The forgotten 'secret city'
The Chinese Communist Party's promotion of atheism and strict government regulations have suppressed open religious practice. Figures of reportedly "convinced atheists" reach 67%. Despite this, spiritual practices linked to Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are still common.
Sources: (World Population Review) (BBC) (The Guardian) (US Department of State Report on Religious Freedom) (Pew Research Center)
See also: The curious beliefs and practices of unconventional religions
While 18% of Swedes identify as atheists, 55% are non-religious. The Church of Sweden, though officially recognized, plays a diminishing role in society. Many Swedes opt for non-religious life events, such as name-giving ceremonies, rather than traditional church rituals like christenings.
While 25% of Czechs identify as atheists, 72% are non-religious. This secularism can be traced back to the 19th century and the communist era. Czechs are highly supportive of social issues like abortion and same-sex marriage, and they are less likely to attend religious services or believe in God compared to other Central and Eastern European countries.
While only 11% of Britons identify as atheists, 37.8% are non-religious according to the 2021 census. Researchers suggest this underestimates the growth of atheism, as many non-believers may not self-identify as atheists. The 2024 Explaining Atheism project indicates that Britain has entered its "first atheist age."
In Belgium, 21% of the population identifies as atheists and 43% are non-religious. Belgium is one of the world's most secular nations, with strong government support for non-religious beliefs and practices, according to the 2022 Freedom of Thought Report by Humanists International.
While 58% of Estonians identify as non-religious, only 10% declared themselves atheists. Many believe in spirits or life forces, and a growing number have embraced neo-paganism. The Lutheran Church, though the largest, accounts for only 13% of the population.
While 21% of Taiwanese identify as atheists, the region's spiritual landscape is more complex. Data suggests that 46% pray to or honor Buddha, and 87% believe in karma. While religion may not be central to daily life for many, spiritual beliefs and practices remain significant.
The 2021 Australian census shows a significant increase in non-religious individuals, with 38.9% claiming no religion. This trend is particularly strong among young adults. While 13% identify as convinced atheists, the broader trend suggests a decline in religious affiliation.
While only 10% of Canadians identify as convinced atheists, the 2021 census shows a significant increase in non-religious individuals. Over a third (37%) identify as agnostic, atheist, or having no religion.
While 23% of South Koreans identify as atheist, significant portions still adhere to Protestantism, Buddhism, and Catholicism. However, factors like unemployment, hierarchical religious structures, and increased smartphone use may be contributing to declining religious attendance.
A recent survey revealed that for the first time, more Norwegians (39%) do not believe in God than those who do (37%). While 12% identify as atheist, tolerance towards non-belief is instilled from a young age. Norway's public schools include a mandatory course on world religions and philosophies, promoting respect for all beliefs, including atheism.
In 2017, 46% of Danes did not believe in God, while 15% believed with absolute certainty. While 14% identify as atheists, many Danes still value the Church of Denmark for its cultural and historical significance. With over half of its priests being women, the church has become more progressive, attracting a wider range of members.
While 14% of Germans identify as convinced atheists, a 2012 study found that 52% of East Germans identify as atheists compared to 10% in West Germany. Overall, 46% of Germans are irreligious, with the former East Germany being considered the least religious region in the world.
While data suggests that 30% of Hong Kong's population are "convinced atheists," East Asia's spiritual landscape is more nuanced. Traditional Asian spiritual practices, often not categorized as religion in Western terms, are widespread. For example, 30% of Hong Kong adults pray to or honor Guanyin, a deity associated with compassion.
Atheism in Spain has doubled in the past decade, with 16% now identifying as atheists. A 2018 study found 27% of Spaniards are atheist, agnostic, or non-believing. Under the Franco dictatorship, open atheism was suppressed. However, since the democratic transition, religious freedom has allowed for a rise in non-religious beliefs.
According to the 2021 MOJ report, the largest religious groups in Latvia are Lutheran (37%), Roman Catholic (19%), and Latvian Orthodox Christian (13%). Only 9% identify as atheist. Atheism in Latvia is often linked to Baltic-German intellectual influence, emphasizing secularism and its sole focus on worldly concerns.
Despite religious conflicts, Israel has many non-religious and atheist citizens, with 8% reportedly convinced atheists. According to Israeli newspaper Haaretz, atheism is deeply ingrained in Israeli society. Many Jews practice some religious acts, but consider themselves as secular.
While Ireland remains predominantly Catholic (69%) and only 9% identify as atheist, recent social changes indicate a shift away from traditional values. However, religion's influence persists, with 88% of national schools remaining under the Catholic Church’s remit in 2023.
While 10% of Austrians identify as atheists and 22.4% have no religion, the country remains predominantly Catholic (55%). However, religious affiliation has declined over the past decades. Austrian Christians are obligated to pay a church tax, which is calculated as a percentage of their income.
While 28% of polled Slovenians identify as atheists, estimates of non-religious individuals range from 13% to 34.8%. Despite a historical association with Catholicism, Slovenia has seen a rise in secularism, while religious festivals and traditions remain culturally significant even among non-religious individuals.
In France, 21% of people identify as atheists and 29% are non-religious, making it a highly secular nation. "Laïcité," a concept emphasizing the separation of religion and state, has led to strict limits on religious expression in public life. However, Islam, with over 5 million followers, remains a significant religious presence in France.
While 17% of Icelanders identify as atheists, the Lutheran Church remains the state church. However, religious affiliation and practice have declined. Students can opt out of religious studies, and blasphemy is not a crime. A growing number of Icelanders are turning to neo-paganism, seeking a connection to Norse mythology and spirituality.
Lithuania remains a predominantly Catholic country, with 74% identifying as Roman Catholic in 2021. While 47% consider themselves religious, only 6% are true atheists.
According to the 2021 census, 69.5% of Bulgarians are Eastern Orthodox Christian, and 10.7% are Muslim. While religion is still significant, 3% identify as atheists, likely influenced by the country's communist past.
With 6% identifying as atheists and 30% non-religious, Ukrainians have faced challenges, including in faith. A 2023 survey by the Razumkov Center found that faith in God increased 29% during the war, while only 7% lost faith.
Declared the world's first atheist nation in 1967 under Enver Hoxha's communist regime, Albania is known for its religious tolerance. Today, 9% of the population identifies as atheist and 30% as non-religious, while Albanian Muslims and Christians coexist peacefully.
Poland remains one of Europe's most religious countries, with only 1% identifying as atheists. Catholicism dominates, though religious practice has declined. The penal code protects religious sentiment, with potential fines of up to 5,000 zloty (U$1,100) or imprisonment for public insults to religious symbols or places of worship.
Atheism, the belief that there is no God, has been on the rise globally. But what does this mean for different cultures and societies? Is it simply a rejection of religion, or something more complex?
Recent studies show how, from the staunchly secular nations of Europe to the spiritually rich cultures of Asia, the landscape of atheism varies widely. One particular finding highlights how nonbelief in God does not necessarily rule out belief in other supernatural phenomena, as most atheists and agnostics express some type of supernatural belief.
From historical, societal, and technological shifts, click through this gallery to uncover what could be driving people across the globe away from traditional ideas of religion.
The most atheist countries in the world
The complexities of faith and atheism worldwide
LIFESTYLE Religion
Atheism, the belief that there is no God, has been on the rise globally. But what does this mean for different cultures and societies? Is it simply a rejection of religion, or something more complex?
Recent studies show how, from the staunchly secular nations of Europe to the spiritually rich cultures of Asia, the landscape of atheism varies widely. One particular finding highlights how nonbelief in God does not necessarily rule out belief in other supernatural phenomena, as most atheists and agnostics express some type of supernatural belief.
From historical to societal and technological shifts, click through this gallery to uncover what could be driving people across the globe away from traditional ideas of religion.