Second Largest Religion by Country Top 10 Countries

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Exploring the Second Largest Religions Around the World in 2025

1. Islam: The Second Largest Religion Globally

Islam continues to hold its position as the world’s second-largest religion, with over 1.9 billion adherents spread across every continent. Predominantly practiced in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia, Islam’s rapid growth is fueled by high birth rates in Muslim-majority countries and increased conversions in Western nations. Major countries with significant Muslim populations include Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. The religion’s influence extends into political, cultural, and social spheres, shaping policies and world events in profound ways.

2. Christianity: A Diverse Religious Landscape

While Christianity is the largest religion worldwide, in some countries, it ranks as the second most practiced faith. For instance, in traditional majority-Christian countries like Greece, the faith accounts for a significant portion of the population but shares religious space with other beliefs. Modern Christianity encompasses numerous denominations, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodoxy, each with unique cultural expressions and theological nuances. Its influence remains strong through charitable organizations, education, and global humanitarian efforts.

3. Hinduism: The Leading Faith in India and Nepal

Hinduism remains the predominant religion in India and Nepal, with approximately 80% of India’s population identifying as Hindu. As one of the oldest religions, Hinduism continues to shape cultural practices, festivals, and social norms in the Indian subcontinent. Although Hinduism isn’t the second-largest religion worldwide, its extensive cultural reach makes it a major religious presence in Asia. The religion emphasizes karma, dharma, and spiritual rituals that influence daily life for millions.

4. Buddhism: A Growing Spiritual Path Worldwide

Buddhism holds the position of the second-largest religion in several East Asian and Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia. With an estimated 500 million followers, Buddhism is recognized for its focus on meditation, mindfulness, and enlightenment. In recent years, the religion’s teachings have gained popularity globally, especially in Western countries, due to increased interest in mental health and spiritual growth. The religion’s core values continue to inspire millions seeking inner peace and ethical living.

5. Sikhism: The Faith of the Punjab

Although smaller in global numbers compared to other major religions, Sikhism is the second-largest religion in the Indian state of Punjab and has significant communities in Canada, the UK, and the United States. With roughly 30 million followers worldwide, Sikhism emphasizes equality, honest living, and devotion to God. Its distinctive practices, such as wearing turbans and bearing uncut hair, make it visually unique and culturally influential in multicultural societies.

6. Other Notable Second Largest Religions

Judaism: While a relatively small religion with around 14 million followers globally, Judaism is the second-largest religion in Israel.
Folk Religions and Indigenous Beliefs: In some regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and the Pacific Islands, indigenous and folk religions are often considered the second most practiced traditional faiths, playing vital roles in cultural identity.

Key Takeaways

The religious landscape of 2025 continues to evolve with globalization and demographic shifts. Islam remains the second-largest religion worldwide, experiencing fastest growth in the West and Asia. Other faiths like Buddhism and Hinduism maintain significant regional influence, while new spiritual movements and conversions diversify the landscape. Understanding these shifts is essential for grasping the global cultural and political fabric that shapes tomorrow’s world.