Around the World, Many People Are Leaving Their Childhood Religions
In many places surveyed, 20% or more of all adults have left their childhood religious group. Christianity and Buddhism have had especially large losses.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Middle East & North Africa
Comparing Levels of Religious Nationalism Around the World
We asked people in three dozen countries how they see religion’s role in society, government and national identity.
Majority in U.S. Say Israel Has Valid Reasons for Fighting; Fewer Say the Same About Hamas
57% of Americans express some sympathy with both Israelis and Palestinians, including 26% who say their sympathies lie equally with both groups.
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With high levels of prayer, U.S. is an outlier among wealthy nations
When compared with other wealthy nations, the U.S. is unique in that a large share of its population prays every day.
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In many countries, dissatisfaction with democracy is tied to views about economic conditions, personal rights
Dissatisfaction with democracy is correlated with views on economic conditions, whether key democratic norms are being respected and other issues.
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Remittance flows worldwide in 2017
Worldwide, an estimated $625 billion (USD) was sent by migrants to individuals in their home countries in 2017, a 7% increase from 2016, when the amount was $586 billion, according to economists at the World Bank. This increase follows two consecutive years of decline.
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The countries with the 10 largest Christian populations and the 10 largest Muslim populations
The global Muslim population is more concentrated in Islam’s main population centers than the global Christian population is for Christianity.
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Americans divided over decision to withdraw from Syria
Overall, 43% of Americans say withdrawing American troops from Syria would be the right decision, while 45% say it would not.
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Many worldwide oppose more migration – both into and out of their countries
As the number of international migrants reaches new highs, people around the world show little appetite for more migration – both into and out of their countries.
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After 17 years of war in Afghanistan, more say U.S. has failed than succeeded in achieving its goals
About half of U.S. adults say the country’s mission in Afghanistan has mostly failed in achieving its goals, while about a third say it has mostly succeeded.
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Global Uptick in Government Restrictions on Religion in 2016
Restrictions on religion increased in 2016 for the second straight year. Nationalist parties and organizations played an increasing role in harassment of religious minorities, especially in Europe.
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Education of Muslim women is limited by economic conditions, not religion
Muslim societies have gained a reputation in recent decades for failing to adequately educate women. But a new analysis of Pew Research Center data on educational attainment and religion suggests that economics, not religion, is the key factor limiting the education of Muslim women.
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5 facts about religion in Saudi Arabia
Read five facts about religion in Saudi Arabia — a country that is the birthplace of Islam and, as such, holds special importance for Muslims worldwide.
