Religion in Singapore

Religion in Singapore (census 2020)[1][2]

  Buddhism (31.1%)
  no religion (20.0%)
  Christianity (18.9%)
  Islam (15.6%)
  Taoism (8.8%)
  Hinduism (5.0%)
  other religions (0.6%)

Religion in Singapore is characterised by a wide variety of religious beliefs and practices due to its diverse ethnic mix of people originating from various parts of the world. A secular state, Singapore is commonly termed as a "melting pot" or "cultural mosaic " of various religious practices originating from different religions and religious denominations around the world. Most major religious denominations are present in the country, with the Singapore-based Inter-Religious Organisation recognising 10 major religions.[3] A 2014 analysis by the Pew Research Center found Singapore to be the world's most religiously diverse nation.[4]

The most followed religion in Singapore is Buddhism, with a plurality of 31.1% of the resident population identifying themselves as adherents at the most recent decennial census in 2020. A large number of Buddhists in Singapore are Chinese, with 40.4% of the ethnic Chinese population in Singapore identifying as Buddhist. Sizeable numbers of non-Chinese ethnic groups in Singapore also practice Buddhism. People with no religious affiliation (atheist, agnostic or other irreligious life stances) form the second largest group at 20% of the population. Christianity comes in at 18.9%. Islam, at 15.6%, is followed mainly by Malays, though there are also Indians, small number of Chinese and the number are increasing yearly amongst the Chinese population. Taoism comes in at 8%. Hinduism, at 5%, is followed mainly by Indians.[1]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference 2020Religion was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "Census of Population 2020: Religion" (PDF). Department of Statistics Singapore. 16 June 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  3. ^ "Introducing Singapore's IRO - Inter-Religious Organisation". Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  4. ^ "Global Religious Diversity". Pew Research. 4 April 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2014.