China has highest percentage of atheists in the world

PHOTO from DataLEADS/Asia News Network

NEW DELHI — China is the least believing country in the world where as belief in God obtains 100 percent mention in countries like Indonesia, Bangladesh and Philippines, according to the survey by Gallup International.

According to the survey done by Gallup international to explore religious tendencies of 66,000 people in 68 countries across the world 62 per cent of people in the world define themselves as religious, 74% of people globally believe we have a soul and 71% believe in God; while 56% believe in heaven, 54% in life after death and 49% in hell

China has the highest percentage of atheists in the world with 67% not believing in religion. Every seven out ten people are atheists, more than double than any other country and 23% consider themselves as non-religious people. Only a mere 9% identify as religious in China.

China is followed by japan (29%), Slovenia (28%) and Chech Republic (25%). Despite rapid industrialisation and urbanisation religion has stayed relevant in the South Korean region with only 23% identifying as atheist.

European countries like Belgium (21 %), France (21%) , Sweden (18%) and Iceland (17%) also have a large percentage of believing population.

Bangladesh, Indonesia and Philippines are the most believing countries with entire population claiming to believe in God, soul, hell and heaven. Thailand and Pakistan have 99% believing population, followed by India, Vietnam and Mongolia.

As per the survey the levels of religiosity diminish as income and education levels of the interviewees increase. While 66% of people with low income affirm to be religious, this percentage drops to 50% among people with high income. The same trend is verified in relation to education levels: 83% of people with lower education level are religious against 49% of higher level.

According to the survey there is a connection between religiosity, beliefs and socio-demographic characteristics like age, income and education level. As education and income levels grow higher, religiosity levels tend to go down. Also, the expression of different beliefs is higher among young people.

The level of education has a considerable influence on the perception of religion by the society. Women and young children show higher percentage for spiritual forces.

The survey confirms that “religion is a relevant aspect in the lives of individuals at a worldwide level, even though the history of each country and the levels of education have a considerable influence on the perception of these values”.