Number of Followers of Different Religions and Beliefs in the World

 

People around the globe follow different religions and beliefs, guiding their lives in diverse ways. This diversity enriches our culture. Each religion has its own philosophy, ethics, rituals, and followers. In this article, we explore the major world religions, their current follower counts, and how religious demographics have formed worldwide.

The world’s oldest religion is Zoroastrianism (also known as Zarathushtrianism), which originated around four thousand years ago in Persia (modern-day Iran). It is a monotheistic faith. Today, the number of followers of Zoroastrianism is very small. Over time, various religions have emerged, and people have become their adherents. Below is a concise overview of the main religions and their numbers of followers:

1. Christianity

Followers: 2.3 billion (23% of the world population)

Christianity is the world’s largest religion, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible. Its main branches are Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodoxy. With about 2.3 billion followers—23% of the global population—it originated in the first century CE. Geographically widespread, most Christians belong to the Roman Catholic Church, headed by the Pope, followed by Eastern Orthodox and Protestant communities.

2. Islam

Followers: 1.9 billion (24% of the world population)

Islam is founded on the belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH), whose teachings are recorded in the Quran. Sunnis and Shias are its two main branches. With around 1.9 billion followers—24% of humanity—Islam is the world’s second-largest religion. “Islam” means submission to the will of Allah.

3. Judaism

Followers: 1.58 billion (20% of the world population)

Though fewer in number, Jews have profound historical, cultural, and political influence. About 90% of Jews live in just two countries—Israel and the United States. Globally, there are approximately 1.58 billion Jewish followers, representing 20% of the population. The Jewish population has remained relatively stable, with minor declines in Europe (notably Eastern Europe).

4. Hinduism

Followers: 1.2 billion (15% of the world population)

Hinduism, one of the oldest religions, centers on beliefs in reincarnation, karma, and moksha, worshipping deities like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Originating in the Indian subcontinent—likely tracing back to the Indus Valley Civilization—it is the third-largest religion with around 1.2 billion followers (about 15%). It was especially influential in Southeast Asia during the 4th century CE.

5. Agnosticism

Followers: ~1.2 billion (12–15% of the world population)

Agnosticism acknowledges that knowledge about the existence or nonexistence of deities is unknown or unknowable. Many agnostics may or may not believe in spiritual forces. Globally, there are roughly 1.2 billion agnostics—12–15% of the population.

6. Buddhism

Followers: 520 million (6% of the world population)

Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), Buddhism teaches the causes of suffering and the path to liberation. Today, about 520 million people (6% globally) follow Buddhism. It spread from northern India throughout Southeast and East Asia, and later to the West.

7. Chinese Folk Religion

Followers: 400 million (5% of the world population)

Predominantly practiced in China and neighboring regions (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand), Chinese folk religion—also known as popular Chinese religion—is followed by around 400 million people, about 5% of the world. It is described as a fluid “empty bowl” that draws from Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, ancestor worship, and folk beliefs.

8. Ethnic/Tribal Religions

Followers: 300 million (4% of the world population)

These indigenous faiths are practiced by tribal and ethnic communities in Africa, Asia, South America, Australia, and the Middle East. About 300 million people globally (4%) follow ethnic or tribal religions, which are closely tied to specific peoples and lineages.

9. Atheism or Non-theism

Followers: 1.2 billion (12–15% of the world population)

Common in many developed countries, atheism, or non-theism, represents disbelief or non-belief in deities, with a growing presence due to scientific and rational worldviews. Approximately 1.2 billion people (12–15% globally) identify as atheists or non-theists.

10. New Religious Movements (Asia)

Followers: 59 million (1% of the world population)

New Religious Movements (NRMs) are modern spiritual or religious groups that emerged in recent times, especially in Asia. With around 59 million followers (1% globally), these movements, though smaller, can exert significant cultural and social influence.

11. Sikhism

Followers: 30 million (0.4% of the world population)

Founded by Guru Nanak in the late 15th century in Punjab (Indian subcontinent), Sikhism has approximately 30 million followers—0.4% of the global population. The faith recognizes a line of ten human Gurus, with their teachings forming the core of Sikh belief.

Conclusion

Islam’s growth is driven by high fertility, youthful populations, and lower rates of religious dropout.

Christianity’s share of the global population has declined, despite absolute growth, due to the faster rise of other religions and non-religious people.

Secularization is notably affecting the West, especially in Christian and Buddhist communities.

Growth hotspots, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, will shape the future religious landscape.