Structured Lists Directory

Overview

Major World Religions

The major world religions refer to the five religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. Together, these religions cover over 80% of the world's population and are deeply rooted in human history, culture, and ethics. Christianity and Islam are classified as Abrahamic religions, derived from Judaism. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions, developed in the Indian subcontinent. Buddhism originated in ancient India and has now spread primarily throughout Asia.

religion Christianity Islam Hinduism Buddhism Judaism world history culture
code slug name description followers_approximate followers_percentage founded_place founded_year founder majorBranches sacredText
01 christianity Christianity The world's largest religion, a monotheistic faith worshipping Jesus Christ as the savior. 2.38 billion 31.1% Palestine 1st century CE Jesus Christ ["Catholicism","Protestantism","Eastern Orthodoxy"] The Bible (Old and New Testaments)
02 islam Islam The world's second-largest religion, a monotheistic faith recognizing Muhammad as the final prophet. 1.96 billion 24.9% Mecca, Arabian Peninsula 7th century CE Muhammad ["Sunni","Shia"] Quran
03 hinduism Hinduism The world's third-largest religion, a polytheistic religion originating in India. 1.14 billion 15.2% Indus Valley c. 1500 BCE None (natural development) ["Vaishnavism","Shaivism","Shaktism"] Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita
04 buddhism Buddhism A religion founded by Buddha, aiming to achieve enlightenment. 500 million 6.6% Ancient India 6th century BCE Gautama Siddhartha (Buddha) ["Theravada","Mahayana","Vajrayana"] Sutras, Vinaya, Abhidharma
05 judaism Judaism The source of Abrahamic religions, worshipping the one God Yahweh. 15 million 0.2% Ancient Canaan c. 2000 BCE Abraham (traditional) ["Orthodox","Conservative","Reform"] Tanakh (Hebrew Bible)

The five major religions with the largest number of followers worldwide.