2 districts
8. Malawi - 2,486 members - 8 branches - 2 districts
9. Bulgaria - 2,429 members - 9 branches - 0 districts
10. Angola - 2,123 members - 11 branches - 2 districts
11. Poland - 1,940 members - 12 branches - 3 districts
12. Swaziland - 1,940 members - 6 branches - 1 district
13. Ethiopia - 1,916 members - 4 branches - 1 district
14. Cook Islands - 1,843 members - 5 branches - 1 district
15. Cameroon - 1,628 members - 13 branches - 1 district
16. Suriname - 1,545 members - 5 branches - 1 district
17. Tanzania - 1,516 members - 6 branches - 1 district
18. Sri Lanka - 1,436 members - 3 branches - 1 district
19. Macau - 1,429 members - 3 branches - 1 district

Prospects appear most favorable for the formation of stakes within the next few years in mainland China, Malaysia, Guyana, Belize, Pakistan, Swaziland, and Angola as all of these countries have at least one district that is close to reaching the minimum qualifications for a stake to operate.  Low member activity rates, an insufficient number of branches in individual member districts, slow or stagnant LDS growth, and few full-tithe paying Melchizedek Priesthood holders will likely continue to delay the organization of stakes in other countries for several more years to come

Updated List of the Countries with the Most Members without a Stake

Below is an updated list of the countries with the most Latter-day Saints without a stake. Membership totals are as of 2015 and congregational and district totals are current. Membership for mainland China is an estimates as no official statistics are available. The number of branches and districts 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 - 10,000 members?
2. Malaysia - 9,725 members - 34 branches - 6 districts
3. Liberia - 9,675 members - 24 branches - 3 districts
4. Guyana - 5,648 members - 13 branches - 1 district
5. Belize - 5,152 members - 11 branches - 2 districts
6. Pakistan - 4,000 members - 13 branches - 3 districts
7. Romania - 3,043 members - 16 branches - 2 districts
8. Czech Republic - 2,503 members - 13 branches - 2 districts
9. Bulgaria - 2,424 members - 9 branches - 0 districts
10. Malawi - 2,143 members - 8 branches - 2 districts
11. Angola - 1,908 members - 10 branches - 1 district
12. Ethiopia - 1,903 members - 5 branches - 1 district
13. Poland - 1,861 members - 13 branches - 3 districts
14. Swaziland - 1,837 members - 6 branches - 1 district
15. Cook Islands - 1,835 members - 5 branches - 1 district
16. Suriname - 1,483 members - 6 branches - 1 district
17. Cameroon - 1,480 members - 11 branches - 1 district
18. Tanzania - 1,456 members - 6 branches - 1 district
19. Macau - 1,410 members - 3 branches - 1 district

Prospects appear most favorable for the formation of stakes within the next few years in mainland China, Malaysia, Liberia, Guyana, Belize, Pakistan, the Czech Republic, Swaziland, and Angola as all of these countries has at least one district that is close to reaching the minimum qualifications for a stake to operate.  Low member activity rates, an insufficient number of branches in individual member districts, slow or stagnant LDS growth, and few full-tithe paying Melchizedek Priesthood holders will likely continue to delay the organization of stakes in other countries for several more years to come. 

Updated List of the Countries with the Most Members without a Stake

Below is an updated list of the countries with the most Latter-day Saints without a stake. Membership totals are as of 2014 and congregational and district totals are current. Membership totals for mainland China and Pakistan are estimates as no official statistics are available. The number of branches and districts 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 - 11,500 members?
2. Malaysia - 9,476 members - 34 branches - 8 districts
3. Liberia - 8,929 members - 24 branches - 3 districts
4. Vanuatu - 6,693 members - 31 branches - 4 districts
5. Guyana - 5,575 members - 13 branches - 1 district
6. Belize - 4,807 members - 11 branches - 2 districts
7. Pakistan - 3,900 members? - 13 branches? - 3 districts
8. Romania - 2,993 members - 16 branches - 2 districts
9. Czech Republic - 2,455 members - 13 branches - 2 districts
10. Bulgaria - 2,392 members - 9 branches - 0 districts
11. Malawi - 1,931 members - 8 branches - 1 district
12. Benin - 1,898 members - 14 branches - 1 district
13. Ethiopia - 1,854 members - 6 branches - 1 district
14. Cook Islands - 1,844 members - 5 branches - 1 district
15. Poland - 1,821 members - 14 branches - 3 districts
16. Swaziland - 1,768 members - 4 branches - 1 district
17. Angola - 1,684 members - 8 branches - 1 district
18. Cameroon - 1,498 members - 7 branches - 1 district

Prospects appear most favorable for the formation of stakes within the next few years in Malaysia, Liberia, Vanuatu, Guyana, Belize, the Czech Republic, Benin, Swaziland, and Angola as all of these countries has at least one district that is close to reaching the minimum qualifications for a stake to operate.  Low member activity rates, an insufficient number of branches in individual member districts, and few full-tithe paying Melchizedek Priesthood holders will likely continue to delay the organization of stakes in other countries for several more years to come.

Missionaries report that the original plan to organize the first stake in Vanuatu this month will be delayed due to the impact of Cyclone Pam on the island nation. However, the organization of the stake appears imminent once the nation recovers from the aftermath of this storm. Missionaries report that the first stake in the Czech Republic may be organized in June whereas the first stake in Benin may be organized in October.

Updated List of the Countries with the Most Members without a Stake

Below is an updated list of the countries with the most Latter-day Saints without a stake. Membership totals are as of 2013 and congregational and district totals are current. Membership totals for mainland China and Pakistan are estimates as no official statistics are available. The number of branches and districts in mainland China is not provided due to the sensitive nature of the Church in that country.  Previous lists of the most countries without a stake can be found here.

1. Cambodia - 12,223 members - 28 branches - 6 districts
2. China - 11,000 members?
3. Malaysia - 9,259 members - 34 branches - 8 districts
4. Liberia - 8,081 members - 22 branches - 2 districts
5. Mozambique - 6,900 members - 21 branches - 2 districts
6. Vanuatu - 6,103 members - 31 branches - 3 districts
7. Jamaica - 5,712 members - 19 branches - 2 districts
8. Guyana - 5,474 members - 13 branches - 1 district
9. Belize - 4,502 members - 11 branches - 2 districts
10. Pakistan - 3,700 members? - 13 branches? - 3 districts
11. Romania - 2,990 members - 16 branches - 2 districts
12. Zambia - 2,758 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
13. Bulgaria - 2,402 members - 9 branches - 0 districts
14. Czech Republic - 2,396 members - 13 branches - 2 districts
15. Cook Islands - 1,844 members - 5 branches - 1 district
16. Poland - 1,813 members - 14 branches - 2 districts
17. Ethiopia - 1,807 members - 6 branches - 1 district
18. Swaziland - 1,693 members - 4 branches - 1 district
19. Malawi - 1,653 members - 8 branches - 1 district
20. Benin - 1,439 members - 11 branches - 1 district

Prospects appear most favorable for the formation of stakes within the next few years in Cambodia, Malaysia, Liberia, Mozambique, Vanuatu, Jamaica, Belize, Zambia, and Benin as all of these countries has at least one district that is close to reaching the minimum qualifications for a stake to operate.  Low member activity rates, an insufficient number of branches in individual member districts, and few full-tithe paying Melchizedek Priesthood holders will likely continue to delay the organization of stakes in other countries for several more years to come.

Updated List of the Countries with the Most Members without a Stake

Below is an updated list of the countries with the most Latter-day Saints without a stake.  Membership totals are as of 2012 and congregational and district totals are current.  Membership totals for mainland China and Pakistan are estimates as no official statistics are available.  The number of branches and districts in mainland China is not provided due to the sensitive nature of the Church in that country.  Previous lists of the most countries without a stake can be found here.

1. Cambodia - 11,469 members - 28 branches - 6 districts
2. China - 10,500 members?
3. Malaysia - 8,967 members - 33 branches - 8 districts
4. Liberia - 6,709 members - 20 branches - 2 districts
5. Mozambique - 6,029 members - 21 branches - 2 districts
6. Jamaica - 5,580 members - 19 branches - 2 districts
7. Vanuatu - 5,491 members - 31 branches - 3 districts
8. Guyana - 5,415 members - 13 branches - 1 district
9. Federated States of Micronesia - 4,565 members - 4 districts
10. Belize - 4,240 members - 11 branches - 2 districts
11. Pakistan - 3,500 members - 13 branches? - 3 districts
12. Zambia - 3,044 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
13. Armenia - 3,024 members - 11 branches - 1 district
14. Romania - 3,002 members - 18 branches - 2 districts
15. Czech Republic - 2,369 members - 13 branches - 2 districts
16. Albania - 2,299 members - 11 branches - 1 district
17. Bulgaria - 2,296 members - 9 branches - 0 districts
18. Cook Islands - 1,862 members - 5 branches - 1 district
19. Togo - 1,861 members - 11 branches - 1 district
20. Poland - 1,780 members - 14 branches - 2 districts

Prospects appear most favorable for the formation of stakes within the next few years in Cambodia, Malaysia, Liberia, Mozambique, Vanuatu, the Federated States of Micronesia, Belize, Zambia, Armenia, Albania, and Togo as all of these countries has at least one district that is close to reaching the minimum qualifications for a stake to operate.  Low member activity rates, an insufficient number of branches in individual member districts, and few full-tithe paying Melchizedek Priesthood holders will likely continue to delay the organization of stakes in other countries for several more years to come.

Countries with the Most Latter-day Saints without a Stake

Below is an updated list of the countries with the most Latter-day Saints without a stake.  Membership totals are as of 2011 and congregational and district totals are current.  This list has omitted countries and territories which will have their first stakes created within the next couple months.  Membership totals for mainland China and Pakistan are estimates as no official statistics are available.  The number of branches and districts in mainland China is not provided as I cannot make a reliable estimate due to the sensitive nature of the Church in that country.

1. Cambodia - 10,999 members - 27 branches - 6 districts
2. Sierra Leone - 10,084 members - 27 branches - 3 districts
3. Mainland China - 10,000 members 
4. Malaysia - 7,926 members - 32 branches - 8 districts
5. Liberia - 5,863 members - 18 branches - 2 districts
6. Mozambique - 5,617  members - 19 branches - 2 districts
7. Jamaica - 5,449  members - 20 branches - 2 districts
8. Guyana - 5,198  members - 13 branches - 1 district
9. Vanuatu - 4,864  members - 28 branches - 3 districts
10. Micronesia - 4,302  members - 21 branches - 4 districts
11. Belize - 4,018  members - 11 branches - 2 districts
12. Pakistan - 3,200  members - ~12 branches (estimate) - 3 districts
13. Romania - 2,972  members - 18 branches - 2 districts
14. Armenia - 2,965  members - 11 branches - 1 district
15. Zambia - 2,903  members - 12 branches - 2 districts
16. Czech Republic - 2,312  members - 13 branches - 2 districts
17. Bulgaria - 2,251  members - 10 branches - 0 districts
18. Albania - 2,093  members - 11 branches - 1 district
19. Cook Islands - 1,867  members - 5 branches - 1 district
20. Poland - 1,716  members - 14 branches - 2 districts
21. Botswana - 1,693  members - 3 wards, 5 branches - 0 districts (part of Roodepoort South Africa Stake)

Members and missionaries report active efforts to create the first stakes within the next two years in Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Jamaica, Micronesia, Belize, Romania, Armenia, the Czech Republic, Albania, and Botswana.  Countries which appear the closest to having their first stakes created include Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Belize, and Botswana.  I have not encountered recent member or missionary reports indicating concentrated efforts to create the first stakes in Malaysia, Guyana, Vanuatu, Zambia, or the Cook Islands, but based on recent growth trends and activity levels it may be possible that these locations may have stakes within the next several years.  

Rapid membership growth and moderate to moderately-high levels of convert retention and member activity have occurred over the past few years in some nations not on this list but currently have over 1,000 nominal members.  It is possible that stakes may be organized in the following countries within the next five years if growth rates remain sustained and the needed threshold of active Melchizedek Priesthood holders and active members is reached:

• Togo - 1,555 members - 6 branches - 1 district
• Ethiopia - 1,450 members - 5 branches - 1 district
• Swaziland - 1,423 members - 4 branches - 1 district

In general, stakes outside the United States must have approximately 2,000 or more nominal members to function and at least five wards.

Updated list of the countries with the most Latter-day Saints without a stake

The recent organization of the first LDS stakes in Guam, Indonesia, and Russia has necessitated an updated list of the countries around the world with the most Latter-day Saints without an LDS stake. For a stake to be organized, there must be at least 120 active, tithe-paying Melchizedek Priesthood holders and at least five congregations which have enough active members and leadership manpower to become wards. Local leaders and members also must exhibit a certain degree of self-sustainability without reliance on the mission president or mission and area leadership. Below is a list of the top 20 countries with the most members without a stake.  The list from April 2009 can be found here. 

1. Cambodia
10,530 members
5 districts
24 branches

2. China (mainland)
10,000 members (estimate)

3. India
9,188 members
7 districts
36 branches

4. Sierra Leone
8,907 members
2 districts
23 branches

5. Cape Verde
7,456 members
3 districts
18 branches

6. Malaysia
7,314 members
7 districts
28 branches

7. Jamaica
5,721 members
2 districts
20 branches

8. Liberia
5,447 members
2 districts
13 branches

9. Mozambique
5,392 members
2 districts
19 branches

10. Guyana
5,016 members
1 district
13 branches

11. Vanuatu
4,354 members
3 districts
26 branches

12. Micronesia
4,193 members
4 districts
20 branches

13. Belize
3,852 members
2 districts
11 branches

14. Romania
2,905 members
2 districts
17 branches

15. Armenia
2,888 members
2 districts
14 branches

16. Pakistan
2,600 members (estimate)
2 districts
10 branches

17. Zambia
2,587 members
2 districts
11 branches

18. Czech Republic
2,282 members
2 districts
14 branches

19. Bulgaria
2,206 members
2 districts
11 branches

20. Cook Islands
1,859 members
1 district
5 branches

Based on reports from full-time missionaries and members from around the world, the first stakes in Cambodia, India, Sierra Leone, Jamaica, and Liberia appear likely to be organized in the near future as each of these nations have districts which are close to meeting the minimal standards for a stake to be organized. The organization of stakes is a possibility over the medium term in Cape Verde, Mozambique, Guyana, Belize, and Armenia as districts in each of these nations have enough congregations and total members to become stakes but lack the needed number of active members to warrant stake organizations. The first stakes in Malaysia, Vanuatu, Micronesia, Romania, Zambia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and the Cook Islands may be a possibility over the medium or long term as districts in these nations often have too few congregations to create a stake and not enough nominal members to become a stake as stakes generally require approximately 2,000 total members to operate. With approaching 2,000 Latter-day Saints, Botswana did not make the top 20 list but appears likely to become a stake in the near future due to strong local leadership in Gaborone, a potential stake including the entire country, and the recent opening of additional cities to missionary work and subsequent strong membership growth.