Church Recognized in 156 Lands

The Church is becoming increasingly widespread internationally. An indication of that growth is the number of organized wards and branches in the world’s countries, territories, and possessions (as defined by the United Nations).

Currently, the Church has organized wards and branches in 132 (70 percent) of the 188 countries recognized by the United Nations. The number of territories and possessions in the world changes frequently, but organized Church units are presently in 24 territories or possessions throughout the world.

An increase in the numbers of Church units in countries, territories, and possessions comes in two ways—the creation of new Church units or the creation of new countries.

1991: 115 countries; 23 territories, colonies, or possessions—138 total

1992: 122 countries; 24 territories, colonies, or possessions—146 total

1993: 125 countries; 24 territories, colonies, or possessions—149 total

1994: 126 countries; 24 territories, colonies, or possessions—150 total

1995: 132 countries; 24 territories, colonies, or possessions—156 total