Interested in Joining Freemasonry? Know the Status in Your Country

April 23, 2024

If you're considering joining Freemasonry but live in a country where the government maintains tight control over civic institutions, it's essential to understand that Freemasonry is often not permitted to operate within such authoritative domains. There may be individuals attempting to recruit you, but it's crucial to be cautious (trust your instincts). If this sounds familiar, read on.

Below is a categorized list of countries where Freemasonry is either not officially recognized or banned. Seeking Masonic membership from these countries could get you frowned upon, fined, jailed, or worse.

Asia:

• China: Freemasonry is officially banned in China, and any Masonic activity is prohibited.
• Iran: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is banned in Iran.
• Saudi Arabia: Freemasonry is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, and there are strict penalties for engaging in Masonic activities.
• Qatar: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted in Qatar.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted in the UAE.
• North Korea: Freemasonry is banned in North Korea, and any form of secret society or organization is heavily restricted.
• Turkmenistan: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is banned in Turkmenistan.
• Tajikistan: Freemasonry is banned in Tajikistan, and there are no Masonic lodges in the country.
• Uzbekistan: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is banned in Uzbekistan.
• Vietnam: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted in Vietnam.
• Indonesia: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted.

Africa:

• Egypt: Freemasonry is banned in Egypt, and there are no Masonic lodges operating openly in the country.
• Morocco: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted in Morocco.
• Algeria: Freemasonry is banned in Algeria, and any Masonic activity is prohibited.
• Tunisia: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted in Tunisia.
• Libya: Freemasonry is banned in Libya, and there are no Masonic lodges operating openly in the country.
• Sudan: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted in Sudan.
• Eritrea: Freemasonry is banned in Eritrea, and any form of secret society or organization is heavily restricted.
• Ethiopia: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted in Ethiopia.
• Somalia: Freemasonry is banned in Somalia, and any form of secret society or organization is heavily restricted.
• Gambia: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted in Gambia.

Europe:

• Russia: Freemasonry faced persecution and was banned during the Soviet era. While it's not explicitly banned today, Freemasonry still faces challenges and is not widely practiced openly.
• Turkey: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted in Turkey.
• Belarus: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted in Belarus.
• Azerbaijan: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted in Azerbaijan.
• Armenia: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted in Armenia.
• Kyrgyzstan: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted in Kyrgyzstan.
• Kazakhstan: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted in Kazakhstan.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: Freemasonry is not officially recognized, and its practice is restricted in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Verification and Conclusion:
Things and perceptions can change, so it's important to verify the status of Freemasonry in your country. You can use resources like the list of Foreign Grand Lodges compiled by the United Grand Lodge of England. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and feel free to comment below if you think something is not accurate.
 

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