Buddhist world

The terms Buddhist world and Buddhist cultural sphere commonly refer to the global community of Buddhists, sometimes described as the broader Buddhist Sangha or the network of societies influenced by Buddhism.^[1] It includes individuals and communities who follow the teachings of the Gautama Buddha as well as societies in which Buddhist philosophy, institutions, and cultural traditions have played a significant historical role.^[2] In a modern geopolitical sense, the term may also refer to regions and countries where Buddhism is widely practiced or has historically shaped cultural and religious life.^[3] These areas are primarily located in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and parts of Central Asia, although Buddhist communities now exist throughout the world due to migration and globalization.

Percentage of Buddhists over the world c. 2004

The history of the Buddhist world spans more than 2,500 years and encompasses a wide range of cultural, intellectual, and social developments across Asia and beyond.^[3] Buddhism originated in the Indian subcontinent during the 5th–4th centuries BCE through the teachings of Gautama Buddha.^[4] From its early beginnings as a monastic movement, it gradually expanded across Asia through missionary activities, trade networks, and royal patronage.^[2] Routes such as the Silk Road played a major role in connecting Buddhist communities across regions.^[5] Over time, Buddhism became a major cultural and religious influence across much of Asia.^[6]

Buddhist societies contributed to developments in philosophy, literature, art, architecture, education, and ethics.^[1] Monastic universities such as Nalanda and Vikramashila attracted scholars from different parts of Asia and served as centers of intellectual life.^[3] Buddhist texts and philosophical traditions influenced the development of education and scholarship in many regions.^[6] Artistic traditions associated with Buddhism also played an important role in shaping cultural identity.^[2] These influences contributed to the formation of what scholars describe as the Buddhist cultural sphere.^[7]

Differences in interpretation and religious practice led to the emergence of several major traditions within Buddhism. These include Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism, each of which developed distinct philosophical perspectives and ritual traditions.^[8] While these traditions differ in practices and textual emphasis, they share core teachings derived from the Buddha.^[9] Over centuries, these traditions spread across different regions and adapted to local cultures.^[2] This diversity contributed to the rich cultural and intellectual landscape of the Buddhist world.^[10]

Today Buddhism is practiced by more than 500 million people worldwide.^[11] Large Buddhist populations are found in countries such as China, Thailand, Japan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, and South Korea.^[12] In addition to these regions, Buddhist communities are also present in Europe, North America, and Oceania.^[13] Migration and globalization have played significant roles in the international spread of Buddhist traditions. As a result, the Buddhist world now extends beyond its historical centers in Asia.^[14]

Terminology

The expression “Buddhist world” is used by scholars and historians to describe the geographic and cultural sphere shaped by Buddhism.^[2] Rather than referring to a single political entity, the term refers to a network of societies connected through shared religious traditions and cultural exchanges. These connections developed through pilgrimage, monastic institutions, and scholarly networks.^[15] Over time these interactions created a shared civilizational framework centered around Buddhist teachings.^[3]

Scholars also use related terms such as “Buddhist civilization” or “Buddhist cultural sphere.” These expressions emphasize the influence of Buddhist philosophy, Buddhist art, and social institutions across large parts of Asia.^[1] The concept highlights how Buddhist ideas shaped legal systems, ethical traditions, and cultural practices in different regions.^[9] Although local traditions varied widely, many societies shared common religious texts and philosophical frameworks.^[8] This shared heritage helped create a sense of cultural continuity across different regions.^[2]

Historical development

Origins

Buddhism began as a religious movement in northern India during the lifetime of Gautama Buddha.^[3] After his enlightenment, the Buddha began teaching a path aimed at overcoming suffering and achieving spiritual liberation. His teachings attracted followers who formed the early Buddhist community known as the Sangha.^[9] These communities preserved the teachings through oral transmission and monastic discipline.^[16] Over time monasteries became important centers of religious and intellectual activity.^[17]

Silk Road transmission

Between the 1st century BCE and the early medieval period, Buddhism spread widely along the Silk Road. Merchants, monks, and pilgrims traveling these routes helped carry Buddhist teachings across Central Asia and into China.^[5] Monasteries were established along trade routes, providing rest and support for travelers while also functioning as centers of learning and translation.^[2] These institutions contributed to the diffusion of Buddhist philosophy and artistic traditions throughout Asia. As a result, Buddhist culture became closely connected with commercial and cultural exchanges across Eurasia.^[5]

Large translation projects played an important role in the spread of Buddhism during this period.^[8] Buddhist scriptures originally written in Sanskrit and Pali were translated into languages such as Chinese and Tibetan. These translation movements enabled the development of new intellectual traditions within East Asian and Tibetan Buddhism.^[5] Monastic scholars and translators collaborated across cultures to interpret complex philosophical texts.^[2] Their work helped establish Buddhism as a major religious tradition throughout East Asia.^[18]

Medieval developments

During the medieval period Buddhism flourished across many regions of Asia. Monastic universities such as Nalanda became major centers of intellectual activity and attracted students from distant regions including China, Tibet, and Southeast Asia.^[3] Scholars at these institutions produced influential works on philosophy, logic, and metaphysics that shaped Buddhist thought for centuries.^[8] These educational centers played an essential role in preserving Buddhist scriptures and transmitting knowledge across Asia.^[2]

In East Asia, new Buddhist schools emerged that emphasized meditation and devotional practices.^[5] Traditions such as Zen in Japan and Pure Land Buddhism in China became highly influential within local religious cultures.^[19] These schools adapted Buddhist teachings to local cultural contexts while maintaining connections with earlier Indian traditions. In the Himalayan region, Tibetan Buddhism developed as a distinctive form of Vajrayana practice.^[2] These developments contributed significantly to the diversity of Buddhist traditions.^[13]

Early modern period

During the early modern period Buddhism remained influential in many Asian kingdoms.^[1] In Southeast Asia Theravada Buddhism became closely associated with royal authority and national identity.^[20] Monasteries continued to function as centers of education and cultural preservation.^[2] Buddhist literature, architecture, and ritual traditions flourished in many regions.^[5] These traditions remained deeply embedded in social and cultural life.^[3]

In East Asia Buddhism coexisted with other philosophical traditions such as Confucianism and Daoism.^[8] Religious institutions adapted to changing political environments while continuing to influence philosophy, literature, and artistic culture.^[1] In Tibet Buddhist institutions became closely linked with political authority under the leadership of the Dalai Lama.^[2] These relationships shaped governance and cultural identity throughout the region.^[5] The integration of religion and politics was a notable feature of the period.^[9]

Colonial era

During the 19th and early 20th centuries many regions of the Buddhist world came under European colonialism.^[5] Colonial administrations introduced new political and educational systems that affected traditional Buddhist institutions.^[20] Monasteries faced challenges as colonial governments reorganized education and governance.^[2] However, Buddhist communities also adapted to these changing conditions.^[1] Reform movements began to emerge in response to colonial pressures.^[3]

Modern revival

During the 20th century Buddhism experienced a period of revival and change. In several Asian countries that gained independence during this time, Buddhist traditions were promoted as an important part of national culture and identity.^[20] Governments supported the restoration of temples and monasteries and encouraged the expansion of Buddhist education. At the same time, scholars and religious leaders began to interpret Buddhist teachings in new ways that addressed modern social and political realities.^[21] These developments helped strengthen the public role of Buddhism in many societies.^[22]

Revival movements were especially noticeable across Asia during the late 19th and 20th centuries. In Sri Lanka, reformers such as Anagarika Dharmapala promoted Buddhist education, publishing, and greater involvement of lay followers. In countries such as Thailand and Myanmar, monastic communities renewed their focus on scriptural study and meditation practice.^[1] In Japan, Buddhist institutions adapted to the social and political changes of the modern era, while in Tibet Buddhist traditions faced new historical circumstances during the same period.

New intellectual and social movements also developed within Buddhism. One of the most influential was Engaged Buddhism, which encourages the application of Buddhist ethical principles to modern issues such as peace, environmental protection, and social justice.^[21] Buddhist teachers including Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama helped bring Buddhist ideas to a wider international audience through teaching, writing, and interfaith dialogue.

During the same period Buddhism spread more widely beyond its traditional centers in Asia. Teachers and monastic communities established temples, monasteries, and meditation centers in Europe, North America, and Oceania. The translation of Buddhist scriptures into modern languages and the growing interest in meditation practices such as mindfulness contributed to the formation of new Buddhist communities outside Asia.^[23]

In recent decades several regions have also experienced renewed interest in Buddhist practice and institutions. In Sri Lanka, temples and monastic schools continue to play an important role in religious and cultural life.^[24] In Vietnam, economic reforms beginning in the late 20th century allowed religious organizations greater freedom, leading to the restoration of temples and renewed interest in Buddhist scholarship.^[25] In India, the revival of Buddhism has been associated with the growth of Navayana Buddhism and increased attention to pilgrimage sites such as Bodh Gaya and Sarnath.^[26]

Renewed Buddhist activity has also been observed in parts of East and Inner Asia. In the People's Republic of China, many temples and monasteries reopened after the late 1970s, and pilgrimage to historic Buddhist sites such as Mount Wutai increased.^[27] In Mongolia, the end of socialist rule in the early 1990s allowed monasteries to be restored and monastic education to resume. As a result, Buddhism once again became an important part of the country’s cultural and religious life in Mongolia.^[28]

Politics and governance

Buddhism influenced political thought and governance in many Asian societies.^[29] Rulers often supported Buddhist institutions as a means of promoting moral authority and social stability. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka remains one of the most famous examples of a ruler who promoted Buddhist principles in governance. His inscriptions emphasized ethical leadership and compassion.^[9] These ideas influenced later political traditions.^[5]

In Southeast Asia Buddhist monarchies developed in kingdoms such as Thailand and Myanmar.^[20] Kings were often seen as protectors of the Buddhist religion. They supported the construction of temples and monasteries.^[17] This relationship between monarchy and religion shaped political culture in many societies. Buddhist rituals often formed part of royal ceremonies.^[9]

In Tibet Buddhist institutions were closely connected with political authority.^[2] The leadership of the Dalai Lama combined spiritual and political roles. This system of governance lasted for several centuries. Religious authority played an important role in shaping Tibetan society.^[9] These developments illustrate the diverse ways Buddhism interacted with political structures.^[30]

Science and scholarship

Buddhist civilizations made important contributions to intellectual traditions including philosophy, logic, and medicine.^[31] Buddhist scholars produced influential works that explored the nature of consciousness and reality.^[8] Thinkers such as Nagarjuna and Dignaga developed sophisticated philosophical systems. Their writings influenced both Buddhist and non-Buddhist intellectual traditions.^[9] These contributions remain important in the history of philosophy.^[2]

Monastic universities played a major role in preserving and transmitting knowledge across Asia. Scholars translated texts between languages such as Sanskrit, Chinese, and Tibetan.^[8] These translations facilitated cultural exchange between regions.^[1] Intellectual debates within monasteries encouraged the development of new ideas.^[5] The scholarly traditions of Buddhism helped shape the intellectual life of Asia.^[2]

In modern times Buddhist meditation practices have attracted interest from researchers in psychology and neuroscience.^[32] Studies of mindfulness and meditation explore their potential benefits for mental health and well-being.^[33] These developments illustrate how Buddhist traditions continue to influence contemporary scholarship.^[1] Academic institutions now study Buddhist philosophy and history worldwide.^[34]

Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage has long been an important practice within the Buddhist world. Many pilgrims travel to sites associated with important events in the life of the Buddha such as Bodh Gaya, Lumbini, Sarnath, and Kushinagar.^[35] Pilgrimage traditions also developed around important temples and monasteries in China, Japan, Tibet, and Southeast Asia.^[15] These journeys help reinforce connections among Buddhist communities across different regions.^[5]

Population distribution

Buddhism is practiced by more than 500 million people worldwide.^[36] The largest Buddhist populations are found in China, Thailand, Japan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, and South Korea.^[12] In many of these countries Buddhism has historically played an important role in shaping cultural traditions and national identity.^[37] Smaller Buddhist communities are also present in Europe, North America, and Oceania.^[13]

Globalization

In the modern era Buddhism has spread globally through migration and cultural exchange.^[1] Buddhist temples and meditation centers have been established in many parts of the world including Europe and North America.^[13] Meditation practices derived from Buddhism have influenced psychology, health care, and mindfulness movements.^[32] These developments have contributed to the growing global presence of Buddhist ideas and practices.^[21]

Buddhism by country

Main article: Buddhism by country

Further information: Secular Buddhism

The distribution of Buddhism across countries reflects the historical spread of the religion from its origins in the Indian subcontinent to large parts of Asia and, more recently, to other regions of the world.^[1] Through processes such as trade, missionary activity, cultural exchange, and migration, Buddhist traditions developed in diverse societies and political systems.^[2] Today Buddhism is practiced by hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is present in countries with a variety of constitutional arrangements regarding religion and state.^[3]

In some countries Buddhism holds a formal constitutional role or is recognized as the official state religion. In others it receives special protection or cultural recognition within national constitutions. Many modern states, however, maintain secular political systems in which Buddhism operates as one of several recognized religions.^[1] Despite these differences, Buddhist institutions such as monasteries, temples, and the Sangha often continue to play important roles in social life, education, charitable work, and cultural identity.^[2]

Government and religion

States with Buddhism as the official religion

A small number of countries formally recognize Buddhism as the official state religion. In these states the constitution explicitly affirms the importance of Buddhism and may provide institutional support for Buddhist monastic communities and religious institutions.

• Bhutan – The constitution recognizes Vajrayana Buddhism as the spiritual heritage of the nation and provides a role for Buddhist institutions in public life.^[38]
• Cambodia – The constitution declares Theravada Buddhism the state religion and supports Buddhist monastic institutions.^[39]

States with special constitutional status for Buddhism

Some countries grant Buddhism a privileged constitutional position without formally declaring it the state religion. In these cases governments often recognize Buddhism as an important part of national heritage and provide various forms of support for religious institutions.

• Sri Lanka – The constitution gives Buddhism the “foremost place” and obliges the state to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana.^[40]
• Thailand – The state recognizes the historical importance of Buddhism and supports the Thai Sangha through public institutions.^[41]

Secular states with large Buddhist populations

Several countries with historically important Buddhist traditions maintain secular political systems while hosting large Buddhist populations. In these societies Buddhism remains an influential cultural and social force even though it is not formally established as a state religion.

• Japan
• South Korea
• Vietnam
• China
• Laos
• Mongolia
• Myanmar

These countries contain some of the largest Buddhist populations in the world and have historically significant temples, monasteries, and scholarly traditions. Buddhist festivals, artistic traditions, and philosophical teachings continue to influence cultural life in many of these societies.^[42]

Countries recognizing Buddhism as a legally recognized religion

In several countries Buddhism is not the state religion but is legally recognized by governments as an official or registered religious community. Such recognition typically allows Buddhist organizations to operate temples, conduct religious education, and participate in charitable or cultural activities.

• Austria – Buddhism has been officially recognized as a religious community since 1983.^[43]
• Italy – Buddhist organizations maintain formal agreements with the Italian government.^[44]
• Hungary
• Croatia
• Slovenia
• Australia – Buddhism is among the largest non-Christian religions in the country.^[45]
• New Zealand – Buddhist organizations operate under national laws regulating religious charities.^[46]
• United States – Buddhist temples and organizations operate under constitutional protections for religious freedom.^[47]
• Canada – Buddhist communities are registered religious organizations and maintain numerous temples and cultural institutions.^[48]

Countries with significant Buddhist minorities

Buddhist communities also exist in many countries where Buddhism is not the dominant religion. These populations often include both historical communities and modern converts.

•  India – about 9–10 million Buddhists, many associated with Navayana Buddhism.^[49]
•  Bangladesh – Buddhist minorities mainly among the Chakma and other communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.^[50]
•  United States – about 3–4 million Buddhists.^[51]
•  Canada – about 1 million Buddhists.
•  Australia – Buddhism is one of the largest non-Christian religions.
•  New Zealand – a growing Buddhist population influenced by immigration and conversion.

These communities contribute to the global spread of Buddhist traditions and often maintain temples, meditation centers, and cultural organizations that connect them with wider Buddhist networks.^[2]

Buddhist traditions

Buddhism consists of a wide range of religious traditions, philosophical schools, and cultural practices that developed over more than two millennia.^[52] Although all Buddhist traditions trace their origins to the teachings of the Gautama Buddha, they differ in doctrinal interpretation, textual canons, ritual practices, and institutional structures.^[2] Scholars generally classify the major traditions of Buddhism into three broad branches: Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, and Vajrayana. Within these broad traditions numerous schools and lineages have developed across the Buddhist world.

Theravada Buddhism

Theravada Buddhism is often considered the oldest surviving Buddhist tradition and places strong emphasis on the Pāli Canon and monastic discipline. Its teachings focus on the attainment of nirvana through ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom.^[11] Theravada traditions are dominant in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. Monastic communities play a central role in preserving doctrinal teachings and conducting religious ceremonies.

Historical Theravada monastic traditions include:

• Thai Forest Tradition
• Dhammayuttika Nikaya
• Maha Nikaya
• Amarapura Nikaya
• Ramanna Nikaya

These traditions differ mainly in monastic organization and disciplinary interpretations while sharing the same scriptural foundation.

Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism emerged several centuries after the Buddha’s lifetime and introduced a large body of scriptures known as the Mahayana sutras. The tradition emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal, in which practitioners seek enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.^[1] Mahayana Buddhism spread widely across East Asia, where numerous schools developed.

Major Mahayana traditions include:

• Zen (Chan) Buddhism
• Pure Land Buddhism
• Nichiren Buddhism
• Tiantai
• Huayan
• Sanlun
• Yogacara
• Tendai
• Shingon Buddhism

These schools differ in emphasis on meditation, devotion, philosophical interpretation, or ritual practices but share core Mahayana doctrines.

Vajrayana Buddhism

Vajrayana Buddhism developed within the Mahayana tradition and emphasizes esoteric teachings, ritual practices, and symbolic meditation methods such as mantras and mandalas.^[2] Vajrayana traditions are most strongly associated with Tibetan Buddhism and Himalayan regions including Tibet, Bhutan, and Mongolia.

Major Vajrayana lineages include:

• Nyingma
• Kagyu
• Karma Kagyu
• Drikung Kagyu
• Drukpa Kagyu
• Sakya
• Gelug
• Jonang
• Rime movement

These lineages maintain distinct monastic institutions, philosophical traditions, and systems of meditation practice.

Modern Buddhist movements

In the modern era new Buddhist movements and reinterpretations of Buddhist teachings have emerged in response to social, cultural, and political changes.^[2] These movements often emphasize meditation, social engagement, or the reinterpretation of Buddhist doctrine in contemporary contexts.

Examples include:

• Navayana
• Soka Gakkai
• New Kadampa Tradition
• Fo Guang Shan
• Tzu Chi
• Dhammakaya movement
• Won Buddhism
• Triratna Buddhist Community
• Secular Buddhism
• Engaged Buddhism

These modern traditions illustrate the continuing evolution and global expansion of Buddhist practice and thought in the contemporary world.

See also

• Buddhism portal
• World portal

• Buddhists
• History of Buddhism
• Buddhism by country
• Buddhist philosophy
• Buddhist cosmology
• Buddhist culture
• Buddhist art
• Buddhist architecture
• Buddhist monasticism
• Buddhist modernism
• Engaged Buddhism
• Buddhist pilgrimage
• List of Buddhist temples
• List of Buddhists
• Eastern religions
• Dharmic religions
• Indian religions

References

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2. Powers, John, ed. (2016). The Buddhist World. Routledge.
3. Gethin, Rupert (1998). The Foundations of Buddhism. Oxford University Press.
4. Harvey, Peter (2013). An Introduction to Buddhism. Cambridge University Press.
5. Liu, Xinru (2010). The Silk Road in World History. Oxford University Press.
6. Lopez, Donald S. (2001). The Story of Buddhism. HarperCollins.
7. Powers, John, ed. (2016). The Buddhist World. Routledge.
8. Williams, Paul (2009). Mahayana Buddhism. Routledge.
9. Keown, Damien (2013). Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
10. Harvey, Peter (2013). An Introduction to Buddhism. Cambridge University Press.
11. "Global Religious Landscape". Pew Research Center.
12. "Buddhism". Encyclopaedia Britannica.
13. Prebish, Charles (1998). The Faces of Buddhism in America. University of California Press.
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16. Lopez, Donald S. (2001). The Story of Buddhism. HarperCollins.
17. Whitaker, Justin; Perspectives, American Buddhist (2017-01-19). "Buddhists In A Democracy: Be Political, But Not Partisan". American Buddhist Perspectives. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
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19. Williams, Paul (2009). Mahayana Buddhism. Routledge.
20. Swearer, Donald K. (2010). The Buddhist World of Southeast Asia. State University of New York Press.
21. Queen, Christopher (2000). Engaged Buddhism in the Modern World. Wisdom Publications.
22. "Buddhism in the west" (PDF). media.johnwiley.com.au. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-10-20. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
23. Trainor, Kevin (2004). Buddhism: The Illustrated Guide. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195173987.
24. Deegalle, Mahinda (2006). Buddhist Monastic Education in Sri Lanka. Routledge.
25. Taylor, Philip (2007). Modernity and Re-Enchantment: Religion in Post-Revolutionary Vietnam. ISEAS Publishing.
26. Omvedt, Gail (2003). Buddhism in India: Challenging Brahmanism and Caste. Sage Publications.
27. Ji, Zhe (2011). Buddhism in Contemporary China: The Revival of Religion and Cultural Identity. University of Hawaii Press.
28. Kaplonski, Christopher (2004). Truth, History and Politics in Mongolia: The Memory of Heroes. Routledge.
29. Shamar Rinpoché (2015). Creating a transparent democracy: a new model (3rd ed.). Lexington, Virginia: Bird of Paradise Press. ISBN 978-0-9965059-1-8.
30. Ilaiah, Kancha (2001). God as Political Philosopher: Buddha's Challenge to Brahminism. Popular Prakashan. ISBN 978-81-85604-44-2.
31. "Journal of Buddhist Ethics". www.buddhistethics.org. Archived from the original on 2009-04-16. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
32. Kabat-Zinn, Jon (2003). "Mindfulness-based interventions in context". Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice.
33. Palumbo, L. (2018). "Mindfulness in Western contexts". Frontiers in Psychology.
34. "Buddhism in prime". web.archive.org. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
35. "Buddhism – Sacred sites". Encyclopaedia Britannica.
36. Nadeem, Reem (2023-08-30). "Buddhism in China". Pew Research Center. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
37. Hackett, Conrad; Stonawski, Marcin; Tong, Yunping; Kramer, Stephanie; Shi, Anne; Fahmy, Dalia (2025-06-09). "Countries with the most Buddhists & global Buddhist population change, 2010-2020". Pew Research Center. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
38. "Constitution of Bhutan" (PDF).
39. "Constitution of Cambodia" (PDF).
40. "Constitution of Sri Lanka" (PDF).
41. Swearer, Donald K. (2010). The Buddhist World of Southeast Asia. State University of New York Press.
42. McMahan, D. L. (2004-12-01). "Modernity and the Early Discourse of Scientific Buddhism". Journal of the American Academy of Religion. 72 (4): 897–933. doi:10.1093/jaarel/lfh083. ISSN 0002-7189.
43. "Buddhismus in Österreich".
44. "Italian Buddhist Union".
45. "Religion in Australia".
46. "Religion in New Zealand".
47. "Religion in the United States".
48. "Religion in Canada".
49. "Religion in India".
50. "Religion in Bangladesh".
51. "Religion in the United States".
52. Deegalle, Mahinda (2006). Popularizing buddhism: preaching as performance in Sri Lanka. Albany (N. Y.): State University of New York press. ISBN 978-0-7914-6897-5.

External links

• BuddhaNet – Buddhist studies and resources
• Access to Insight – Theravada Buddhist texts
• 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha
• Plum Village – Engaged Buddhism community
• Buddhism at Encyclopædia Britannica
• Pew Research Center – Religion and public life