Buddhism vs Hinduism

Pew Research Center estimated about 324 million Buddhists worldwide in 2020, down from about 343 million in 2010, though estimates vary significantly depending on how practitioners are counted. In countries like Japan and China, where Buddhism overlaps with other traditions (Shinto and folk religion, respectively), precise numbers are difficult to establish. [1][7][4]

By Pew Research Center's 2020 estimate, Thailand has the largest number of Buddhists, about 68 million, 94% of its population; the global decline since 2010 came largely from China (down 23 million) and Japan (down 7 million). Other countries with large Buddhist populations include China, Myanmar, Japan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, South Korea and Taiwan, though counts in China and Japan vary widely with how practitioners are defined. [7][1][4]

Theravada Buddhism predominates in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Mahayana Buddhism is the dominant form in China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhism is practiced in Tibet, Mongolia, Bhutan, and parts of Nepal and India. [2][3]

Buddhism has grown significantly in Western countries since the mid-20th century, driven by immigration from Buddhist-majority countries, Western interest in meditation, and the influence of teachers like the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh. Secular mindfulness practices derived from Buddhist meditation have become widespread in healthcare, education, and corporate settings. [1][2][3]

Hinduism has approximately 1.2 billion adherents worldwide, making it the third-largest religion after Christianity and Islam. Hindus constitute approximately 15% of the global population. [1][4]

India is home to approximately 94% of the world's Hindus, with Hindus comprising roughly 80% of India's population. Nepal has the second-largest Hindu population, with Hinduism practiced by approximately 81% of Nepalis. Bangladesh, Indonesia (particularly Bali), Sri Lanka, and Pakistan also have significant Hindu populations. [1][4]

Hindu diaspora communities are found worldwide, with notable populations in the United States (approximately 2.5 million), the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Fiji, Mauritius, and the Gulf states. These diaspora communities maintain temples, cultural organizations, and educational institutions. [1][4]

Hinduism's growth rate roughly tracks global population growth, with its share of the world population expected to remain relatively stable in coming decades. Within India, urbanization, education, and modernization are reshaping religious practice, with some observers noting both secularizing trends and revivalist movements. [1][2][3]