5 Most Buddhist Countries in Asia

In this article, we will take a look at the 5 most Buddhist countries in Asia. If you would like to read our discussion on the global influence of Buddhism, you can go to the 20 Most Buddhist Countries in Asia.

5. Sri Lanka

Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 68.6%

Buddhist Population = 15,440,000      

Buddhism is pivotal in Sri Lanka, shaping its cultural heritage and national identity and playing a key role in social and religious practices. Sri Lanka has one of the highest Buddhist populations in the world, making up 68.6% of the country’s total population. The official religion of Sri Lanka is also Buddhism.

4. Bhutan

Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 74.7%

Buddhist Population = 620,000

Bhutan’s identity is deeply intertwined with Buddhism, particularly Vajrayana Buddhism, which influences governance, art, and daily life. The official state religion of Bhutan is Buddhism, and almost 75% of the country’s population is Buddhist, making it one of the most Buddhist countries in the world.

3. Myanmar

Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 79.8%

Buddhist Population = 41,440,000        

Buddhism is integral to Myanmar’s cultural and social fabric, influencing its literature, art, and national holidays. With over 41 million Buddhists, Myanmar has the third-highest Buddhist population in the world. Consequently, almost 80% of the country’s population is Buddhist. The popular form of Buddhism in Myanmar is Theravada Buddhism, which is a mixture of astrology, numerology, and fortune-telling.

One distinctive feature of Buddhism in Myanmar is the increasing popularity of meditation among ordinary individuals. In the past, meditation was predominantly practiced by monks, while laypeople typically focused on offering alms to monks during their rounds. However, during the period of British colonial rule, meditation began to be introduced to laypeople on a broader scale for the first time. This tradition has continued to the present day

2. Thailand

Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 92.6%

Buddhist Population = 66,120,000        

Buddhism is central to Thai identity, influencing its art, architecture, and daily practices, with a significant portion of the population practicing Theravada Buddhism. Thailand has the second-highest Buddhist population in Asia, with about 93% of the population being Buddhist. The legal framework of Thailand formally acknowledges five religious denominations: Buddhism, Islam, Brahmin-Hinduism, Sikhism, and Christianity. Although there isn’t a designated state religion, the constitution mandates the monarch to adhere to Buddhism.

1. Cambodia

Buddhist Percentage of Total Population = 96.8%

Buddhist Population = 15,690,000        

Buddhism is a pillar of cultural and spiritual life in Cambodia, deeply influencing the country’s art, festivals, and social customs. Cambodia is the most Buddhist country in Asia, with 96.8% of its population identifying as Theravada Buddhists. It also has the fifth-largest Buddhist population in the world, making it one of the biggest Buddhist countries globally.