Top 10 Buddhist Countries in the World

The Buddhist countries in the world are Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet. In these regions, Buddhism has influenced several aspects of its citizen’s lives.

In this article, we will learn the list of Countries with the most Buddhist population in the world, including certain features of each of them.

Buddhism is one of the oldest religions in the world. Several nations have a majority of the population who preach Buddhism. There are 12 Buddhist countries in the world.

In some countries, like Myanmar, Bhutan, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka, Buddhism is the official state religion. In countries like Thailand and Laos, Buddhism enjoys a special status.

The Buddhist countries, along with their populations are listed below:

China is the country with the most Buddhist Population. Buddhism is recognized as the official religion in China. They contribute up to 98 percent of the population.

• There are three sects of Buddhism found in China – Han Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Theravada Buddhism. While Han Buddhism forms the majority of the population, the latter two are minorities.
• Han Buddhism was also closely related to older Chinese beliefs and followed traditional Chinese beliefs of filial piety, ancestor worshipping, and meditating.
• Buddhism was first introduced in China in 206 BCE during the Han Empire. It was later promoted by several other dynasties in China

Thialand is the country with the Second Most Buddhist Population. Its Buddhist population accounts for up to 93.4 percent of the total population.

• Thailand is one of the most famous Buddhist countries in the world.
• Buddhist culture and tradition in this country attract thousands of tourists and disciples every year.
• The country mainly follows Theravada Buddhism, and the majority of the population in Thailand is of Buddhist origin.
• The monasteries, temples, and festivals revolve around preserving Buddhist culture and are an important aspect of Buddhist life in Thailand.

Myanmar is the country with the third most Buddhist Population. The Buddhist population in Myanmar accounts up to 87.9 percent of the total population.

• Myanmar, or Burma, serves as another nation with a widespread Buddhist population.
• This nation, like Thailand, also follows Theravada Buddhism.
• Buddhism is the major religion of the nation and shapes the daily lives of people in the country.
• There are several Buddhist monasteries and temples across the nation, one of being the Shwedagon Pagoda.
• The nation is rich in spirituality and Buddhist heritage.

Japan is the Country with the fourth most Buddhist population. Among the Japanese, 46.3 percent of the population practices Buddhism.

• As of 2024, Japan is the nation that is home to the majority of the Buddhist population in the world.
• This can be attributed to the historical influence of East Asian Buddhism, known as the Zen and Pure Land traditions.
• The nation also follows Shintoism, along with Buddhism, in great harmony. Temples, meditation practices, and traditional ceremonies continue to thrive in Japanese society.

Cambodia is the Country with the fifth most Buddhist population. In Cambodia, 93 per cent of the population practices Buddhism. Among them, 95 per cent of the Buddhists follow Theravada Buddhism, while the other 5 per cent follow Thammyut Buddhism.

• Buddhism has played a crucial role in shaping Cambodia’s history and culture.
• Theravada Buddhism is the predominant form of the religion practised here.
• The majestic Angkor Wat, originally a Hindu temple complex, later became a Buddhist site, reflecting the cultural transitions in the region.

Vietnam is the country with the sixth most Buddhist population. In Vietnam, the Buddhist population comprises 14.9 percent of the total population.

• While Vietnam is known for its diverse religious landscape, Buddhism holds a significant place in the hearts of many Vietnamese.
• Mahayana Buddhism is the main school of Buddhist thought in Vietnam.
• The country also houses multiple temples and pagodas.
• The complex of Hue Monuments and the Perfume Pagoda are among Vietnam’s notable Buddhist sites.

Sri Lanka is the country with the seventh most Buddhist population. Its Buddhist population accounts for 70.2 percent of the total population.

• Sri Lanka, located near the southern coast of India, is home to several Buddhist populations.
• The Buddhists here follow Theravada Buddhism and have a deep-rooted connection with Buddhist culture and lifestyle.
• The nation houses several Buddhist temples and historical sites, especially in the city of Anuradhapur.
• Sri Lanka celebrates several Buddhist festivals throughout the year.

South Korea has the eighth largest Buddhist population in the world. In South Korea, 80 per cent of the population practices Buddhism.

• Buddhism in South Korea holds historical significance as a religion that has been followed since ancient times.
• The Jogye Order is the largest Buddhist sect in the country.
• This order plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Buddhist teachings.
• Temples like Bulguksa and Seokguram are some of the famous sites of Buddhist heritage.

India has the ninth largest Buddhist population in the world. It has over a 7 million Buddhist population.

• Buddhism was introduced in India almost 2600 years ago.
• Buddhism was popularised during the Magadhan empire, by the famous Gautama Buddha.
• Gautama Buddha was the prince of the Sakya tribe, and his teachings form the principle philosophy of Buddhist religion.
• Later on, Buddhism spread across various regions during the Mauryan Empire, especially during the reign of Ashoka.
• It was during Ashoka’s reign that Buddhism was divided into two sects or branches – Mahasamghika and Sthaviravada.
• It was under the Bodhi tree, in Bodh Gaya, that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya, thus, is a famous Buddhist site that is visited by Buddhists people from all over the world.

India has the tenth largest Buddhist po.pulation in the world. In Malaysia, Buddhism is the second-largest religion in the nation.

• Buddhism was introduced to Malaysia in 200 BC.
• There are several Buddhist temples that follow the architectural style of Chinese temples.
• The Mahayana school of Buddhism is the major school followed by the Buddhist population of Malaysia.

Related :

• First Global Buddhist Summit 2023
• Impact of Buddhism on Indian Culture
• Buddhism: Founder, Origin, Beliefs and Practices
• Monasteries of Buddhism
• Importance of Buddhism and Its Councils

How Many Buddhist Countries are there in the World?

There are 12 recognized Buddhist countries in the world where Buddhism plays a significant role in shaping the culture and traditions of the respective nations. These countries include Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet.

What is the Buddhism Country of Origin?

The country of origin of Buddhism is India.

What Religion does China Follow?

China does not have an official state religion, as it is officially atheist, promoting secularism. However, various traditional belief systems and philosophies, including Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, have historically influenced Chinese culture and spirituality.

What is the Percentage of Buddhist Population in the World?

The percentage of the global population that identifies as Buddhist is approximately 6-7%. Buddhism is a major world religion with millions of adherents, particularly concentrated in Asia, where it originated.

Are Japan and China Buddhist Countries?

Yes, Japan is a country with a significant Buddhist influence, where traditions like Zen and Pure Land Buddhism have played a crucial role in shaping its culture and spirituality.

What were the First Religions in the World?

Some of the oldest known organized religions include Hinduism, which has ancient roots in the Indian subcontinent, and ancient Egyptian religion, both dating back several millennia.