Religious Composition

Breakdown of population by religious affiliation, with percentages for major faiths.

Quick Reference

Unit

text (with percentages)

How It's Calculated

Based on census data, household surveys, and Pew Research Center Global Religious Landscape estimates. Aggregated from CIA World Factbook 2020 edition which compiles national census religious affiliation questions. Percentages represent self-identified religious identity, not practice or belief intensity. May include "unaffiliated," "atheist," and "other" categories.

Why It Matters

Religious composition shapes cultural identity, social norms, legal frameworks, and political systems. It influences education policy (religious schools), family law (marriage, inheritance), conflict potential (religious tensions), and international relations. Understanding religious diversity is essential for social cohesion, minority rights protection, and interfaith dialogue. Religious pluralism or homogeneity affects governance, public health campaigns (vaccine hesitancy), and development approaches.

Understanding the Values

Religious Homogeneity: > 90% single faith (Saudi Arabia 100% Muslim, Thailand 95% Buddhist) Religious Majority: 70-90% dominant faith (USA 70% Christian, India 80% Hindu) Religious Plurality: 50-70% largest group (Nigeria 50% Christian, 48% Muslim) Religious Diversity: No single faith > 50% (Singapore, Lebanon, Malaysia) Global breakdown: Christian 31%, Muslim 24%, Hindu 15%, Buddhist 7%, Folk 6%, Unaffiliated 16% Note: Religious composition is relatively stable but can shift due to differential fertility, migration, conversion, or secularization.

Related Metrics

Ethnic Group Composition

Breakdown of population by ethnic or racial groups, with percentages for major groups.

Total Fertility Rate

Average number of children a woman would have over her lifetime if current age-specific birth rates remain constant.

Government Type

Classification of the country's political system and governance structure.

Women in Parliament

Percentage of seats held by women in national parliaments (single or lower chamber).

Data Quality & Coverage

Coverage: 233 countries (CIA Factbook) Update frequency: Static (2020 edition) - requires periodic census updates Source: CIA World Factbook 2020 / Pew Research Center Limitations: Self-reported data may reflect cultural identity more than active practice. Authoritarian states may underreport religious minorities. Census questions vary (some count "non-believers," others don't). Indigenous or syncretic religions often undercounted. Does not measure religious intensity, sectarian divisions (Sunni vs Shia), or recent trends.