Why is Buddhism shrinking worldwide?

Pew Research Center 2026 Open access

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Authors: Yunping Tong, Dalia Fahmy, Conrad Hackett
DOI: 10.58094/tpqt-8e55
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Buddhists are the only major religious group whose population shrank between 2010 and 2020, according to a recent Pew Research Center analysis of religion in 201 countries and territories. This study discusses the main factors contributing to Buddhism's recent decline.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Religion and Society Interactions Indian and Buddhist Studies Study and Philosophy of Religion

Publication details

Journal / source
Pew Research Center
Publication date
11 March 2026
Language
EN