Believing in Spirits and Life After Death Is Common Around the World
Belief in an afterlife, God and spirits in nature is widespread globally. Older adults are more likely than younger adults to believe in God.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
William Miner
Research Analyst
William Miner is a research analyst focusing on religion at Pew Research Center.
Publications
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report
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.
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report
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.
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short reads
Dissatisfaction with democracy is widespread in Japan ahead of snap election
Ahead of Japan’s election on Oct. 27, here are four key facts about people’s views of democracy and political parties in the country.
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short reads
Many around the globe say it’s important their leader stands up for people’s religious beliefs
Adults in Indonesia, Bangladesh and the Philippines are the most likely to say it is important to have a leader who stands up for people with their religious beliefs.
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short reads
4 facts about religion and diversity in Taiwan
Buddhists, the religiously unaffiliated and Daoists each make up about a quarter of Taiwan’s adult population.
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short reads
Across Asia, respect for elders is seen as necessary to be ‘truly’ Buddhist
Buddhists across the region also say that someone cannot be truly Buddhist if they do not respect deities or spirits.
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report
Religion and Spirituality in East Asian Societies
Few are religiously affiliated, but many in the region hold religious or spiritual beliefs and engage in traditional rituals.
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short reads
Many in East Asia say men and women make equally good leaders, despite few female heads of government
When Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s term ends in May, only one woman will serve as head of government anywhere in Asia, excluding the Pacific Islands.
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short reads
Across Asia, views of same-sex marriage vary widely
A median of 49% of people in 12 places in Asia say they at least somewhat favor allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally.
