Buddhism remains one of the most influential religions in Asia, with hundreds of millions of followers spread across the region. The data highlights how the Buddhist population is concentrated in a handful of countries, shaped by long histories of religious tradition, culture, and state support.
China ranks first by a wide margin, with an estimated 254 million Buddhists—by far the largest Buddhist population in the world. Thailand comes in second with around 66 million Buddhists, reflecting Buddhism’s central role in daily life, national identity, and social institutions. Japan takes third place with approximately 41 million Buddhists, where Buddhism continues to coexist alongside Shinto practices and modern secular culture.
Beyond the top three, countries such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Cambodia each host significant Buddhist communities, reinforcing Southeast and East Asia as the global heartland of Buddhism. Overall, the figures show that while Buddhism is practiced worldwide, its strongest demographic presence remains deeply rooted in Asia, where tradition and modern life continue to intersect.
