What are the countries with the highest Hindu population? Hinduism is one of the top religions in the world by population, with over 15% of the world population being followers. But surprisingly, almost 99% of the Hindu population still resides in the Asia-Pacific region- its birthplace!
Often hailed as the oldest religion in the world, Hinduism is known for its diversity. Even beliefs among the Hindus greatly vary sometimes. However, though there aren’t any centralized governing bodies or religious authorities, and different ways of practice, similarities do exist in the rituals of worship and some beliefs. Common beliefs are centered on the themes of Dharma (duties), Samsara (cycle of birth), Karma (actions), Moksha (liberation), as well as some prescribed paths or Yogas. But what is interesting about the religion, and probably separates Hinduism from most other religions of the world, is the concept of God. The beliefs range across monotheism, polytheism, to even atheism. It largely depends on individual traditions among sections. And, sometimes they are deeply rooted or directly referenced from Hindu mythologies.
India Picture / shutterstock.com
When the Hindu population distribution of the world is studied, India by far has the largest population of Hindus, both in terms of absolute numbers as well as percentage wise. But if you have been thinking India is the only country with a majorly Hindu population, you might be in for a revelation with this list. Among the 1 billion Hindu populations across the world, over 60 million reside outside India. The other two countries which majorly comprises of a Hindu population are Nepal and Mauritius. Though Mauritius, owing to its size, does not make the current list of countries with the highest Hindu population, a major percentage of the population (around 48.5%) are Hindus.
If the religions of the world are an area of interest for you, our other list of 10 Most Religious Countries in the World should be a worthy read! For now let’s unveil the list of the countries with the highest Hindu population in the world.
11. Unites Arab Emirates,
UAE has a lot of Indian residents and almost 21.5 % of the population practices the religion. The total number of Hindus in the country is around 944,352, a lot of them belonging to the business communities.
Rasti Sedlak / Shutterstock.com
10. South Africa
The second country with the highest Hindu population in Africa after Mauritius, South Africa has over 959,000 Hindu residents. Most of them are believed to be immigrants from different regions in India, mainly Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. There are also several temples in the country and the Hindu communities celebrate major festivals like Diwali.
9. United States
Though Hinduism is a minority religion in the country, a significant number of Hindus reside in the United States. Around 1, 204,560 people are Hindus, majority of them being Indian Americans, immigrants from Southeast Asia, while some are converts.
8. Malaysia
Malaysia’s Hindu population is 6.3% of its total population, most of them settled in the western part of the country. Major Hindu festivals that are celebrated in the country include Diwali, Pongal, Navratri and Thaipusam. The country also has some notable temples and Hindu shrines.
7. Philippines
Hindu communities are prominent in the country and have had significant cultural influence. Though most of the Hindu communities consist of Indian immigrant, some of the natives have also been practicing the religion. Yoga and meditation are also popular.
6. Sri Lanka
12.6% of the Sri Lankan population is Hindu. Hinduism is mainly practiced in the Northeastern region, mostly by the Tamil population and also some Telegus and Malayalees. The teaching of Shiva Sidhanta is mainly followed and the deity Murugan is worshipped vehemently.
5. Pakistan
The Pakistani Hindu population is mostly concentrated in the Sindh province and is of Pakistani descent. The current percentage of Hindus in the country is a mere 2%, but considering the numbers, it definitely is amongst the countries with the highest Hindu population in the world.
4. Indonesia
Of the 1.25% of Hindu population in Indonesia, over 83% are concentrated in Bali alone. It is one of the six official religions of the country. Bali has an abunadance of Hindu temples and art. The Balinese Hindus believe in the Kula Deva or the individual family deity.
3. Bangladesh
Hinduism is the second most prominent religion in the country. Tradition and belief wise the Hinduism in the country greatly resembles that of the neighboring Indian state of West Bengal. The goddess Durga and Kali are widely worshipped.
2. Nepal
The most common religion in the country is Hinduism with over 81.3% of the population being adherents. The national calendar is based on the Hindu solar calendar. The traditions are similar to that of North India and Lord Vishnu is the most popular God.
1. India
78.5% of the population in the India is Hindu, where the Vedic culture and Hinduism is said to have originated. Hindu traditions even vary across the length of the country. With almost 94% of the Hindus of the world residing in the country, India without doubt is the top of the countries with the highest Hindu population in the world.
Natalia Davidovich / shutterstock.com
