Wondering which are the most religious countries in the world? Different religions around the world have always lived together; sometimes peacefully, sometimes not quite so peacefully. Moreover, as globalization spreads, and people of various backgrounds and faiths take up residence in different countries, there is the greater threat of conflicting religions, but also a greater chance for dialog about religion and its role in modern society.
Despite relatively high rates of belief in God globally, less than half of the world population places much importance on religion in their lives. Secularization has been a strong force, and the global atheist population has grown largely over the past decades, especially considering the increasing relevance of science, technology and technical developments, which have certainly drawn back the traditional beliefs.
Religion has come to be, in many western countries, a private issue, and a matter of personal interest. Each state has abandoned the concern about theological matters, leaving these issues to every person’s own interests. Yet, this doesn’t mean that people have stopped being religious. Moreover, over the past years, we’ve witnessed a lot of people turning to religion, seeking peace and enlightenment. Some countries still have religious constitutions, with populations encouraged to seek solace in its faith.
Sometimes, the level of religiousness of a certain country is related with its overall development, taking into account economic progress, education and infrastructure. Yet, developed countries are not always the wealthiest in the world, or the most secular,and some are in fact some of the most religious countries in the world still. Taking a look at our list of The 20 Wealthiest Countries In 2013, we can see some nations have reached wealth because of their mineral resources, their investments in industry and technology, or because of their touristic appeal. According to each country’s GDP (gross domestic product), we are able to evaluate performance and growth.
Furthermore, countries have diverse traditions. While some have received a large amount of immigrants, mixing cultures, others have kept strong in their traditional beliefs, customs and mores almost without change throughout the years. And of course, some countries are more religious than others. It is important to note that, although the greater part of these countries’ population is religious, this doesn’t mean the nation, as a whole, expresses a determined faith.
So, which countries are considered to be the most religious in the world? Take a look at the list we have compiled, featuring the top ten most religious countries in the world to find out!
No. 10 Brazil
Active Worshipers: 85% of population
The country has a huge contrast between wealth and poverty, and Brazil is one of the most populated countries in the world. It currently has more than 85% of Brazilians active in their faiths. The main religion is Catholicism, brought over by its Portuguese colonizers. Next is Protestantism, which comprises 22% of the religious population.
No. 9 Peru
Active Worshipers: 86% of population
Peru has a strong native civilization, which has been celebrating the cult towards Pachamama (Mother Earth) before the Spanish conquerors had arrived. When Spanish colonizers arrived, they brought along Catholicism, producing a particular adaptation of the cult. The country also received the influence of diverse religions, such as Protestantism, Mormonism, Buddhism, and Hinduism among others, and all of them have lived together in the country since. About 86% of its 30,475,144-strong population consider themselves as religious, compared to only 8% who don’t.
No. 8 Kenya
Active Worshipers: 88% of population
This country, famous for its tea production, has numerous religions. Diverse ethnic groups live together in Kenya, such as Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, Kalenjin, Meru, Kisii; some with African religions. Nevertheless, Christianity in its various forms dominates in Kenya. 23.5% are Roman Catholics, while 47% are Protestants. About 88% of Kenyans actively practice their faith. Only 9% of its population has stated that they are not actively religious.
No. 7 Iraq
Active Worshipers: 88% of population
The Islamic population in Iraq is estimated at 95%. With a population exceeding 31,129,225 people, 88% of Iraqis consider themselves active in their faith, while only 9% do not.
No. 6 Romania
Active Worshipers: 89% of population
Romania has diverse religions living together in its territory, although Christianity is the main religion. More than 86% of its religiously active population practices the Orthodox Christian faith, while Protestants amount to just 5.2%, and Roman Catholics 4.7%. Romanians have a strong traditional culture and folklore, which includes spirits, monsters, vampires and werewolves. Currently 89% of Romanians consider themselves as actively religious.
No. 5 Macedonia
Active Worshipers: 92% of population
This country has been conquered many times, receiving the influence of numerous religions, cultures and beliefs in the process. Ottoman Turks brought Islam, the Byzantines brought Christianity, and the Bulgarian tzars brought the Orthodox faith. 92% of Macedonians consider themselves practicing worshipers. The largest religion in Macedonia today is Orthodox faith. Yet other beliefs such as Christianity, Islam and Judaism also have a strong presence.
No. 4 Armenia
Active Worshipers: 92% of population
Armenia, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, returned to its roots, and rejoined its traditional heritage. The country has diverse ethnic groups: Armenian are about 97.9%, Yezidis 1.3%, Russian 0.5% and other groups compose the remaining 0.3%. Catholicism is very important in Armenia, as it was the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 A.D. Today, 92% of Armenians are active religious worshipers, mainly Christian, but also with Muslim and Jewish populations.
No. 3 Fiji
Active Worshipers: 93% of population
Located in the Melanesian region of the South Pacific, Fiji is a remote country with a population that doesn’t reach the millions. Their main religion is Methodism and was brought by Methodist missionaries in the middle of the 19th century. About 93% of Fijians are considered religious. Fijians worships other faiths, such as Catholicism, Assemblies of God, Seventh-Day Adventist, Anglican and others. Religiosity among Fijians is estimated at 93%.
No. 2 Nigeria
Active Worshipers: 93% of population
Nigeria is a country with diverse religions spread across its regions. Nevertheless, Christianity is the largest religion, representing about 50.8% of its religiously active population, which accounts for 93% of total Nigerians. The second largest religion is practiced by Muslims, which are about 47.8% of religious people.
No. 1 Ghana
Active Worshipers: 96% of population
Located in Africa, Ghana is the most religious country in the world and contains more than 5 ethnic groups. Different religions live together in Ghana. The main religions are Christianity and Islam: Ghanaian Christians are estimated to be 71% of the population, and Muslims make up 17%. The country also holds other religions, such as Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism, Shintoism, and Judaism. Currently 96% of Ghanaian people claim to be active followers of their faiths. Only 2% of its population has declared themselves non-religious.
