Religion

Religions of the world

A visual guide to the major world religions: where each began, what its followers believe, and how it is practised. Each page is an overview, presented side by side for comparison.

Share of the world population, 2015. Darker tiles mean a larger share. Other religions includes Sikhism (about 0.4%). The eight tiles total about 100%.

Christianity31.2%

Islam24.1%

Unaffiliated16.4%

Hinduism15.1%

Buddhism6.6%

Folk religions5.7%

Judaism0.2%

Other religions0.8%

ChristianityChristianity centres on Jesus of Nazareth, whom Christians regard as the Son of God. It is the largest religion by number of adherents.IslamIslam teaches submission to one God (Allah). Muslims regard the Prophet Muhammad as the final messenger of God.HinduismHinduism is a family of traditions rather than a single creed. Many forms of worship exist, and central ideas include dharma, karma and moksha.BuddhismBuddhism teaches a path to end suffering through understanding, ethical conduct and mental training. It has no creator God at its centre.JudaismJudaism centres on the covenant between God and the Jewish people, expressed in the Torah and in a weekly and yearly cycle of observance.SikhismSikhism teaches devotion to one God, equality of all people, honest living and service to others.

Follower estimates: Pew Research Center, The Future of World Religions (2015). Each tradition has many branches; these pages are summaries, not complete accounts.