Buddhism

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.

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.

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.

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.