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.
While the number of gun deaths in the U.S. fell for the second consecutive year in 2023, it remained among the highest annual totals on record.
In 2021, government restrictions on religion – laws, policies and actions by state officials that limit religious beliefs and practices – reached a new peak globally. Harassment of religious groups and interference in worship were two of the most common forms of government restrictions worldwide that year.
Overwhelmingly, people believe the U.S. interferes in the affairs of other countries (82%), but most also believe the U.S. contributes to peace and stability around the world (61%). U.S. President Joe Biden receives mostly positive reviews from publics around the world with 54% expressing confidence in Biden, while 39% say they lack confidence in him.
The unauthorized immigrant population in the U.S. grew to 11 million in 2022, but remained below the peak of 12.2 million in 2007.
People in 23 countries tend to see U.S. President Joe Biden more positively than Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Perceptions of strong partisan conflict are most widespread among adults in South Korea, the United States, Israel, France and Hungary.
Some activities, such as prayer, are widespread. Others, such as fasting and lighting incense or candles, vary more by country.
Most Americans say it’s not necessary to believe in God in order to be moral and have good values, according to a spring 2022 survey.
The globe’s 280 million immigrants shape countries’ religious composition. Christians make up the largest share, but Jews are most likely to have migrated.
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