As of the most recent estimates, the global Hindu population is approximately 1.2 billion, making it the third-largest religion worldwide. The majority of Hindus, about 94%, reside in India, where Hinduism is the predominant faith. Significant Hindu populations also exist in Nepal, which is the only Hindu-majority country, and in other nations such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. Outside Asia, large Hindu communities can be found in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Globally, Hinduism represents about 15-16% of the world's population.
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Hindu Population in the World: A Comprehensive Analysis
Global Overview of Hinduism
Hinduism is the third-largest religion in the world, with a population of approximately 1.2 billion people as of recent estimates. This represents about 15-16% of the global population. Hinduism, often considered the world's oldest religion, has no single founder and is characterized by a rich tapestry of spiritual traditions, practices, and philosophies. The majority of Hindus live in South Asia, but Hindu communities can be found across the globe.
Hindu Population in India
India is home to the vast majority of the global Hindu population. Approximately 94% of the world's Hindus, or about 1.1 billion people, live in India. Hinduism is the dominant religion in India, accounting for around 79.8% of the country's total population. The faith plays a central role in Indian culture, society, and politics, influencing everything from festivals and rituals to laws and governance.
Other Major Hindu Populations in Asia
While India holds the largest concentration of Hindus, other countries in South Asia also have significant Hindu populations. Nepal is the only other Hindu-majority country, with about 81% of its population adhering to the religion. Nepal is home to around 29 million Hindus, making it the second-largest Hindu population in the world.
In Bangladesh, Hindus make up roughly 8.5% of the population, amounting to around 13 million people. This minority population faces social and political challenges but remains an integral part of the nation's cultural fabric. Other countries in Asia with notable Hindu populations include Sri Lanka, where Hindus make up 12.6% of the population (around 2.3 million), and Indonesia, where approximately 1.7% of the population, or 4 million people, are Hindus, primarily on the island of Bali.
Hindu Communities Outside Asia
Hinduism has spread beyond Asia, with significant communities now established in many parts of the world. Fiji has a notable Hindu population, with around 27.9% of the population adhering to Hinduism, primarily descended from Indian laborers brought during the British colonial period.
In the United States, there are approximately 3.4 million Hindus, making up about 1% of the U.S. population. The American Hindu community is diverse, consisting of immigrants from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other countries. Hinduism has also influenced American culture through the spread of yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices.
Canada is home to around 500,000 Hindus, largely centered in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, Hindus make up about 1.5% of the population, or over 1 million people, with large communities in London, Leicester, and Birmingham. These communities maintain cultural and religious practices while integrating into broader society.
Hindus in Africa and the Caribbean
In Africa, the largest Hindu population resides in Mauritius, where approximately 48.5% of the population is Hindu, reflecting the legacy of Indian laborers brought by the British. South Africa also has a significant Hindu community, primarily descended from indentured laborers brought by the British to work on sugar plantations. Today, around 1.1 million Hindus live in South Africa, representing 1.9% of the population.
In the Caribbean, Hinduism is primarily practiced in countries like Trinidad and Tobago, where about 18% of the population, or roughly 240,000 people, are Hindus. Similar communities exist in Guyana and Suriname, reflecting the history of Indian migration to these regions during the 19th century.
Challenges and Growth of Hinduism
While Hinduism continues to thrive in many parts of the world, it also faces challenges. In some countries, Hindu minorities experience religious discrimination and social marginalization. However, the global Hindu population is projected to grow due to high fertility rates in Hindu-majority countries like India and Nepal. By 2050, the global Hindu population is expected to reach nearly 1.4 billion, maintaining its position as the third-largest religion in the world.
