Many countries have embraced science and moved away from religion to varying degrees. While economic progress seems to coincide with a decline in religious beliefs, it’s not a simple cause-and-effect relationship. Research in Europe suggests that as countries become more economically advanced, people are less religious. The situation in Eastern regions is also interesting, leading us to investigate some of the most atheistic countries worldwide. Here are 20 countries that have embraced atheism.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic boasts a relatively robust per capita income, bolstered by its thriving automotive sector and nuclear power facilities. Historically, in the first half of the 20th century, Christianity claimed the allegiance of approximately 90 percent of the population. However, by 2021, the proportion identifying with Christianity, predominantly Catholicism, dwindled to less than 12 percent, with an additional 10 percent adhering to other faiths. Currently, around seven in ten Czechs profess no religious affiliation, as highlighted by findings from the Pew Research Center, where approximately 72% are classified as religiously unaffiliated.
South Korea
In the well-developed nation of South Korea, there has been an evident surge in Christianity and a resurgence of Buddhism. Despite this, a significant majority, around 60% of its population, aligns with no specific religious affiliation. Like neighboring countries, spirituality plays a role in daily life, often intertwined with preserving cultural customs rather than strict adherence to a particular faith. This reflects the diverse tapestry of beliefs and practices shaping the societal fabric of South Korea.
Australia
In a nation known for its celebration of diversity, it’s no wonder that Australians exhibit a relatively low level of religious fervor. While some individuals adhere to Anglican and Catholic denominations, the religious landscape of Australia encompasses a broad spectrum, recognizing over 100 different faith traditions. This inclusive approach reflects the multicultural fabric of Australian society, where people from various backgrounds coexist and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of beliefs and practices.
Japan
The population of the world’s third-largest economy predominantly identifies as irreligious. While many Japanese individuals adhere to traditional philosophies, most do not subscribe to religion in the conventional Western understanding of the term. This highlights a distinctive aspect of Japanese society where spirituality often diverges from formal religious affiliations. It underscores the complexity of cultural beliefs and practices within Japan, reflecting a nuanced understanding of spirituality that transcends conventional categorizations.
Germany
Roughly 42 percent of Germans identify as non-religious, with a subset of 12 percent identifying as atheists. For many Germans, religion holds minor to no significance in their daily lives, with only 33 percent attributing any influence to higher powers. This reflects a broader trend toward secularism and skepticism within German society, where traditional religious beliefs are increasingly viewed as inconsequential in shaping personal values and experiences.
Belgium
Belgium, situated in Northwestern Europe, showcases a substantial proportion of its population—31%—without any religious affiliation. Despite its impressive $624 billion economy, the nation prioritizes factors like high human development and minimal income inequality, aligning with other advanced European countries. This commitment to social welfare and equitable distribution of resources reflects Belgium’s dedication to fostering a prosperous and inclusive society for all its citizens, irrespective of religious beliefs or affiliations.
Vietnam
Vietnam, marking the commencement of our list in Asia, presents a distinctive religious landscape, with nearly 80% of its populace adhering to folk religions or professing no religious affiliation, as per a 2019 report by the State Department. With a notable percentage of its population—29.9%—identifying as having no religious affiliation, Vietnam underscores the diverse array of belief systems and spiritual practices coexisting within the country, shaping its cultural fabric and societal norms.
People’s Republic of China
The nation credited with originating Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism displays predominantly secular tendencies. This can be attributed, in part, to China’s centralized governance under the Chinese Communist Party. However, it’s crucial to note that the Chinese populace still holds onto their spiritual inclinations, albeit expressed in subtler manners compared to other societies. According to the Pew Research Center’s 2018 Chinese General Social Survey findings, a mere 10% of Chinese adults affiliate with any religious denomination. Likewise, only 13% of Chinese adults regard religion (zongjiao) as “very important” or “rather important.”
Mongolia
Mongolia, nestled in East Asia, boasts a notable percentage of its population—36.5%—with no religious affiliation. Despite its lower GDP per capita, standing at $4,814, the nation thrives on its abundant coal and copper exports, driven by a robust mining industry. This economic reliance underscores Mongolia’s resource-rich landscape and the pivotal role of its mining sector in sustaining its economy and driving export growth.
North Korea
Approximately 70 percent of North Koreans do not adhere to any religious beliefs. The remaining population is fragmented among Chondoism, Shamanism, and a small contingent of Buddhists. According to reports from the State Department, Christians are viewed as the “most dangerous political class of people,” facing severe and intense persecution. Data from the US Department of State’s Religious Characteristics of States Dataset Project in 2015 revealed that the populace consisted of 70.9 percent atheists, 11 percent Buddhists, 1.7 percent adherents of other religions, and 16.5 percent with unknown religious affiliations.
Latvia
Situated in the Baltic region of Europe, Latvia boasts a $40.5 billion economy and a GDP per capita of $21,482. According to data from the State Department, approximately 35% of Latvians identify as having no religious affiliation. This statistic underscores the diverse religious landscape within the country, where a significant portion of the population adheres to secular beliefs or chooses not to affiliate with any particular faith tradition.
Estonia
In the Republic of Estonia, the Baltic nation maintains a steadfast stance on religious affiliation, with approximately 60 percent of its populace eschewing religious practice altogether. For those who do observe religion, Christianity predominates. Remarkably, despite its status as one of the world’s smallest economies, Estonia has managed to sustain a commendable level of prosperity. This underscores the resilience and adaptability of its population, demonstrating that economic success can be achieved irrespective of a nation’s size on the global stage.
New Zealand
New Zealand, an island nation in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, holds a unique position geographically. According to data from the 2018 census, nearly half of New Zealanders, comprising 48.6% of the population, identify as irreligious. This statistic sheds light on the diverse religious landscape within the country, where a significant portion of the populace either does not adhere to any religious beliefs or chooses not to affiliate with any specific faith tradition.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a European nation with a formidable historical legacy and global influence, holds over 31 percent of its populace without religious affiliation. This statistic is unsurprising given the nation’s intricate history and complex relationship with the Catholic Church. Notably, the British monarchy serves as the figurehead of the Church of England, a Protestant Anglican denomination, a religious tradition dating back to the 16th century. This historical context sheds light on the multifaceted religious landscape within the United Kingdom.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg, another well-developed European nation, boasts a remarkable GDP per capita of $131,503. Despite its affluence, approximately 23.4% of its population professed no religious affiliation, as reported by the European Commission in 2018. This statistic underscores the diversity of beliefs within Luxembourg’s society, where individuals can practice or abstain from religious observance as they see fit. It highlights the nation’s commitment to secularism and religious freedom, promoting inclusivity and tolerance among its citizens.
Sweden
In Sweden, irreligion prevails, with a 2023 Gallup International Survey confirming the nation boasts the highest percentage of citizens who do not believe in God. Religion holds little importance for most Swedes, exemplified by the nation’s pioneering move in 2016 to establish neutral cemeteries, signifying a departure from traditional religious practices. This reflects a broader cultural shift toward secularism and a diminishing reliance on religious institutions to shape societal norms and values.
Netherlands
Numerous nations topping the happiness charts also exhibit a predominant atheistic or non-religious inclination. The Netherlands stands among them, with 58% of its populace identifying as irreligious. Nevertheless, Dutch society emphasizes ecological awareness, achieving a harmonious work-life balance, fostering solid familial bonds, and embracing diversity. This underscores a broader understanding of values and principles contributing to well-being beyond traditional religious frameworks.
Denmark
In Denmark, around 50 percent of the population identifies as non-religious, while only 30 percent believe in a higher power. An additional 20 percent remain undecided on matters of faith. Interestingly, over 70 percent of Danes are registered members of the Church of Denmark despite this trend. This reflects the nation’s inclusive approach to religion, aligning with the broader Scandinavian ethos of openness and acceptance towards diverse beliefs and cultural practices.
France
France boasts a rich historical background as one of the leading economies and most advanced nations globally. However, concerning religious beliefs, the trajectory is downward. Forecasts indicate that the irreligious segment of the population will sustain its expansion in the forthcoming decades, marking a significant shift in societal attitudes towards spirituality and organized religion. This trend underscores the evolving landscape of faith and secularism within the French society.
Belarus
Belarus, a landlocked nation in Eastern Europe, distinguishes itself with a noteworthy percentage—28.6%—of its population professing no religious affiliation. Despite its status as one of the less affluent nations in Europe, with a GDP per capita of $8,570, Belarus boasts commendably low levels of income inequality. This highlights the country’s commitment to fostering economic stability and ensuring equitable distribution of resources among its populace, contributing to a more balanced and inclusive society.
18 Things You Should Probably Stop Doing After Age 50
18 Things You Should Probably Stop Doing After Age 50
19 Products Marketed Almost Exclusively To Stupid People
19 Products Marketed Almost Exclusively To Stupid People
No Boomers Allowed: 15 States Where Retirees Are Not Welcome
No Boomers Allowed: 15 States Where Retirees Are Not Welcome
18 Disturbing Conspiracy Theories You Laughed Off But Were Actually True
18 Disturbing Conspiracy Theories You Laughed Off But Were Actually True
18 Everyday Phrases Unintentionally Reflecting White Privilege
18 Everyday Phrases Unintentionally Reflecting White Privilege