Religion
Since prehistoric times, humans have observed religious practices around the world. Today four-fifths of the world adheres to one of twelve classical religions with unique customs, practices, and holidays. Find out about the major religions of the world, their traditions and cultures, statistics, the largest churches in the U.S. and more.
Religion Around the World
There are a dozen major religions, with several billion followers across every country. In many cases, religious belief and practices have become part of national cultures and identities. Read on to learn more about the world's biggest faiths and those who follow them (or who don't).
Top Eight Religions of the World
Top World Religion: The Religiously Unaffiliated
Religious Affiliation by Country
Countries with the Largest Unaffiliated Population
Median Age of Religious Adherents
The Major Faiths (concise table)
Selected Worldwide Religious Sites
Religion in the United States
Since the arrival of religious minorities in the colonial era, religion has played an important role in the history and daily life of the United States. Read more about the religions that have grown and spread throughout the U.S., and the most popular faiths today.
Self-Described Religious Identification Among American Adults
Non-Christian Religious Adherents in the United States
U.S. Religious Sects Originating in the 19th Century
Other Major Religions
The other major religions account for roughly one-third of the world's population, mostly concentrated in India, China, and Japan. Learn more about the classical religious traditions still prevalent in the world today.
1Confucianism & Taoism, both share common elements and principles with Chinese folk religion.
The Abrahamic Religions
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam account for more than half of the world's population. Claiming a common descent from the biblical patriarch Abraham, these religions have millennia of shared history. Learn more about what they have in common, their beliefs, and what sets them apart.
Books of the Bible: Old Testament in Order
Books of the Bible: New Testament in Order
List of Roman Pontiffs (Popes)
Books of the Bible: Summaries
If you're new to reading the Bible, or if you're just looking to refresh your memory on what each book is about, summaries of the books of the Bible can be incredibly helpful. The Bible is a collection of 66 books, divided into two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Each book has a unique message and purpose, and understanding these can help you gain a deeper understanding of the Bible as a whole.
Old Testament Summaries
New Testament Summaries