Religion has played a central role in shaping cultures and societies throughout history. However, in many parts of the world today, a growing number of people are choosing to live without religious affiliation.
Whether driven by historical events, political ideologies, or shifting cultural values, secularism is on the rise globally.
From Europe to Asia, and even parts of the Americas, entire populations are increasingly identifying as non-religious.
This list highlights 15 countries with the largest non-religious populations, offering insights into the factors, both historical and modern, that have influenced their secular outlook. These trends reflect a significant shift in global belief systems.
1. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic holds the distinction of having the highest rate of non-religious citizens globally, standing at 78.4%.
This significant number is potentially linked to the country’s historical period under communist rule from 1948 to 1989.
Communism generally promoted atheism or secular ideologies, which may have contributed to the decline in religious affiliation that persists today in the Czech Republic.
2. North Korea
In North Korea, 71% of citizens report being non-religious. Despite its constitution mentioning freedom of religion, it includes a prohibition against using religion to “harm the state”.
The government leverages this clause to justify severe actions against religious practitioners, including arrests, torture, imprisonment, and even execution.
3. Estonia
Sixty percent of Estonians are non-religious. Estonia has a long history with various religious groups, such as Lutherans, Orthodox Christians, and Roman Catholics.
However, the period of connection to communism from 1940 to 1990 resulted in a considerable decrease in the number of citizens actively practicing a religion.
4. Japan
Despite a deep reverence for cultural traditions rooted in Shintoism and Buddhism, with approximately 80,000 Shinto Shrines existing, 60% of Japanese citizens identify as non-religious.
While traditions remain important, a significant portion of the population does not affiliate with an organized religion.
5. Hong Kong
Hong Kong has a non-religious population of almost 55%. This relatively low religious affiliation is influenced by a combination of factors, including its diverse demographics and a cosmopolitan culture.
These elements contribute to a less religiously affiliated society compared to many other places.
6. China
Just over half of China’s population, specifically 52%, is non-religious. Historically, Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism were popular faiths.
However, the current government restricts many religious practices and frequently censors religious materials, contributing to the high rate of non-religious citizens.
7. South Korea
South Korea’s non-religious rate stands at 46%. The country has seen the rise of more secularized worldviews.
These perspectives often prioritize economic advancement over religious practice. This cultural shift has led to fewer people attending services at religious institutions.
8. Latvia
As part of a broader trend in Europe, Latvia has become more secular over time, with a non-religious rate of 45.3%.
Latvia also experienced a period under the Soviet era with a state policy of atheism. These historically imposed beliefs appear to have a lingering effect today.
9. Netherlands
Secularism began to increase in the Netherlands after World War II. A significant portion of the youth today were reportedly raised outside of religious institutions.
This lack of institutional involvement has contributed to the country’s current non-religious rate of 44.3%.
10. Uruguay
Uruguay is highlighted as a non-religious outlier in South America, a region generally considered very religious. Just over 40% of its citizens report not being affiliated with any religion.
This might be linked to Uruguay’s long history of secularization, which includes notable measures like a law prohibiting any mention of God in oaths of office.
11. New Zealand
In New Zealand, just under 40% of citizens are non-religious. Possible reasons include a lack of public religious rhetoric and a cultural emphasis on maintaining clear distinctions between public and personal life. These factors may contribute to many New Zealanders not identifying as religious.
12. Mongolia
Mongolia has a non-religious rate of 36.5%. This figure is likely influenced by the country’s communist period from 1924 to 1990, during which all religion was suppressed.
The historical suppression of religious practice under communism helps to explain the current prevalence of non-religious individuals.
13. France
France officially implemented the separation of church and state in 1905. However, secular views were gaining momentum even earlier, with secularists promoting non-religious viewpoints during the 1789 French Revolution. Today, 31.9% of French citizens are non-religious.
14. Aland Islands
The Aland Islands, located off the coast of Finland, have a non-religious rate of 31.5%. These Swedish-speaking islands are significantly influenced by the Lutheran church.
Despite this dominant religious presence, a notable minority of the population holds secular views.
15. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom, home to the Church of England, is also experiencing rising rates of secularism. This trend has been increasing since the end of the Second World War.
Younger generations are reportedly moving away from their religious backgrounds, resulting in a non-religious rate of 31.2%.
Alicia Richards