Key findings about COVID-19 restrictions that affected religious groups around the world in 2020
Our study analyzes 198 countries and territories and is based on policies and events in 2020, the most recent year for which data is available.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Our study analyzes 198 countries and territories and is based on policies and events in 2020, the most recent year for which data is available.
A median of 49% of people in 12 places in Asia say they at least somewhat favor allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally.
Two-thirds or more in Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam say that women should decide for themselves whether to bear children.
Across the nations surveyed, a median of 62% of adults – including 63% in the United States – say their country will be better off if it is open to changes.
India’s artificially wide ratio of baby boys to baby girls – which arose in the 1970s from the use of prenatal diagnostic technology to facilitate sex-selective abortions – now appears to be narrowing. Son bias has declined sharply among Sikhs, while Christians continue to have a natural balance of sons and daughters.
Around eight-in-ten adults in Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam say both men and women should be primarily responsible for earning money.
Around a fifth (21%) of the 198 countries evaluated banned at least one religion-related group in 2019, our analysis found.
Social hostilities involving religion, including violence and harassment against religious groups by private individuals and groups, declined in 2019, according to Pew Research Center’s 12th annual study of global restrictions on religion, which examines 198 countries and territories.
More than eight-in-ten adults in Hong Kong and Taiwan say democracy is a good way to govern.
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