Many Religious ‘Nones’ Around the World Hold Spiritual Beliefs
Despite their nonreligious identity, many unaffiliated adults hold spiritual or religious beliefs. About a fifth or more in 22 countries believe in an afterlife, for example.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Religion
Sign up for our Religion newsletter
Sent weekly on Wednesday
All
Religion
Publications
-
Majorities in Europe, North America worried about Islamic extremism
People across Europe and in the U.S. and Canada have pervasive concerns about the threat of Islamic extremism in their countries.
-
Religious Belief and National Belonging in Central and Eastern Europe
Religion has reasserted itself as an important part of individual and national identity in a region that was once dominated by atheist communist regimes.
-
Though still conservative, young evangelicals are more liberal than their elders on some issues
The generation gap between millennials and older adults on social and political issues exists even among evangelical Protestants.
-
Sub-Saharan Africa experienced largest increase in religious restrictions in 2015
While sub-Saharan Africa had fewer religious restrictions than many other parts of the world in 2015, it experienced a larger increase than any other region.
-
In America, Does More Education Equal Less Religion?
Overall, U.S. adults with college degrees are less religious than others on some measures. However, Christians with higher levels of education appear to be just as religious as those with less schooling.
-
Among white evangelicals, regular churchgoers are the most supportive of Trump
White evangelicals overwhelming voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 election, and their support has continued into his presidency.
-
5 facts on how Americans view the Bible and other religious texts
This year, the Jewish festival of Passover coincides with the Christian celebration of Easter. Here are five key facts about Americans and their holy texts.
-
Global Restrictions on Religion Rise Modestly in 2015, Reversing Downward Trend
Government restrictions on religion and social hostilities involving religion increased in 2015 for the first time in three years. Government harassment and use of force surged in Europe, as did social hostilities against Muslims.
-
Why people with no religion are projected to decline as a share of the world’s population
Though the percentage of religiously “nones” in America has risen, the global share of religiously unaffiliated people is expected to fall in coming decades.
Signature Reports
How the Global Religious Landscape Changed From 2010 to 2020
Christians remain the largest religious group, and Muslims grew the fastest from 2010 to 2020. Read how the global share of Buddhists, Hindus, Jews and the religiously unaffiliated changed.
30% of Americans Consult Astrology, Tarot Cards or Fortune Tellers
Most who use astrology (or a horoscope), tarot cards or a fortune teller say they do so just for fun rather than for insights about life.
Decline of Christianity in the U.S. Has Slowed, May Have Leveled Off
After years of decline, the U.S. Christian share now shows signs of leveling off. The new Religious Landscape Study explores trends in identity, beliefs and practices.
Key Findings From the Global Religious Futures Project
The Global Religious Futures (GRF) project is jointly funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and The John Templeton Foundation. Here are some big-picture findings from the GRF, together with context from other Pew Research Center studies.
