Hinduism

Nearly all adults in the six countries surveyed say diversity has either a positive or a neutral impact on their country.

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%).

Read about some of the ways focus group participants with ties to different faith traditions explain the complex relationship of religion and culture in their lives.

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

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.

With Diwali celebrations underway, here are some facts about Hindus around the world.

India’s artificially wide ratio of baby boys to baby girls – which arose in the 1970s from the use of prenatal diagnostic technology to facilitate sex-selective abortions – now appears to be narrowing. Son bias has declined sharply among Sikhs, while Christians continue to have a natural balance of sons and daughters.

Most Indians support gender equality, but a new survey finds that traditional gender norms still hold sway for many people in the country.

Indians nearly universally say it is important for women to have the same rights as men, including eight-in-ten who say this is very important.

Indians accept women as political leaders, but many favor traditional gender roles in family life.