UNIT I-WORLD RELIGIONS

Geography of Religion and Non Religious States

A Global View of Religion and Geography

Major breakup of religions in the world 33% -Christian 20% -Islam 14% -Other 13% -Nonreligious 13% -Hinduism 6% -Buddhism .2%-Jewish

North and South America

The population of North and South America are more than 80% Christian because both continents were conquered, or “settled” by Christians prior to 1500.

Native religions existed prior to 1500, however, most of the Native Americans were killed off by war and disease.

Populations have changed in North and South America over the last 200 years due to mass immigration to the Americas.

Africa

Over the past 400 years, the religious make up of Africa has changed dramatically.

Africa was originally made up of native religions and Islam.

The North of Africa has practiced Islam due to the spread from the Middle East, Egypt, and other North African countries.

More than 300 years ago, European countries tried to colonize African countries and various missionaries converted many African people.

The religious make up of Africa today is listed below: 40% Muslim 46% Christian 14% Other

Africa Chart

Europe

Traditionally, Europe has been a mostly Christian continent.

Many of the Christian sects stemmed from Europe.

Today, however, Europe is 79% Christian, 9% Jewish, 4% Muslim and 8% other.

Israel

Israel was formed in 1948 after World War II. Many Jewish refugees fled to Israel after the

formation of the Jewish State. Today Israel is 77% Jewish. A Muslim population already resided in Israel

in 1948 and has remained making 12% of the population Muslim.

Bethlehem and Nazareth are located in Israel, drawing a Christian population to the country. Israel is 6% Christian.

Israel Chart

Southwest Asia

Southwest Asia can also be defined as the Middle East.

Most countries in Southwest Asia are Muslims countries.

Southwest Asia is 92% Muslim, 5% other, and 3% Christian.

India

Hinduism was founded in India and the country has largely kept it’s Hindu population.

75% of people who reside in India are Hindu. Since India is very close to other Muslim

countries, 12% of India is Muslim. 6% of the Indian population is listed as other

and 6% are Christian. Buddhism is also popular in India, but only

accounts for 1% of the population.

India Chart

The Commonwealth of Independent States

Many countries broke away from Russia in the early 1990’s. When they broke away, the countries earned the right to practice and decide upon their own religions.

Today, 39% of the Commonwealth of Independent states is Christian, while another 39% is Muslim.

17% of The Commonwealth of Independent States is reported as nonreligious as Russia was at one time a communist state.

Commonwealth of Independent States Chart

China

China is a unique state as it was officially listed as a nonreligious country only a few years ago.

Although it was listed as nonreligious, many people still practiced some sort of worship.

41% of China is listed as practicing other religions and 42% are nonreligious. This is due to communist influence.

8% of China is Buddhism, 7% are Christian, and 2% are Muslim.

Confucianism is very popular in China and probably accounts for the “other” group.

China Chart

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia contains a diverse religious population.

Many explorers, missionaries and others have traveled to Southeast Asia and have therefore had an influence on the religious makeup.

23% of Southeast Asia is Christian, 29% are Muslim, 23% are Buddhist, 23% are other, and 2% are Hindu.

Southeast Asia Chart

“Nonreligous” States

Some communist countries have declared themselves officially “nonreligious” to avoid outside influence.

Therefore, the official counting of religious citizens within the countries may be flawed in an effort to demonstrate support for the government policies on religion.

Social pressures often coax people to hide religious beliefs.