The global population of Buddhists is projected to slightly increase up until the year 2030, at which point it will begin a gradual decline. In terms of its share of total world population, however, Buddhism has already seen a decline from over seven percent in 2010, with this being projected to decline further to close to five percent in 2050. This decline is related to Buddhism being popular in countries whose populations are in a natural decline, such as Japan or South Korea (and Thailand in the near future), as well as demographic developments in countries that have a policy of state atheism, such as China or Vietnam.While this decline in its traditional regions of influence in East and Southeast Asia will cause an aggregate fall in the number of Buddhists, there is likely to be some growth in other regions of the globe, such as Western European and North American countries, where the popularity of the ideas of Buddhism have grown in influence in recent decades.

This statistic shows the top 25 countries in the world with the largest number of Buddhist population in 2010. In 2010, there were about 244 million Buddhists living in China.

Religious Populations Worldwide

Religious Populations Worldwide by Year and Category

By Throwback Thursday [source]

About this dataset

The dataset includes data on Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Shintoism, Baha'i Faith, Taoism, Confucianism, Jainism and various other syncretic and animist religions. For each religion or denomination category, it provides both the total population count and the percentage representation in relation to the overall population.

Additionally, - Columns labeled with Population provide numeric values representing the total number of individuals belonging to a particular religion or denomination. - Columns labeled with Percent represent numerical values indicating the percentage of individuals belonging to a specific religion or denomination within a given population. - Columns that begin with ** indicate primary categories (e.g., Christianity), while columns that do not have this prefix refer to subcategories (e.g., Christianity - Roman Catholics).

In addition to providing precise data about specific religions or denominations globally throughout multiple years,this dataset also records information about geographical locations by including state or country names under StateNme.

This comprehensive dataset is valuable for researchers seeking information on global religious trends and can be used for analysis in fields such as sociology, anthropology studies cultural studies among others

How to use the dataset

Introduction:

• Understanding the Columns:

• Year: Represents the year in which the data was recorded.

• StateNme: Represents the name of the state or country for which data is recorded.

• Population: Represents the total population of individuals.

• Total Religious: Represents the total percentage and population of individuals who identify as religious, regardless of specific religion.

• Non Religious: Represents the percentage and population of individuals who identify as non-religious or atheists.

• Identifying Specific Religions: The dataset includes columns for different religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. Each religion is further categorized into specific denominations or types within that religion (e.g., Roman Catholics within Christianity). You can find relevant information about these religions by focusing on specific columns related to each one.

• Analyzing Percentages vs. Population: Some columns provide percentages while others provide actual population numbers for each category. Depending on your analysis requirement, you can choose either column type for your calculations and comparisons.

• Accessing Historical Data: The dataset includes records from multiple years allowing you to analyze trends in religious populations over time. You can filter data based on specific years using Excel filters or programming languages like Python.

• Filtering Data by State/Country: If you are interested in understanding religious populations in a particular state or country, use filters to focus on that region's data only.

Example - Extracting Information:

Let's say you want to analyze Hinduism's growth globally from 2000 onwards:

• Identify Relevant Columns:
• Year: to filter data from 2000 onwards.

• Hindu - Total (Percent): to analyze the percentage of individuals identifying as Hindus globally.

• Filter Data:

• Set a filter on the Year column and select values greater than or equal to 2000.

• Look for rows where Hindu - Total (Percent) has values.

• Analyze Results: You can now visualize and calculate the growth of Hinduism worldwide after filtering out irrelevant data. Use statistical methods or graphical representations like line charts to understand trends over time.

Conclusion: This guide has provided you with an overview of how to use the Rel

Research Ideas

• Comparing religious populations across different countries: With data available for different states and countries, this dataset allows for comparisons of religious populations across regions. Researchers can analyze how different religions are distributed geographically and compare their percentages or total populations across various locations.
• Studying the impact of historical events on religious demographics: Since the dataset includes records categorized by year, it can be used to study how historical events such as wars, migration, or political changes have influenced religious demographics over time. By comparing population numbers before and after specific events, resea...

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.

From 2022 to 2060, the worldwide population of Muslims is expected to increase by **** percent. For the same period, the global population of Buddhists is expected to decrease by **** percent.

Global Religious Demographics

Global religious demographics over time

By Throwback Thursday [source]

About this dataset

The dataset contains information on a wide range of religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Shintoism, Baha'i Faith, Taoism, Confucianism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Syncretic Religions (religious practices that blend elements from multiple faiths), Animism (belief in spiritual beings in nature), Non-Religious individuals or those without any religious affiliation.

For each religion and region/country combination recorded in the dataset we have the following information:

• Total population: The total population of the region or country.
• Religious affiliation percentages: The percentages of the population that identify with specific religious affiliations.
• Subgroup populations/percentages: The populations or percentages within specific denominations or sects of each religion.

The dataset also provides additional variables like Year and State Name (for regional data) for further analysis.

How to use the dataset

• Understanding the Columns

  The dataset contains several columns with different categories of information. Here's a brief explanation of some important columns:

  • Year: The year in which the data was recorded.
  • Total Population: The total population of a country or region.
  • State Name (StateNme): The name of the state or region.

  Each religion has specific columns associated with it, such as Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Taoism, Shintoism etc., representing its percentage and population for each category/denomination within that religion.

• Selecting Specific Data

  If you are interested in exploring data related to a particular religion or geographic location:

  • To filter data by Religion: Identify relevant columns associated with that religion such as 'Christianity', 'Buddhism', 'Islam', etc., and extract their respective percentage and population values for analysis.

    Example: If you want to analyze Christianity specifically, extract columns related to Christianity like 'Christianity (Percent)', 'Christianity (Population)', etc.

    Note: There might be multiple columns related to a specific religion indicating different categories or denominations within that religion.

  • To filter data by Geographic Location: Utilize the 'State Name' column ('StateNme') to segregate data corresponding to different states/regions.

    Example: If you want to analyze religious demographics for a particular state/region like California or India:

    i) Filter out rows where State Name is equal to California or India.

    ii) Extract relevant columns associated with your selected religion as mentioned above.

• Finding Trends and Insights

  Once you have selected the specific data you are interested in, examine patterns and trends over time or across different regions.

  • Plotting data using visualizations: Use graphical tools such as line charts, bar charts, or pie charts to visualize how religious demographics have changed over the years or vary across different regions.

  • Analyzing population proportions: By comparing the percentage values of different religions for a given region or over time, you can gather insights into changes in religious diversity.

• Comparing Religions

  If you wish to compare multiple religions:

Research Ideas

• Comparing religious affiliations across different countries or regions: With data on various religions such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, etc., researchers can compare the religious affiliations of different countries or regions. This can help in understanding the cultural and religious diversity within different parts of the world.
• Exploring the growth or decline of specific religions: By examining population numbers for specific religions such as Jainism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, etc., this dataset can be used to investigate the growth or decline of these religious groups over time. Researchers can analyze factors contributing to their popularity or decline in particular regions or countries

Acknowledgements

If you use this dataset in your research, please credit the original authors. Data Source

License

See the dataset description for more information.

Columns

File: ThrowbackDataThursday 201912 - Religion.csv | Column name...

According to the population census data in 2010, ***** percent of Buddhist population in Indonesia resided in Jakarta, making it the province where the largest Buddhist population in Indonesia lived. Indonesia has the largest Islamic population in the world and therefore the largest Muslim nation. However, Indonesia is not a Muslim nation by constitution. The archipelago has six official religions – Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism.

South Korea: Buddhists as percent of the total population: The latest value from 2013 is 17.2 percent, a decline from 17.4 percent in 2012. In comparison, the world average is 36.4 percent, based on data from 21 countries. Historically, the average for South Korea from 1960 to 2013 is 20.2 percent. The minimum value, 17.2 percent, was reached in 2013 while the maximum of 21.4 percent was recorded in 1968.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Buddhist Supply market size was 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 among sp...

Canada: Buddhists as percent of the total population: The latest value from 2013 is 1.5 percent, unchanged from 1.5 percent in 2012. In comparison, the world average is 36.4 percent, based on data from 21 countries. Historically, the average for Canada from 1960 to 2013 is 0.7 percent. The minimum value, 0.2 percent, was reached in 1960 while the maximum of 1.5 percent was recorded in 2012.

Australia: Buddhists as percent of the total population: The latest value from 2013 is 1.4 percent, unchanged from 1.4 percent in 2012. In comparison, the world average is 36.4 percent, based on data from 21 countries. Historically, the average for Australia from 1960 to 2013 is 1.3 percent. The minimum value, 1.2 percent, was reached in 1960 while the maximum of 1.4 percent was recorded in 2008.

Malaysia: Buddhists as percent of the total population: The latest value from 2013 is 20.2 percent, an increase from 20.1 percent in 2012. In comparison, the world average is 36.4 percent, based on data from 21 countries. Historically, the average for Malaysia from 1960 to 2013 is 18 percent. The minimum value, 15.9 percent, was reached in 1960 while the maximum of 20.2 percent was recorded in 2013.

Thailand: Buddhists as percent of the total population: The latest value from 2013 is 94.7 percent, unchanged from 94.7 percent in 2012. In comparison, the world average is 36.4 percent, based on data from 21 countries. Historically, the average for Thailand from 1960 to 2013 is 94.5 percent. The minimum value, 94.3 percent, was reached in 1960 while the maximum of 94.7 percent was recorded in 2007.

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.

Taiwan: Buddhists as percent of the total population: The latest value from 2013 is 21.1 percent, a decline from 21.5 percent in 2012. In comparison, the world average is 36.4 percent, based on data from 21 countries. Historically, the average for Taiwan from 1960 to 2013 is 32.9 percent. The minimum value, 21.1 percent, was reached in 2013 while the maximum of 46.3 percent was recorded in 1960.

Russia: Buddhists as percent of the total population: The latest value from is percent, unavailable from percent in . In comparison, the world average is 0.0 percent, based on data from countries. Historically, the average for Russia from to is percent. The minimum value, percent, was reached in while the maximum of percent was recorded in .

In 2023, over ** percent of Indonesians declared themselves to be Muslim, followed by *** percent who were Christians. Indonesia has the largest Islamic population in the world and for this reason is often recognized as a Muslim nation. However, Indonesia is not a Muslim nation according to its constitution. The archipelago is a multifaith country and officially recognizes six religions – Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism. Not all provinces in Indonesia are Muslim majority The spread of Islam in Indonesia began on the west side of the archipelago, where the main maritime trade routes were located. Until today, most of the Indonesian Muslim population are residing in Western and Central Indonesia, while the majority religion of several provinces in Eastern Indonesia, such as East Nusa Tenggara and Bali, is Christian and Hindu, respectively. Discrimination towards other beliefs in Indonesia The Indonesian constitution provides for freedom of religion. However, the Government Restrictions Index Score on religion in Indonesia is relatively high. Indonesians who practice unrecognized religions, including Indonesia’s indigenous or traditional belief systems, such as animism, dynamism, and totemism, face legal restrictions and discrimination. Indonesian law requires its citizens to put one of the recognized religions on their national identity cards, with some exceptions for indigenous religions. Although legally citizens may leave the section blank, atheism or agnosticism is considered uncommon in Indonesia.

Montserrat: Buddhists as percent of the total population: The latest value from is percent, unavailable from percent in . In comparison, the world average is 0.0 percent, based on data from countries. Historically, the average for Montserrat from to is percent. The minimum value, percent, was reached in while the maximum of percent was recorded in .

In 2023, approximately ***** million people in Indonesia identified as Muslims. Indonesia has the largest Islamic population in the world. However, it is a multi-faith country and officially recognizes six religions: Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism.