In 2020, around 28.8 percent of the global population were identified as Christian. Around 25.6 percent of the global population identify as Muslims, followed by 14.9 percent of global populations as Hindu. The number of Muslims increased by 347 million, when compared to 2010 data, more than all other religions combined.

Japan: Buddhists as percent of the total population: The latest value from 2013 is 71.3 percent, an increase from 71.2 percent in 2012. In comparison, the world average is 36.4 percent, based on data from 21 countries. Historically, the average for Japan from 1960 to 2013 is 69.1 percent. The minimum value, 66.9 percent, was reached in 1960 while the maximum of 71.3 percent was recorded in 2013.

The statistic illustrates the Buddhist population in India in 2011, with a breakdown by state and union territory. The region with the highest Buddhist population was Maharashtra, followed by the state of West Bengal with close to 283,000 Buddhists. The region with the least Buddhist population was the union territory of Lakshadweep in that year. The countries with the largest number of Buddhists in 2010 can be found here.

Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Rajasthan data was reported at 12,185.000 Person in 03-01-2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 10,335.000 Person for 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Rajasthan data is updated decadal, averaging 11,260.000 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 12,185.000 Person in 03-01-2011 and a record low of 10,335.000 Person in 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Rajasthan data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Demographic – Table IN.GAE006: Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Buddhist Supply market size will be USD 12654.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.60% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 5061.6 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 3796.2 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 2910.4 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 632.7 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 253.0 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% from 2024 to 2031.
The Buddha Statue Type segment held the highest Buddhist Supply market revenue share in 2024.

Market Dynamics of Buddhist Supply Market

Key Drivers for Buddhist Supply Market

Expanding Worldwide Interest in Buddhism to Increase the Demand Globally

The growing interest in Buddhism has heightened the demand for essential materials such as statues, prayer beads, incense, and ritual objects. This interest surge is driven by the increased accessibility and appeal of Buddhist philosophies globally, facilitated by extensive travel and cultural exchanges. As per 2020 census data, 31.1 percent of the four million citizens and permanent residents identify as Buddhist. The Pew Research Center estimates a worldwide Buddhist population of around 488 million.

Growth of Mindfulness and Meditation Practices to Propel Market Growth

Mindfulness and meditation, integral to Buddhist practice, have surged in popularity due to their recognized mental health benefits. This trend has directly increased the demand for Buddhist supplies. The proliferation of books and digital applications focusing on mindfulness techniques rooted in Buddhism has fueled the need for educational materials and resources. In 2019, the top 10 meditation apps collectively generated $195 million in sales. Calm emerged as the leading meditation app in 2020 with 5.26 million downloads, followed by Headspace with 2.08 million downloads, and Meditopia with 1.89 million downloads. Fitbit reported a staggering 2,900% average rise in meditation logs across all age groups of its global users.

Restraint Factor for the Buddhist Supply Market

Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriation to Limit the Sales

The commercialization of Buddhist supplies can raise concerns regarding cultural sensitivity and appropriation. Misusing sacred Buddhist symbols and items, or placing them out of context, can provoke backlash from religious communities. The commercialization of spiritual and religious goods may be perceived negatively by both adherents and non-adherents, potentially reducing demand. A significant factor contributing to the market decline is the growing disconnection of young people from spiritual paths. This trend restricts supply growth, projecting these challenges to limit market expansion during the forecast period. Over time, efforts to address these issues are expected to mitigate their impact. Resolving these challenges could catalyze market recovery and growth in the future.

Key Trends for Buddhist Supply Market

The Digitalization of Buddhist Practices via E-Commerce and Virtual Platforms

The increasing accessibility of Buddhist supplies through online retail channels is revolutionizing the way consumers worldwide obtain spiritual products. From incense and mala beads to e-books and online temple services, e-commerce has allowed global customers to discover and acquire Buddhist supplies irrespective of their geographical location. Additionally, the popularity of virtual meditation classes and live-streamed ceremonies has surged, leading to a heightened demand for digitally integrated products, including app-compatible prayer devices and subscription-based Dharma content.

Eco-Conscious and Ethical Production on the Rise

As sustainability emerges as a fundamental value amon...

Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Uttar Pradesh data was reported at 206,285.000 Person in 03-01-2011. This records a decrease from the previous number of 302,031.000 Person for 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Uttar Pradesh data is updated decadal, averaging 254,158.000 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 302,031.000 Person in 03-01-2001 and a record low of 206,285.000 Person in 03-01-2011. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Uttar Pradesh data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Demographic – Table IN.GAE006: Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist.

Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Manipur: Female data was reported at 3,430.000 Person in 03-01-2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 901.000 Person for 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Manipur: Female data is updated decadal, averaging 2,165.500 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,430.000 Person in 03-01-2011 and a record low of 901.000 Person in 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Manipur: Female data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Demographic – Table IN.GAE006: Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist.

The majority of Japanese adhere to Shintoism, a traditional Japanese religion focusing on rituals and worship at shrines. In 2021, around 48.6 percent of the total population of Japan participated in Shinto practices. Closely behind is Buddhism, with more than 46 percent of the population adhering to its practices. Most Japanese thus practice both religions. The original ShintoShintoism adherents worship spirits or gods at shrines, often publicly, through rituals and traditions. Shintoism is deeply ingrained in the Japanese culture and way of life, but the number of followers has been decreasing over the past years, as has the number of Japanese who are adhering to any kind of religion. Tradition seems to have to make way for modern attitudes and choices – still the number of people who call themselves Shinto adherents is quite high, even if they do not actively practice it. Everything zen in BuddhismWhile Shintoism seems to become a thing of the past, the number of Buddhists, on the other hand, has been stable over the last decade, and if anything, has only slightly decreased. Japan is, in fact, among the countries with the largest Buddhist communities, right after China, of course, and Thailand. This might be due to Buddhism being able to adapt much easier to modern times and its adherents’ everyday lives, as well as a better PR machine – Buddhism is, after all, also quite popular in the Western world.