In a world undergoing profound demographic, cultural, and ideological shifts, a newly released report by the Pew Research Centre offers an in-depth look at how global religious affiliation and belief systems evolved between 2010 and 2020. The findings paint a portrait of a changing spiritual landscape—marked by growth, diversification, and rising secularism.

The total number of people identifying with a religion has increased from 5.9 billion in 2010 to approximately 6.9 billion by 2020. This surge is primarily fueled by population booms in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, where high fertility rates are coupled with deeply rooted religious traditions.

Christianity remains the world’s largest religion, accounting for around 31.2% of the global population. However, Islam is expanding at a quicker rate, growing from 23.2% to 24.1% over the decade. Notably, Muslims globally tend to be younger, while Buddhists represent one of the oldest religious demographics. Meanwhile, Christianity remains the most geographically widespread, with significant presence across continents.

While religion flourishes in some areas, others show signs of spiritual detachment. Europe, for instance, continues to move toward secularism. The share of people identifying as religiously unaffiliated—commonly referred to as “nones”—has grown to about 17% of the continent’s population. North America reflects a similar trend, with a growing minority stepping away from traditional religious frameworks despite Christianity still being dominant.

Amid these shifts, new energy is surging through parts of the global Christian community. Pentecostal and evangelical movements are witnessing rapid expansion, particularly in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. This resurgence has brought dynamic forms of worship and social outreach, revitalizing Christianity in some parts of the world. Global migration and cultural exchange have further contributed to religious pluralism in cities and societies once considered spiritually homogenous.

A key trend that has reshaped the religious map is the rise in those with no religious affiliation. This group is gaining momentum across advanced economies, reshaping public discourse around spirituality and identity. The Pew study points out that the increase in secularism—especially among younger generations—presents new challenges for religious institutions seeking to remain relevant and impactful in a changing world.

The Pew Research Centre’s decade-long analysis affirms that the global religious scene is becoming increasingly complex. Faith, in its many forms, continues to shape individual lives and societal structures—but the ways in which people relate to it are diversifying. In response, religious institutions are being called to reimagine their roles, deepen interfaith dialogue, and respond compassionately to evolving spiritual needs across the globe.