20 Most Buddhist Countries in Asia
20. United Arab Emirates
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 2.5%Buddhist Population = 210,000
Buddhism in the United Arab Emirates is practiced by a small segment of expatriates, with no significant cultural influence on the predominantly Islamic identity of the country. Buddhists make up 2.5% of the country’s population, making it one of the most Buddhist countries in Asia.
19. Bahrain
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 3.4%Buddhist Population = 50,000
In Bahrain, Buddhism is present among a minority of immigrants and has little impact on the national culture, which is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions. Around 3.4% of the country’s population is Buddhist.
18. Qatar
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 3.9%Buddhist Population = 90,000
With over 90,000 Buddhists residing in Qatar, the country hosts a modest Buddhist community, primarily expatriates, with minimal influence on the country's rich Islamic heritage and cultural practices. Buddhists make up almost 4% of the population of Qatar.
17. Kuwait
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 5.4%Buddhist Population = 180,000
Like the other Middle Eastern countries, Kuwait has a Muslim majority, with Buddhists making up only 5.4% of the total population. Buddhism has negligible influence on the country’s predominantly Islamic cultural landscape.
16. Brunei
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 8.9%Buddhist Population = 40,000
While Brunei has a small Buddhist community, primarily of Chinese descent, the nation's identity is strongly defined by Islam, overshadowing Buddhist cultural influences. Around 8.9% of the total population of Brunei is Buddhist, making it one of the most Buddhist countries in Asia.
15. Nepal
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 10.0%Buddhist Population = 3,540,000
Buddhism holds a significant place in Nepal, being the birthplace of Buddha. It shapes the cultural and spiritual fabric of the country alongside Hinduism. However, despite the strong ties with the origin of Buddhism, only 10% of the Nepalese population is Buddhist. Hinduism is the dominant religion in Nepal, followed by Buddhism.
14. Malaysia
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 15.6%Buddhist Population = 5,220,000
In Malaysia, Buddhism is practiced by a substantial portion of the Chinese community, contributing to the country's multicultural and multi-religious mosaic. Despite being a Muslim country, 15.6% of Malaysia’s population is Buddhist. With 5.2 million Buddhists residing in Malaysia, it is one of the top 10 countries with the largest Buddhist populations in the world.
13. Vietnam
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 16.2%Buddhist Population = 15,560,000
Buddhism is deeply engrained in Vietnamese culture and society, influencing art, architecture, and daily practices, reflecting the country's spiritual diversity. Around 16.2% of the country’s population is Buddhist. Vietnam is home to over 15 million Buddhists, making it the 7th largest Buddhist population in the world. However, Vietnam is officially an atheist state, with its citizens following Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
12. China
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 18.3%Buddhist Population = 254,700,000
China is home to 254 million Buddhists, making up 18.3% of the total Chinese population. Buddhism has profoundly influenced philosophy, art, literature, and social customs in China, making it a pivotal component of Chinese cultural identity. China is at the twelfth position on our list of the most Buddhist countries in Asia.
11. Taiwan
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 21.2%Buddhist Population = 4,930,000
Taiwan is home to a vibrant Buddhist community, with Buddhism playing a significant role in shaping social values, traditions, and festivals across the country. Around one-fifth of the country’s population identifies as Buddhist.
10. South Korea
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 21.9%Buddhist Population = 10,950,000
South Korea is home to almost 11 million Buddhists, making up 21.9% of the country's total population. Buddhism in South Korea has a rich history, influencing cultural traditions, arts, and meditation practices despite the growing influence of Christianity and secularism. South Korea has one of the largest Buddhist populations in the world, ranking 8th worldwide.
9. Singapore
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 32.2%Buddhist Population = 1,890,000
Singapore's multicultural society includes a significant Buddhist population, contributing to the country’s diverse religious landscape and cultural practices. Singapore is one of the most developed Asian countries, with Buddhists making up almost 32% of the country's population. Singapore is among the top 10 most Buddhist countries in Asia.
8. Japan
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 33.2%Buddhist Population = 41,380,000
Buddhism, intertwined with Shintoism, significantly shapes Japanese traditions, arts, and societal norms, contributing to the country’s unique cultural identity. Japan is also a developed Asian country, with almost one-third of the population being Buddhists. With 41 million Buddhists, Japan has the fourth largest Buddhist population in the world.
7. Mongolia
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 54.2%Buddhist Population = 1,730,000
Buddhism is central to Mongolian cultural and spiritual life, with Tibetan Buddhism having a profound impact on its art, music, and festivals. Buddhists are the majority in Mongolia, making up 54.2% of the country’s population.
6. Laos
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 64.0%Buddhist Population = 4,630,000
In Laos, Buddhism is a cornerstone of daily life and cultural identity, influencing everything from art to community events and rituals. It is a Buddhist-majority country, with 64% of the population identifying as Buddhist.
5. Sri Lanka
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 68.6%
Buddhist Population = 15,440,000
Buddhism is pivotal in Sri Lanka, shaping its cultural heritage and national identity and playing a key role in social and religious practices. Sri Lanka has one of the highest Buddhist populations in the world, making up 68.6% of the country’s total population. The official religion of Sri Lanka is also Buddhism.
4. Bhutan
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 74.7%
Buddhist Population = 620,000
Bhutan’s identity is deeply intertwined with Buddhism, particularly Vajrayana Buddhism, which influences governance, art, and daily life. The official state religion of Bhutan is Buddhism, and almost 75% of the country’s population is Buddhist, making it one of the most Buddhist countries in the world.
3. Myanmar
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 79.8%
Buddhist Population = 41,440,000
Buddhism is integral to Myanmar’s cultural and social fabric, influencing its literature, art, and national holidays. With over 41 million Buddhists, Myanmar has the third-highest Buddhist population in the world. Consequently, almost 80% of the country’s population is Buddhist. The popular form of Buddhism in Myanmar is Theravada Buddhism, which is a mixture of astrology, numerology, and fortune-telling.
One distinctive feature of Buddhism in Myanmar is the increasing popularity of meditation among ordinary individuals. In the past, meditation was predominantly practiced by monks, while laypeople typically focused on offering alms to monks during their rounds. However, during the period of British colonial rule, meditation began to be introduced to laypeople on a broader scale for the first time. This tradition has continued to the present day
2. Thailand
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 92.6%
Buddhist Population = 66,120,000
Buddhism is central to Thai identity, influencing its art, architecture, and daily practices, with a significant portion of the population practicing Theravada Buddhism. Thailand has the second-highest Buddhist
1. Cambodia
Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 96.8%
Buddhist Population = 15,690,000
Buddhism is a pillar of cultural and spiritual life in Cambodia, deeply influencing the country’s art, festivals, and social customs. Cambodia is the most Buddhist country in Asia, with 96.8% of its population identifying as Theravada Buddhists. It also has the fifth-largest Buddhist population in the world, making it one of the biggest Buddhist countries globally.
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