Global Religious Demographics Show Major Shifts, Pew Research Reports

A recent report by the Pew Research Organization indicates significant changes in the world’s religious landscape. Analyzing census data from more than 2,700 surveys across 201 countries, the study finds that while followers of Islam and Hinduism are growing rapidly, the proportion of Christianity and Buddhism adherents is declining.

The report highlights that currently one-quarter of the global population identifies as unaffiliated with any religion, reflecting a rapid rise in secular or atheist populations.

According to the findings, Islam is the fastest-growing religion worldwide, adding nearly 347 million followers in the past decade, now representing 25.6% of the global population. Meanwhile, Christianity has increased numerically to 2.3 billion adherents but its global share has declined from 31% to 28.8%, with notable decreases in Europe and the Americas.

Hinduism has grown by 126 million, now making up 14.9% of the world population, while Buddhism has declined to 4.1%.

The study concludes that the rise of secular populations alongside the rapid expansion of certain religious communities is reshaping global social and political dynamics.