Asia & the Pacific

A rising share of Asian Americans say they have no religion (32%), but many consider themselves close to one or more religious traditions for reasons such as family or culture. Christianity is still the largest faith group among Asian Americans (34%).

Overall, 56% of Singaporean adults say that having people of different religions, ethnic groups and cultures makes the country a better place to live.

While only 4% of Chinese adults formally identify as Buddhists, formal affiliation doesn’t reflect the full extent of Buddhist belief and practice.

Majorities of Buddhists in these countries also say it is appropriate for non-Buddhist tourists to participate in Buddhist practices.

Most people in all six South and Southeast Asian countries surveyed say they believe in God or unseen beings.

In Thailand, Cambodia and Sri Lanka, more than 90% of Buddhists see strong links between their religion and country. In the neighboring countries of Malaysia and Indonesia, nearly all Muslims say being Muslim is important to being truly part of their nation.

Despite the Chinese Communist Party's ban on religion, some 6% of party members formally identify with a religion.

A median of 63% across 24 countries surveyed see the UN in a positive light, another 28% see it negatively.

Based on formal religious identity, China is the least religious country in the world - with just 10% of Chinese adults self-identifying with a religion.

Only one-in-ten Chinese adults formally identify with a religion, but surveys indicate that religion plays a much bigger role in China when the definition is widened to include questions on spirituality, customs and traditional beliefs.