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    Religion and Morality in Latin America

    A Pew Research Center survey of 18 Latin American countries and Puerto Rico asked people whether eight specific behaviors — including homosexual behavior and having an abortion — are morally wrong. Even though Catholic Church teaching forbids some of these behaviors, Protestants across the region are more likely than Catholics to see many of them […]

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    Muslims

    The number of Muslims around the world is projected to increase rapidly in the decades ahead, growing from about 1.6 billion in 2010 to nearly 2.8 billion in 2050.[1. numoffset=”40″ For more information about Islam and its major branches (Sunni and Shia), see “Defining the Religious Groups.”] Muslims are expected to grow twice as fast […]

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    Chapter 2: Religious Commitment and Practice

    For more recent survey data about religion in Latin America, read our 2026 report “Catholicism Has Declined in Latin America Over the Past Decade.” Religion is central to the lives of many Latin Americans. Indeed, majorities in most countries surveyed say religion is very important to them. Two-thirds or more express this view in Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, […]

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    Restrictions on Religion among the 25 Most Populous Countries, 2007-2011

    Among the world’s 25 most populous countries, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia and Pakistan stand out as having the most restrictions on religion in 2011 when both government restrictions and social hostilities are taken into account. (Countries in the upper right of the chart have the most restrictions and hostilities.) Brazil, the Philippines, Japan, the United States […]

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    Appendix B: Glossary

    Afro-Caribbean/Afro-Brazilian/indigenous religions Traditions that combined African beliefs and practices, which initially were brought to the Caribbean and South America by African slaves, with religious beliefs and practices that were native to the region. Examples include Candomblé, Santeria and Umbanda. Candomblé Religion based on African beliefs that is very popular in Brazil. The religion mixes traditional […]

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    New Pew Research Center Report Explores Changing Religious Landscape in Latin America

    Media Contact: Katherine Ritchey, Communications Manager 202-419-4372, kritchey@pewresearch.org Washington, Nov. 13, 2014 — Latin America is home to more than 425 million Catholics – nearly 40% of the world’s total Catholic population. Yet identification with Catholicism has declined throughout the region, according to a major new Pew Research Center survey that examines religious affiliations, beliefs […]