The U.S. is not widely seen as highly religious
A modest share of people around the world see the United States as more religious than other wealthy nations – despite considerable evidence that it is.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
A modest share of people around the world see the United States as more religious than other wealthy nations – despite considerable evidence that it is.
In 2020, properties in 102 of the 198 countries and territories in the study were targeted in incidents tied to religion.
The Census Bureau has collected data on Americans’ income, race, ethnicity, housing and other things, but it has never directly asked about their religion.
Pope Francis made news recently by voicing his support for same-sex civil unions. The statement struck observers as a shift for the Vatican.
In most of the 18 countries analyzed, religiously unaffiliated adults were more likely to say homosexuality should be accepted by society.
Nearly a quarter of countries used force to prevent religious gatherings during the pandemic; other government restrictions and social hostilities related to religion remained fairly stable.
Women in 56 countries experienced social hostilities due to clothing that was deemed to violate religious or secular dress norms.
A median of 45% across 34 surveyed countries say it is necessary to believe in God to be moral and have good values. However, public opinion on this question, as well as the role of God, prayer and religion varies by country, region and economic development.
At least 20 nations preceded the U.S. in granting women the right to vote, according to an analysis of measures in 198 countries and territories.
In the United States, 27% of adults ages 60 and older live alone, compared with 16% of adults in the 130 countries and territories studied.
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