A researcher behind a new global report has called the lack of Bible access a “modern famine” that leaves millions cut off from God’s word.

Wybo Nicolai, researcher and co-creator of the Bible Access List, told Premier Christian News 100 million Christians worldwide still don’t have a Bible.

“Once people come to faith, they want to know Christ," he said. "But how can you deepen your faith or share it without access to God’s word? That is really hard.”

The Bible Access List was compiled by the Bible Access Initiative and eleased on Thursday.

Drawing on research across 88 countries, the report ranked nations based on both legal and practical barriers to access, as well as the scale of unmet demand among believers.

The five most restricted countries were Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, North Korea and Mauritania. Meanwhile, the greatest shortages were found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Ethiopia, India and China, each with Bible shortfalls exceeding ten million.

Nicolai, who manages Bible distribution projects for Frontlines International and Voice of the Martyrs, said the report debunks the myth that digital Bibles solve the problem.

“Hundreds of millions live in areas with no internet, no electricity or government surveillance,” he said.

He added that the team’s hope is that the list will lead to greater prayer and action, just as the Open Doors World Watch List helped mobilise support for persecuted Christians.

The Bible Access List was produced in partnership with Open Doors International, Biblica, Digital Bible Society and other global agencies.