Largest Hindu Populations in the World

India (Commonwealth Union)_ Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions, is inextricably linked to the culture and history of India, where it originated thousands of years ago. Additionally, Hindu organizations, on the other hand, have expanded worldwide over time. They have shared rich traditions, vibrant festivals, and spiritual practices that have spread far beyond their beginnings. While India accounts for the great majority of the world’s Hindus, numerous other countries have sizable Hindu populations. Here’s a deeper look at the 10 nations with the highest Hindu populations today, according to the most current World Population Review data.

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1. India

Unsurprisingly, India leads the list by a wide margin. With around 1.2 billion followers, Hinduism forms the foundation of India’s cultural identity, making up nearly 80% of the country’s population. India is the birthplace of Hinduism and serves as its spiritual and intellectual center. The country is home to many temples, sacred sites, and traditions that have shaped the faith over the years. About 95% of the world’s Hindu population lives in India, highlighting the country’s important role in preserving and sharing Hindu beliefs and customs.

2. Nepal

Nepal ranks second, with about 28 million Hindus making up more than 81% of the population. Located in the Himalayas between India and China, Nepal was the world’s last legally acknowledged Hindu kingdom until 2008, when it became a secular republic.Religion has a significant impact on Nepalese society. The national character deeply embeds historic temples, pilgrimage sites, and festivals like Dashain and Tihar.

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3. Bangladesh

Bangladesh ranks third, with an estimated Hindu population of 13.8 million people, which is about 8–10% of the total population. Even though it is a Muslim-majority country, Bangladesh has a rich Hindu heritage, especially in regions close to the Indian border. Additionally, temples and religious celebrations, such as Durga Puja, are important to community life, particularly for Bengali Hindus.

4. Indonesia

Indonesia is home to about 4.2 million Hindus, the vast majority of whom live on the island of Bali. Although Hindus make up less than 2% of Indonesia’s population, the religion is prevalent in Bali, influencing everything from art and architecture to daily rituals and local politics. Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populated country, with more than 17,000 islands and a Muslim majority. However, its cultural arena adapts and accepts other robust religious expressions.

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5. Pakistan

Despite being an Islamic nation, Pakistan has a sizable Hindu minority of about 4 million individuals, or over 2% of the total population. The vast majority of Pakistan’s Hindus live in Sindh province, where different groups have thrived for decades. Hindu temples, although fewer in number than in India, are important spiritual and cultural hubs for these groups.

6. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to about 3.1 million Hindus, making up more than 14% of the population. Most of them are ethnic Tamils from the island’s north and east. Hinduism has a rich history in Sri Lanka that goes back over 2,000 years. Despite facing long and tough civil strife, the Hindu community has stayed strong. They continue to celebrate religious holidays and customs, such as the Kataragama festival and Maha Shivaratri.

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7. United States

The Hindu population in the United States has grown steadily and is now estimated at 2.8 million people. This makes up about 0.9% of the total population. In recent decades, immigration from India, Nepal, and other South Asian countries has played a key role in the religion’s growth. Hindu temples are now found throughout the country, from California to New York, and holidays such as Diwali and Holi are popular in many American cities. Hindus in the United States have some of the greatest educational levels of any religious community in the country, with many actively participating in academics, science, business, and technology.

8. Malaysia

With approximately 2.1 million Hindus, Malaysia stands eighth on the list. Hindus make up little more than 6% of Malaysia’s population, with the majority descending from Indian immigrants imported to the nation under British colonial administration. The majority of Malaysian Hindus live in Peninsular Malaysia, where temples like the famed Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur attract thousands of visitors each year. Thaipusam, for example, is still a highly recognized festival that draws large crowds.

9. United Kingdom

The UK’s Hindu population is around 1.07 million, accounting for 1.7% of the overall population. Hinduism is the third-largest religion in the country, following Christianity and Islam. Most British Hindus are of Indian descent. Many immigrated from India, East Africa, and the Caribbean in the mid-twentieth century. Hindu culture plays a significant role in British multiculturalism. There are temples, schools, and cultural organizations in cities like London, Leicester, and Birmingham.

10. Myanmar

Myanmar rounds off the list, with an estimated 910,000 Hindus, or 1.7% of the total population. Hinduism in Myanmar started with Indian businesspeople and laborers moving to Myanmar during the British colonial era. Today, most Hindus in Myanmar belong to Indian and Nepali backgrounds, including Tamils, Punjabis, Gujaratis, and Gurkhas. They live in cities like Yangon, Bago, and Mon State. Despite the country’s complex political and ethnic landscape, they maintain their religious sites and cultural traditions.

Hinduism and the growing diaspora

Despite Hinduism’s focus on South Asia, its influence extends far beyond the Indian subcontinent. Only India and Nepal have Hindu majorities. However, active communities exist around the world. Hindu traditions survive globally. Temples in Bali and London, as well as the growing diaspora community in the USA, uphold these traditions. The diaspora communities across the world also contribute to the spread of Hinduism. These communities hold onto their traditions and spread the cultures they are part of. They show an exclusive blend of ancient culture and modern practices. Furthermore, the global expansion of Hinduism demonstrates its adaptability, spiritual depth, and lasting attraction.