Global Buddhist Population
Buddhism is one of the world’s major religions, with an estimated 488 million followers worldwide. This accounts for approximately 6.6% of the global population. The majority of Buddhists, 99% reside in the Asia-Pacific region, where Buddhism originated and remains deeply embedded in cultural traditions.
Regional Distribution
Buddhism is the dominant religion in several countries, including Cambodia (96.8%), Thailand (92.6%), Myanmar (79.8%), Bhutan (74.7%), and Sri Lanka (68.6%). Other nations with significant Buddhist populations include Japan (33.2%), Vietnam (16.2%), China (18.3%), and South Korea (21.9%).
Outside Asia, Buddhism has a smaller but notable presence. In North America, the United States has approximately 4.2 million Buddhists (1.2% of the population), while Canada has around 370,000 Buddhists (1%). In Europe, Buddhism accounts for 0.6% of the population in the United Kingdom and 0.3% in Germany. Australia (2.9%) and New Zealand (1.9%) also have growing Buddhist communities.
Declining Numbers and Trends
Despite its historical significance, Buddhism has experienced a 5% decline in global followers between 2010 and 2020. This decrease is primarily due to religious disaffiliation in East Asia, particularly in China (down 23 million) and Japan (down 7 million). Additionally, low birth rates among Buddhist-majority populations contribute to the decline.
Challenges in Measuring Buddhist Identity
Estimating Buddhist demographics is complex, especially in East Asian societies, where Buddhism often blends with local folk religions. Many individuals engage in Buddhist practices but do not formally identify as Buddhist, making population estimates less precise.
