Buddhism is a religion that originated in Lumbini, located in present-day Nepal, is the holy site where Siddhartha Gautama was born, who later became the Buddha. The core principles of Buddhism revolve around the Four Noble Truths, which highlight the existence of suffering, its causes, the possibility of its cessation, and the path to achieve liberation. Buddhism emphasizes mindfulness, meditation, ethical conduct, and the development of wisdom and compassion.
Here are the top 5 Buddhist countries based on the estimated Buddhist population:
- China: With a population of over 1.4 billion people, China has the largest Buddhist population in the world. The exact number of Buddhists in China is difficult to determine due to various factors, but it is estimated to be around 244 million.
- Thailand: Approximately 95% of Thailand’s population identifies as Buddhist, making it one of the most Buddhist-majority countries in the world. The estimated Buddhist population in Thailand is around 64 million.
- Myanmar (Burma): Buddhism is the dominant religion in Myanmar, and the country has a significant Buddhist population. It is estimated that around 53 million people in Myanmar follow Buddhism.
- Japan: Buddhism has a strong presence in Japan, although the religious landscape is diverse. It is estimated that around 51 million people in Japan identify as Buddhists.
- Vietnam: Buddhism has a long history and a significant following in Vietnam. The estimated Buddhist population in Vietnam is around 49 million.
Other top countries having highest Buddhist populations are Cambodia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Laos, Nepal, India. Please note that the population estimates are approximate and can vary depending on different sources and methodologies.
