Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Several countries around the world have populations with strong religious beliefs. Recent survey has measured religiosity in 148 countries, ranking it into list of The World Most Religious Countries.
Many people actively engage in religious practices to strengthen their faith and deepen their connection with their Creator. In some nations, faith plays a central role in daily life, influencing cultural, social, and political systems.
According to World Atlas, CEOWORLD magazine conducted a survey measuring religiosity in 148 countries in 2024. With data from 820,000 participants worldwide, the study examined how religion influences global societies.
The list ranked country based on its religiosity score, portraying the percentage of populations claimed to be belief in religion. Somalia top the list with religiosity score 99.8%, Meaning 99.8 percent of its populations was religious. While Nigeria came second with 99.7 percent, and Bangladesh take the third spot with 99.5 percent.
Here are the top ten most religious countries in the world, as reported by CNBC Indonesia :
1. Somalia (Religiosity Score: 99.8)
Somalia has a rich spiritual history, influenced by African traditional religions, Islam, and Christianity. Islam has played a significant role in Somalia since the 7th century, making it one of the first regions to embrace the faith. Over time, Somalia became an important center of learning for the Muslim world.
Despite the dominance of Islam, African traditional beliefs continue to be practiced alongside Islamic teachings. Christianity, which arrived in Somalia in the 12th century, remains a minority religion.
2. Nigeria (Religiosity Score: 99.7)
Nigeria is a culturally diverse country where religion plays a major role in society. The majority of Nigerians practice Islam, primarily Sunni Islam. According to the CIA World Factbook (2018), Nigeria’s population is approximately 53.5% Muslim and 45.9% Christian, including 10.6% Roman Catholic and 35.3% other Christian denominations.
Islam was introduced to Nigeria in the 15th century through the expansion of the Songhai Empire, quickly becoming the dominant religion in the region.
3. Bangladesh (Religiosity Score: 99.5)
Bangladesh has a long and diverse spiritual history, influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. Buddhism and Hinduism arrived in Bangladesh in the 3rd century through trade with India and China, leading to the construction of temples and monasteries across the region.
Islam was introduced in the 6th century by Middle Eastern traders and gradually became the dominant faith. European colonialists later brought Christianity to Bangladesh in the 16th century. Today, the country remains predominantly Muslim, with smaller Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities.
4. Ethiopia (Religiosity Score: 99.3)
Ethiopia is a predominantly Christian country with a deep-rooted religious heritage. Christianity was introduced to the Aksumite Empire in the 4th century by a Greek-speaking missionary, Frumentius, who later became an important figure in Ethiopian Orthodoxy.
Islam also has a long history in Ethiopia, dating back to the 7th century when the first Muslim community sought refuge there. Although a minority religion, Islam has had a lasting impact on Ethiopia’s culture and history.
5. Yemen (Religiosity Score: 99.1)
Yemen has a rich religious history influenced by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Islam became the dominant faith in Yemen in the 7th century when Prophet Muhammad appointed his son-in-law as governor of the region. Yemen quickly became a center for Islamic scholarship and education.
Judaism has been present in Yemen since the 3rd century, while Christianity was introduced in the 6th century. Today, Yemen remains an overwhelmingly Muslim country.
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6. Malawi (Religiosity Score: 99)
Malawi’s spiritual heritage is shaped by African traditional religions, Christianity, and Islam. Indigenous religious practices have coexisted with newer faiths for centuries.
Christianity was introduced by European missionaries in the 19th century and has since become the majority religion. Islam, introduced by traders from the East African coast in the 15th century, remains a minority faith with significant cultural influence.
7. Indonesia (Religiosity Score: 98.7)
Indonesia officially recognizes six religions: Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
Hinduism and Buddhism arrived in Indonesia in the 1st and 2nd centuries through trade with India and China, gaining popularity among the ruling elites. Islam was introduced in the 13th century by Middle Eastern traders and gradually became the dominant faith. European colonists later brought Christianity in the 16th century, adding to Indonesia’s religious diversity.
8. Sri Lanka (Religiosity Score: 98.6)
Sri Lanka has a long and diverse religious history, with influences from Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.
Buddhism was introduced in the 3rd century BCE by Mahinda, a missionary sent by Indian Emperor Ashoka. It quickly became the dominant religion. Hinduism also has a strong presence in Sri Lanka, contributing to the country’s many temples and sacred sites.
Islam arrived in the 7th century, while European colonists introduced Christianity in the 16th century. Today, Sri Lanka’s religious diversity reflects its complex and varied history.
9. Mauritania (Religiosity Score: 98.5)
Located in North Africa, Mauritania has a population of around four million people, the vast majority of whom practice Islam. The country’s religious landscape is relatively homogenous compared to others on this list.
Although Arabic is the official language, Mauritania is home to a rich linguistic diversity, including French and indigenous languages such as Soninke, Pulaar, and Wolof.
10. Djibouti (Religiosity Score: 98.2)
Situated in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti has a long history of Islamic influence. Islam was introduced in the 7th century by Arab traders and settlers, becoming deeply integrated into Djibouti’s national identity.
Djibouti’s strategic location as a trade hub between Africa and the Middle East contributed to the rapid spread of Islam in the region. Today, the majority of the population adheres to Sunni Islam, with the faith playing a central role in daily life and cultural traditions.
Conclusion
Religion continues to be a defining factor in many societies around the world. These ten most religious countries, with their deeply rooted faiths, reflect the powerful influence of religion on culture, governance, and daily life. As global dynamics evolve, the role of religion remains an essential aspect of identity and social cohesion in these highly religious nations.
(Raidi/Agung)
