Global Distribution of Buddhism

Overview of Buddhist Population Worldwide

Buddhism is one of the world's major religions, with an estimated 500-535 million adherents globally, representing approximately 7% of the world's population. While Buddhism originated in the Indian subcontinent, today the vast majority of Buddhists live in East, Southeast, and South Asia, with growing communities in Western countries.

The global distribution of Buddhism reflects its historical spread from India to other parts of Asia along trade routes, through missionary activities, and via royal patronage. Each region where Buddhism took root developed distinctive traditions, practices, and interpretations of the Buddha's teachings, resulting in the rich diversity of Buddhist traditions we see today.

The three major traditions of Buddhism—Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana—have different geographical distributions, with Theravada predominant in Southeast Asia, Mahayana in East Asia, and Vajrayana in the Himalayan regions and Mongolia. However, in the modern era, these traditions increasingly coexist in many countries due to migration, globalization, and the intentional spread of different Buddhist lineages.

Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to one of the oldest continuous Buddhist traditions in the world. Theravada Buddhism was introduced to the island in the 3rd century BCE by missionaries sent by the Indian Emperor Ashoka, led by his son Mahinda. Today, about 70% of Sri Lanka's population identifies as Buddhist.

Sri Lankan Buddhism has played a crucial role in preserving the Pali Canon, the oldest complete collection of Buddhist texts. The Mahavihara monastery tradition, established in the 3rd century BCE, has maintained an unbroken lineage of monastic ordination and textual study.

Sri Lankan Buddhism is characterized by a strong emphasis on the vinaya (monastic discipline), the study of Pali texts, and the veneration of relics and sacred sites associated with the Buddha. The annual Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, which honors the Buddha's tooth relic, is one of the most important Buddhist celebrations in the country.

Thailand

Thailand has the highest percentage of Buddhists of any nation, with over 93% of its population identifying as Buddhist. Theravada Buddhism is the state religion and is deeply integrated into Thai national identity and culture.

Buddhism reached what is now Thailand as early as the 3rd century BCE, but the current form of Thai Buddhism was established in the 13th and 14th centuries when Thai rulers invited Sri Lankan monks to reform local Buddhist practices. The Thai Buddhist sangha (monastic community) is divided into two main orders: Maha Nikaya and Dhammayuttika Nikaya.

A distinctive feature of Thai Buddhism is the tradition of temporary ordination, where most young men spend a period (typically three months during the rainy season) as monks before returning to lay life. This practice helps ensure that Buddhist teachings are widely understood throughout society.

Thai Buddhism incorporates elements of local spirit worship and Brahmanical rituals alongside orthodox Theravada practices. The forest meditation tradition, revived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by masters like Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta, has been particularly influential both within Thailand and internationally.

Myanmar (Burma)

Buddhism in Myanmar dates back to at least the 5th century CE, with Theravada becoming the dominant form by the 11th century. Today, about 88% of Myanmar's population practices Theravada Buddhism.

Myanmar has one of the highest proportions of monks and nuns relative to its population, with hundreds of thousands of monastics. The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, believed to contain relics of four Buddhas, is one of the most sacred sites in the country.

Meditation practice is particularly emphasized in Burmese Buddhism. The Vipassana (insight) meditation techniques taught by masters like Mahasi Sayadaw and S.N. Goenka have gained worldwide popularity and have significantly influenced the global mindfulness movement.

Burmese Buddhism is also characterized by a strong emphasis on the study of Abhidhamma (Buddhist psychology) and the practice of merit-making through donations to monks and monasteries.

Cambodia and Laos

Cambodia and Laos both have Theravada Buddhism as their predominant religion, with approximately 97% and 66% of their populations identifying as Buddhist, respectively. In both countries, Buddhism arrived through contact with the Mon and Khmer kingdoms and later Thai influence.

Cambodian Buddhism suffered severe persecution during the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979), when an estimated 25,000 monks were killed and many temples destroyed. Since the 1980s, there has been a significant revival of Buddhist institutions and practices in the country.

In Laos, Buddhism coexists with animist practices, particularly among ethnic minority groups. The That Luang stupa in Vientiane is the national symbol of Laos and an important Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Both countries share many Buddhist festivals and customs with Thailand, including Vesak (Buddha's birthday, enlightenment, and parinirvana) and the end of the rainy season retreat (Kathina).

Vietnam

Vietnam has a complex Buddhist history, with influences from both Chinese Mahayana and Southeast Asian Theravada traditions. Buddhism first arrived in Vietnam during the 2nd century CE through Chinese and Indian merchants.

While Mahayana is the predominant form of Buddhism in Vietnam, it has developed distinctive characteristics that differentiate it from Chinese or Japanese Mahayana. Vietnamese Buddhism incorporates elements of Zen, Pure Land, and indigenous religious practices.

During the Vietnam War, Buddhist monks played a significant role in peace activism, most famously through the self-immolation of Thich Quang Duc in 1963. In the post-war period, Buddhism faced restrictions under communist rule but has experienced a revival since the 1990s.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen master who founded the Plum Village tradition, has been one of the most influential Buddhist teachers globally, promoting "engaged Buddhism" that applies Buddhist principles to social and environmental issues.

India

Despite being the birthplace of Buddhism, India is home to a relatively small Buddhist population today, approximately 0.7% of the total population. Buddhism declined in India from around the 7th century CE due to various factors, including the revival of Hinduism, Muslim invasions, and the loss of royal patronage.

A significant revival of Buddhism in India began in the 20th century when Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a key architect of India's constitution, converted to Buddhism along with hundreds of thousands of his Dalit (formerly "untouchable") followers in 1956. This movement, known as Navayana or "Neo-Buddhism," continues to grow among Dalits seeking to escape the caste discrimination associated with Hinduism.

India is home to many important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, including Bodh Gaya (where the Buddha attained enlightenment), Sarnath (where he gave his first sermon), Kushinagar (where he died), and Lumbini (his birthplace, now in Nepal). These sites attract Buddhist pilgrims from around the world.

The Indian government has supported the revival of Buddhist heritage sites and scholarship through institutions like the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara and international Buddhist conferences.

Buddhism in East Asia

China

Buddhism entered China during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) via the Silk Road trade routes. After centuries of adaptation to Chinese culture and interaction with indigenous traditions like Confucianism and Taoism, Buddhism became one of China's three major religious and philosophical systems.

Chinese Buddhism is predominantly Mahayana, with several major schools developing over the centuries, including Chan (Zen), Pure Land, Tiantai, and Huayan. These schools often influenced each other, with many temples and practitioners incorporating elements from multiple traditions.

Buddhism in China has experienced periods of imperial patronage and persecution throughout its history. The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) was particularly devastating for Buddhist institutions, but since the 1980s, there has been a significant revival of Buddhist practice and restoration of temples.

Today, estimates of the number of Buddhists in China vary widely, from 18% to 80% of the population, depending on how Buddhist identity is defined. Many Chinese people engage in Buddhist practices alongside Confucian ethics and Taoist rituals in a syncretic approach to religion.

Chinese Buddhism has had an enormous influence on the development of Buddhism throughout East Asia, with Chinese translations of Buddhist texts and Chinese Buddhist schools forming the basis for Buddhist traditions in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

Japan

Buddhism was officially introduced to Japan from Korea in the 6th century CE and received imperial patronage. Japanese Buddhism developed distinctive characteristics through its interaction with the indigenous Shinto tradition and adaptation to Japanese cultural values.

Major schools of Japanese Buddhism include:

• Tendai and Shingon: Established during the Heian period (794-1185), these schools introduced esoteric Buddhist practices to Japan
• Pure Land Buddhism (Jodo Shu and Jodo Shinshu): Founded by Honen and Shinran respectively, these schools emphasize faith in Amida Buddha and the recitation of his name
• Zen: Introduced to Japan in the 12th century, with the Rinzai, Soto, and Obaku as its main schools, emphasizing meditation and direct insight
• Nichiren Buddhism: Founded by Nichiren in the 13th century, focusing on the Lotus Sutra and the chanting of "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo"

Japanese Buddhism has contributed significantly to Japanese arts, architecture, literature, and philosophy. Zen aesthetics, in particular, have influenced garden design, calligraphy, poetry, and the tea ceremony.

In modern Japan, Buddhism often functions alongside Shinto in a complementary religious system, with Shinto associated with births and weddings and Buddhism with funerals and memorial services. While about 70% of Japanese people participate in Buddhist rituals, particularly funerals, a much smaller percentage identify as exclusively Buddhist in terms of religious affiliation.

Korea

Buddhism was introduced to Korea from China in the 4th century CE and became the state religion of the unified Silla Kingdom (668-935 CE). Korean Buddhism synthesized various Chinese Buddhist traditions while developing its own distinctive characteristics.

The dominant form of Korean Buddhism is Seon (Korean Zen), which emphasizes meditation practice. The Jogye Order, which traces its lineage back to the Silla period monk Wonhyo, is the largest Buddhist order in Korea today.

Korean Buddhism experienced significant persecution during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), when Confucianism was the state ideology. Monks were forced to live in remote mountain temples and were prohibited from entering cities.

In the 20th century, Korean Buddhism underwent modernization and revival. Distinctive features of contemporary Korean Buddhism include the integration of Seon meditation with doctrinal study and chanting practices, temple stay programs that allow laypeople to experience monastic life temporarily, and engaged Buddhist activism addressing social and environmental issues.

Today, approximately 15-20% of South Koreans identify as Buddhist, though Buddhist influence on Korean culture extends beyond formal religious affiliation. In North Korea, religious practice is severely restricted, though some Buddhist temples are maintained as cultural heritage sites.

Taiwan

Buddhism in Taiwan has roots in Chinese Buddhist traditions but has developed distinctive characteristics, particularly since the mid-20th century. Following the Chinese Civil War, many Buddhist monks and scholars fled mainland China to Taiwan, bringing with them various lineages and teachings.

Taiwanese Buddhism is predominantly Mahayana, with Pure Land and Chan (Zen) practices being particularly popular. The Tzu Chi Foundation, founded by the nun Cheng Yen in 1966, is one of the largest Buddhist humanitarian organizations in the world, with millions of members and volunteers globally.

Other significant Buddhist organizations in Taiwan include Dharma Drum Mountain, founded by Master Sheng Yen, and Fo Guang Shan, founded by Master Hsing Yun. These organizations have established international branches and have been instrumental in spreading Chinese Mahayana Buddhism globally.

A distinctive feature of Taiwanese Buddhism is the prominent role of female monastics and lay leaders. Taiwan has one of the highest proportions of Buddhist nuns in the world, and women have founded and led major Buddhist organizations.

Approximately 35% of Taiwan's population identifies as Buddhist, making it one of the most Buddhist countries in East Asia in terms of percentage of the population.

Buddhism in the Himalayan Region and Central Asia

Tibet

Buddhism was introduced to Tibet in the 7th century CE during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo, but it was not until the 8th century that it became firmly established through the efforts of the Indian master Padmasambhava and the Tibetan king Trisong Detsen.

Tibetan Buddhism is primarily Vajrayana (Tantric) in orientation, incorporating complex rituals, visualization practices, and esoteric teachings alongside the foundational elements of Mahayana Buddhism. It preserved many Indian Buddhist traditions that disappeared from their homeland after the decline of Buddhism in India.

The major schools of Tibetan Buddhism include:

• Nyingma: The oldest school, dating back to the initial introduction of Buddhism to Tibet
• Kagyu: Known for its emphasis on meditation and the practice of Mahamudra
• Sakya: Noted for its scholarship and systematic approach to tantric practice
• Gelug: Founded by Je Tsongkhapa in the 14th century, emphasizing monastic discipline and philosophical study

A unique feature of Tibetan Buddhism is the tulku system, in which high lamas are believed to reincarnate in new bodies to continue their work. The most famous tulku lineage is that of the Dalai Lamas, who served as both spiritual and temporal leaders of Tibet until the Chinese annexation in 1959.

Following the Chinese occupation of Tibet and the exile of the 14th Dalai Lama to India in 1959, Tibetan Buddhism spread globally. Major Tibetan Buddhist centers were established in India, Nepal, and Bhutan, and later in Western countries, leading to a significant international following.

Bhutan

Buddhism is the state religion of Bhutan, with approximately 75% of the population practicing Vajrayana Buddhism, primarily of the Drukpa Kagyu school. Buddhism was introduced to Bhutan in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.

The Bhutanese form of Buddhism is closely related to Tibetan Buddhism but has developed its own distinctive traditions and practices. Guru Padmasambhava (known in Bhutan as Guru Rinpoche) is particularly revered, and many sacred sites in Bhutan are associated with his visits.

Buddhism permeates all aspects of Bhutanese culture and society. Monasteries (dzongs) serve as both religious centers and administrative headquarters. The concept of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan's alternative to Gross Domestic Product as a measure of national progress, is influenced by Buddhist values.

Bhutanese Buddhism is characterized by colorful festivals (tshechus) featuring masked dances that depict Buddhist teachings and legends. These festivals serve both religious and social functions, strengthening community bonds and cultural identity.

Nepal

Nepal, the birthplace of the Buddha, has a complex religious landscape where Buddhism coexists with Hinduism in a syncretic relationship. Approximately 9% of Nepal's population identifies as Buddhist, though Buddhist influence on Nepalese culture extends beyond this percentage.

Nepalese Buddhism includes elements of Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions. The Newar Buddhists of the Kathmandu Valley practice a unique form of Vajrayana Buddhism that preserves ancient Indian Buddhist traditions with distinctive local developments.

In the northern mountainous regions bordering Tibet, the population practices forms of Tibetan Buddhism. In recent decades, there has also been a revival of Theravada Buddhism, particularly among the Newar community.

Nepal is home to several important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, including Lumbini (the Buddha's birthplace), Boudhanath Stupa (one of the largest stupas in the world), and Swayambhunath (the "Monkey Temple"), which attracts Buddhist and Hindu devotees alike.

Mongolia

Buddhism was introduced to Mongolia from Tibet in the 13th century, but it was not until the 16th century that it became the dominant religion under Altan Khan, who established a relationship with the Tibetan Gelug school and conferred the title of Dalai Lama on its leader.

Mongolian Buddhism is primarily Vajrayana in orientation and closely related to Tibetan Buddhism, particularly the Gelug tradition. However, it has incorporated elements of indigenous Mongolian shamanic practices and developed its own distinctive characteristics.

During the communist period (1924-1990), Buddhism in Mongolia faced severe persecution, with most monasteries destroyed and thousands of monks executed or imprisoned. Since the democratic revolution in 1990, there has been a significant revival of Buddhist practice and the reconstruction of monasteries.

Today, approximately 55% of Mongolians identify as Buddhist. The Gandantegchinlen Monastery in Ulaanbaatar serves as the center of Mongolian Buddhism and houses a 26.5-meter-tall statue of Avalokiteśvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.

Buddhism in the Western World

Historical Development

Western interest in Buddhism began in the 19th century with the work of scholars who translated Buddhist texts and studied Buddhist philosophy. The World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, which featured presentations by Buddhist representatives including Anagarika Dharmapala and Soyen Shaku, marked a significant moment in the introduction of Buddhism to Western audiences.

In the early 20th century, a small number of Westerners traveled to Asia to study Buddhism and some became ordained as monks or nuns. Following World War II, immigration from Asian Buddhist countries increased, and Asian Buddhist communities established temples and centers in Western countries.

The counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s sparked increased interest in Eastern spiritual traditions, including Buddhism. During this period, Asian Buddhist teachers like Shunryu Suzuki, Chogyam Trungpa, and Thich Nhat Hanh established centers in the West and adapted their teaching methods for Western students.

Contemporary Western Buddhism

Today, Buddhism in the West encompasses a diverse range of traditions, practices, and communities. These can be broadly categorized into three groups:

1. Immigrant or ethnic Buddhist communities: Established by immigrants from traditionally Buddhist countries, these communities often serve both religious and cultural functions, helping to preserve heritage and identity
2. Convert Buddhists: Individuals from non-Buddhist backgrounds who have adopted Buddhist practice, often focusing on meditation and philosophical aspects of Buddhism
3. Sympathizers or "night-stand Buddhists": People who incorporate some Buddhist ideas or practices into their lives without formally identifying as Buddhist

All major Buddhist traditions are now represented in Western countries:

• Theravada: Represented by Vipassana meditation centers, forest tradition monasteries, and immigrant communities from Southeast Asia
• Zen: Various Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese Zen lineages have established centers throughout the West
• Tibetan Buddhism: All four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism have centers in Western countries, with the Kagyu, Nyingma, and Gelug traditions being particularly well-represented
• Pure Land and other East Asian traditions: Primarily practiced within Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese immigrant communities

Western Buddhism has developed some distinctive characteristics, including:

• Greater emphasis on meditation practice for laypeople
• Less emphasis on ritual, devotion, and merit-making
• More egalitarian gender roles and greater involvement of women in leadership positions
• Integration with Western psychology, science, and social activism
• Ecumenical approach, with practitioners often studying across different Buddhist traditions

Buddhism in North America

In the United States and Canada, Buddhism has grown significantly in recent decades. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 1-2% of the U.S. population identifies as Buddhist, with higher percentages in urban areas and on the West Coast.

Major Buddhist organizations in North America include the Buddhist Churches of America (primarily Japanese Jodo Shinshu), the San Francisco Zen Center, Shambhala International, the Insight Meditation Society, and numerous Tibetan Buddhist centers associated with various lineages.

Buddhism has influenced American culture in various ways, from mindfulness practices in healthcare and education to Buddhist themes in literature, film, and popular culture. Universities across North America offer courses and degree programs in Buddhist studies.

Buddhism in Europe

Buddhism in Europe varies significantly by country, with France, the United Kingdom, and Germany having particularly active Buddhist communities. The European Buddhist Union estimates that there are approximately 3-4 million Buddhists in Europe.

European Buddhism includes both immigrant communities (particularly from Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) and convert Buddhists. Major traditions represented include Tibetan Buddhism, Zen, and Theravada, with numerous retreat centers and monasteries established across the continent.

In the United Kingdom, the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (now Triratna Buddhist Community) developed as an ecumenical Buddhist movement that draws from various traditions while adapting to Western cultural contexts.

In France, the Plum Village tradition established by Thich Nhat Hanh has been particularly influential, attracting thousands of visitors annually to its monasteries and practice centers.

Buddhism in Australia and New Zealand

Buddhism is the second-largest religion in Australia after Christianity, with approximately 2.4% of the population identifying as Buddhist. This includes both immigrant communities from Southeast and East Asia and convert Buddhists.

All major Buddhist traditions are represented in Australia and New Zealand, with numerous temples, meditation centers, and monasteries established across both countries. The Buddhist Council of New South Wales and the Buddhist Council of Victoria serve as umbrella organizations for various Buddhist groups.

The Nan Tien Temple near Wollongong, Australia, is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the Southern Hemisphere and serves as a cultural and educational center as well as a place of worship.

Buddhism in Africa and Latin America

Buddhism has a smaller presence in Africa and Latin America compared to Asia and Western countries, but Buddhist communities exist in most countries on these continents, primarily in urban areas.

Africa

In South Africa, Buddhism has grown since the end of apartheid, with various Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana groups establishing centers. The Buddhist Retreat Centre in Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal, founded in 1980, is one of the oldest and most well-known Buddhist centers in Africa.

In North Africa, particularly Morocco and Egypt, small Buddhist communities exist, often connected to expatriate communities or local converts who have studied abroad.

Several Tibetan Buddhist centers have been established in countries like Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, often under the guidance of Tibetan lamas who have visited these countries.

Latin America

Buddhism in Latin America has grown significantly since the 1980s, with Brazil having the largest Buddhist community in the region. Japanese immigration to Brazil in the early 20th century brought various forms of Japanese Buddhism, including Zen and Pure Land.

In Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and other Latin American countries, various Buddhist traditions have established centers, including Tibetan Buddhism, Zen, and Theravada. The Diamond Way Buddhist centers founded by Ole Nydahl have a significant presence in several Latin American countries.

The Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist organization based on the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism, has been particularly successful in establishing a presence throughout Latin America.