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.

In 2022, around 31.6 percent of the global population were identify as Christian. Around 25.8 percent of the global population identify as Muslims, followed by 15.1 percent of global populations as Hindu.

Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Andaman and Nicobar Islands data was reported at 338.000 Person in 03-01-2011. This records a decrease from the previous number of 421.000 Person for 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Andaman and Nicobar Islands data is updated decadal, averaging 379.500 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 421.000 Person in 03-01-2001 and a record low of 338.000 Person in 03-01-2011. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 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 the population census data in 2010, 18.64 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.

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. Impact of Covid-19 on the Buddhist Supply Market During the COVID-19 pandemic, closures and restrictions at Buddhist sites and pilgrimage destinations worldwide significantly reduced tourist and pilgrim numbers. This decline notably affected the demand for souvenirs, gifts, and ritual items typically purchased at these locations. In response, Buddhist communities and practitioners shifted to virtual practices, such as online meditation sessions, virtual temple visits, and digital religious ceremonies. This transition influenced the types of supplies sought, with a preference for digital resources and meditation aids for home use. Concerns about health and safety also prompted a reassessment of traditional practices involving communal gatherings and rituals, impacting the use and distribution of items like incense and ceremonial goods. Introduction of the Buddhist Suppl...

Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Kerala data was reported at 1,528.000 Person in 03-01-2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 499.000 Person for 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Kerala data is updated decadal, averaging 1,013.500 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,528.000 Person in 03-01-2011 and a record low of 499.000 Person in 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Kerala 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: Punjab data was reported at 33,237.000 Person in 03-01-2011. This records a decrease from the previous number of 41,487.000 Person for 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Punjab data is updated decadal, averaging 37,362.000 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 41,487.000 Person in 03-01-2001 and a record low of 33,237.000 Person in 03-01-2011. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Punjab 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.

Ireland: 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 Ireland from to is percent. The minimum value, percent, was reached in while the maximum of percent was recorded in .

Liberia: 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 Liberia from to is percent. The minimum value, percent, was reached in while the maximum of percent was recorded in .

Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Andhra Pradesh data was reported at 36,692.000 Person in 03-01-2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 32,037.000 Person for 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Andhra Pradesh data is updated decadal, averaging 34,364.500 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 36,692.000 Person in 03-01-2011 and a record low of 32,037.000 Person in 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Andhra 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.

As of 2010, Christianity was the religion with the most followers worldwide, followed by Islam (Muslims) and Hinduism. In the forty years between 2010 and 2050, it is projected that the landscape of world religions will undergo some noticeable changes, with the number of Muslims almost catching up to Christians. The changes in population sizes of each religious group is largely dependent on demographic development, for example, the rise in the world's Christian population will largely be driven by population growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, while Muslim populations will rise across various regions of Africa and South Asia. As India's population is set to grow while China's goes into decline, this will be reflected in the fact that Hindus will outnumber the unaffiliated by 2050. In fact, India may be home to both the largest Hindu and Muslim populations in the world by the middle of this century.

Georgia: 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 Georgia from to is percent. The minimum value, percent, was reached in while the maximum of percent was recorded in .

Burundi: 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 Burundi from to is percent. The minimum value, percent, was reached in while the maximum of percent was recorded in .

Monaco: 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 Monaco from to is percent. The minimum value, percent, was reached in while the maximum of percent was recorded in .

Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Tripura: Female data was reported at 61,840.000 Person in 03-01-2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 48,347.000 Person for 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Tripura: Female data is updated decadal, averaging 55,093.500 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 61,840.000 Person in 03-01-2011 and a record low of 48,347.000 Person in 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Tripura: 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.

According to a survey conducted in South Korea in 2023, over 60 percent of respondents reported no religious affiliation, while approximately 20 percent identified as Christians and 16 percent as Buddhists. Religious population South Korea is a multi-religious society where Christianity, Buddhism, and various other religions coexist with shamanism. According to a previous study, the domestic religious population appeared to decline over time after reaching its peak in 2005, at nearly 25 million people. In contrast, the share of people who are religiously unaffiliated has increased in recent years. Within the last two decades, the religiously unaffiliated population has increased from about 40 percent to more than 60 percent. Shamanism Shamanism has continued to significantly influence the daily lives of many South Koreans. According to a survey conducted in 2023, about 40 percent of respondents reported having consulted a fortune-teller within the past year. Roughly 80 percent of those respondents were already affiliated with a religion.

In 2022, 99 percent of Hindus and Buddhists worldwide lived in Asia-Pacific. In comparison, 43 percent of Jews lived in North America, and 45.4 percent lived in the Middle East and North Africa. Christians were more evenly divided around the continents.

Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Odisha data was reported at 13,852.000 Person in 03-01-2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 9,863.000 Person for 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Odisha data is updated decadal, averaging 11,857.500 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13,852.000 Person in 03-01-2011 and a record low of 9,863.000 Person in 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Buddhist: Odisha 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.

In 2023, over 87 percent of Indonesians declared themselves to be Muslim, followed by 7.4 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.