What Percent of the World Is Atheist 2017

In a world filled with diverse religious beliefs, it is natural to wonder about the percentage of people who identify as atheists. Atheism, as a belief system, rejects the existence of deities and supernatural entities, instead relying on science, reason, and evidence. The global religious landscape has witnessed significant shifts in recent years, prompting us to explore the question: What percent of the world is atheist in 2017?

Determining the exact percentage of atheists worldwide is a complex task due to various factors, including cultural differences, social pressures, and government policies. However, based on available data and surveys conducted by reputable organizations, we can approximate the global prevalence of atheism in 2017.

According to a comprehensive study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2015, approximately 16% of the global population considers themselves to be religiously unaffiliated, including atheists, agnostics, and those who identify as “nothing in particular.” This figure suggests that nearly 1.2 billion people worldwide do not associate themselves with any religious belief or denomination.

While the study does not provide an exact percentage of atheists alone, it offers valuable insights into the religious landscape. It is important to note that atheism varies from country to country, with some nations witnessing higher percentages of atheistic beliefs than others. Let’s explore some frequently asked questions about atheism and its prevalence around the world in 2017.

FAQs:

Q1. Which countries have the highest percentage of atheists?
A1. Countries such as China, Japan, Czech Republic, Sweden, and the Netherlands often report higher percentages of atheists compared to other nations.

Q2. Are atheism rates increasing or decreasing globally?
A2. Research suggests that atheism rates are generally increasing worldwide, particularly in developed countries, as societies become more secular and individuals question traditional religious beliefs.

Q3. What factors contribute to higher atheism rates?
A3. Factors such as education, access to information, social and political freedom, and economic development often correlate with higher rates of atheism.

Q4. Are atheists more prevalent among certain age groups?
A4. Studies indicate that younger generations tend to identify as atheist or non-religious at higher rates than older generations, suggesting a generational shift towards secularism.

Q5. Are there any countries where atheism is illegal?
A5. While atheism is not explicitly illegal in most countries, some nations have laws restricting or punishing blasphemy or apostasy, which can pose challenges for atheists.

Q6. Do atheists face discrimination in society?
A6. Atheists can face discrimination and social stigma in societies where religious beliefs are deeply rooted. However, the severity of discrimination varies from country to country.

Q7. How do atheism rates compare to other religious affiliations?
A7. Atheism, as a whole, represents a significant portion of the global population. However, it is still outnumbered by various religious affiliations, such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

In conclusion, determining the precise percentage of atheists worldwide in 2017 is challenging, but research suggests that around 16% of the global population identifies as religiously unaffiliated. While atheism rates vary across countries and age groups, there is evidence to suggest a growing trend of individuals questioning traditional religious beliefs. As societies become more educated, secular, and open-minded, atheism is likely to continue its upward trajectory.