Which nations are considered the most religious? Based on perception, US News & World Report conducted a global survey in September 2024 and came up with a list of the world's most religious countries, by evaluating 89 nations and hearing from 17,000 participants.
The Islamic world's holiest cities -- Mecca and Medina -- are located in Saudi Arabia and Islam arose here. Public life is strongly intertwined with religious practices. The annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca attracts millions of Muslims worldwide.
Israel was No 1 on this list last year. Its very nickname Holy Land indicates its religiosity. The country has sites of great religious importance for Christians, Jews and Muslims. Approximately three-quarters of its population is Jewish. And the nation observes Sabbath customs and Jewish holidays with vigour.
Its official name is the Islamic Republic of Iran. A Shia majority nation, religious leaders wield significant influence over governance in this land of 85 million and counting. 'Irreligion' is not supported. There are infinitesimally tiny minorities of Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians and Yarsanis.
Perceived as a diverse, secular nation, with a rich diversity of religions, India is a land for people of all faiths. Hinduism is practiced by about 80 per cent. Article 25-28 of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. This pluralism is evident in the number of temples, mosques, dargahs, churches, synagogues, stupas, gurdwaras found in the length and breadth of the country.
UAE's cosmopolitan cities -- Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi -- is home to a diverse population. This federation of seven emirates has Islam as its official religion. But unlike say Saudi Arabia, the UAE has a more inclusive approach -- churches, temples and other houses of worship are found.
Egypt is dominated by Sunni Muslims, but Coptic Christians are an ancient and strong minority, approximately 15 per cent (official figures are not released). The country is home to Al-Azhar University, a leading institution of Islamic learning.
An Islamic state, where the majority of population is of the Sunni sect of Islam and the country’s legal system is based on Sharia law. While Islamic customs deeply influence daily life, it is more liberal in outlook than several neighbouring states. People of many faiths live in Qatar, and Muslims, as per 2020 figures, account for 62 per cent.
Jordan is also largely dominated by Sunni Muslims, with a small but very old Christian minority. Situated between Jerusalem and Mecca, it is a land dotted with many holy spots, including a few sacred Biblical sites -- like Al-Maghtas(where Jesus was baptised), Mount Nebo, many Byzantine churches -- indicating its both Islamic and Christian histories.
The nation has historically been a secular state since the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye in 1923, although it has a majority Muslim population. The nation bridges Europe and Asia, reflecting a blend of Islamic traditions and modern secularism.
Islam is the state religion of the Sultanate of Oman and the land has been Muslim since as early as the 7th century, while Prophet Muhammad was alive. Some 45 per cent are Sunni Islam, approximately 45 per cent are Ibadi Islam (Kharijite Islamic sect) and only 5 per cent are Shias. Christians, Hindus, Sikhs work in Oman and there are even two Hindu temples.
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