As of 2023, there are approximately 2.4 billion Christians worldwide, making Christianity the largest religion by population. This number is significant because it represents about 30% of the global population of around 8 billion people, according to a PEW estimation in 2020. This means that one in every three people on Earth identifies as Christian.
The growth of Christianity is attributed to several factors, including high birth rates and conversions in the Global South. This region, which includes countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, has seen a significant increase in the number of Christians over the years. In fact, the number of Christians in this region is expected to continue growing, with projections suggesting that there will be over 2.6 billion Christians worldwide by the middle of 2023 and around 3.3 billion by 2050.
Distribution of Christians across different regions
| Region | Christian Population (2010) | Christian Population (2050) | Share of Global Christian Population (2050) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | 553 million | 454 million | 16% |
| Latin America & Caribbean | 531 million | 670 million | 23% |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | 517 million | 1.1 billion | 38% |
| Asia & Pacific | 415 million | 903 million | 31% |
| North America | 275 million | 275 million | 9% |
This table provides a snapshot of the distribution of Christians across different regions, highlighting the significant growth expected in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia & the Pacific by 2050.
The Global Christian Population
The Christian population is growing rapidly, with an estimated 2.4 billion adherents worldwide as of 2023. This number represents about 30% of the global population of around 8 billion people. The growth of Christianity is attributed to several factors, including high birth rates and conversions in the Global South. This region, which includes countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, has seen a significant increase in the number of Christians over the years.
One of the main reasons for the growth of Christianity in the Global South is the high birth rates in many of these countries. Families in Africa, for example, tend to be larger than in other parts of the world, with an average of 4.7 children per woman. As these children grow up, many of them are raised as Christians, contributing to the overall growth of the religion.
Another factor contributing to the growth of Christianity in the Global South is the high rate of conversions. Many people in these regions are converting to Christianity from other religions or from no religion at all. This is often due to the efforts of Christian missionaries and evangelists who have been active in these regions for decades.
Regional Distribution
The global Christian population is not evenly distributed across regions. As of 2010, about a quarter of the global Christian population was in Europe (26%), a quarter in Latin America and the Caribbean (25%), and a quarter in sub-Saharan Africa (24%). The shares of the global Christian population residing in Latin America and the Caribbean (23%) and North America (10%) are projected to decline modestly by 2050. Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to become the region with the largest number of Christians – by a wide margin – with a projected share of 38% by 2050.
The uneven distribution of Christians across regions is largely due to historical and cultural factors. Christianity has a long history in Europe, with many countries having been predominantly Christian for centuries. Latin America and the Caribbean also have a strong Christian tradition, with the majority of the population being Catholic.
In contrast, sub-Saharan Africa has seen a significant increase in the number of Christians in recent decades. This is partly due to the efforts of Christian missionaries who have been active in the region since the colonial era. Many Africans have also converted to Christianity from traditional African religions or from Islam.
Christianity in Europe
Europe is the only region where the absolute number of Christians is expected to decline by 2050. The share of Europe’s population that identifies as Christian is expected to decline from 75% to 65% during this period. This decline is attributed to low birth rates and an aging population in many European countries.
One of the main reasons for the decline of Christianity in Europe is the low birth rates in many European countries. Many European countries have fertility rates below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. As the population ages and fewer children are born, the share of Christians in the population is expected to decline.
Another factor contributing to the decline of Christianity in Europe is the increasing secularization of society. Many Europeans, especially younger generations, are identifying as non-religious or atheist. This trend is particularly pronounced in Western and Northern Europe, where church attendance and religious affiliation have been declining for decades.
Christianity in Asia and the Pacific
The Christian population in Asia and the Pacific is projected to grow by 33% between 2010 and 2050, higher than the population growth of the region overall (22%). The number of Christians in Asia and the Pacific is expected to more than double in the next few decades, growing from about 415 million people in 2010 to over 900 million by 2050. This growth is driven by high birth rates and conversions in countries such as the Philippines, South Korea, and China.
The growth of Christianity in Asia and the Pacific is largely due to the high birth rates in many of these countries. The Philippines, for example, has a fertility rate of 2.5 children per woman, which is higher than the global average. As these children grow up, many of them are raised as Christians, contributing to the overall growth of the religion.
Another factor contributing to the growth of Christianity in Asia and the Pacific is the increasing number of conversions. Many people in these regions are converting to Christianity from other religions or from no religion at all. This is often due to the efforts of Christian missionaries and evangelists who have been active in these regions for decades.
Christianity in Africa
The Christian population in Africa is projected to more than double in the next few decades, growing from about 500 million people in 2010 to over 1.2 billion by 2050. The share of Africa’s population that is Christian is expected to drop slightly from 63% in 2010 to 59% in 2050 due to rapid growth among the region’s Muslims. However, Africa will remain a significant hub for Christianity, with many countries in the region having large Christian majorities.
The growth of Christianity in Africa is largely due to the high birth rates in many African countries. Africa has the highest fertility rate in the world, with an average of 4.7 children per woman. As these children grow up, many of them are raised as Christians, contributing to the overall growth of the religion.
Another factor contributing to the growth of Christianity in Africa is the increasing number of conversions. Many Africans are converting to Christianity from traditional African religions or from Islam. This is often due to the efforts of Christian missionaries and evangelists who have been active in the region for decades.
Christianity in North America
The Christian population in North America is projected to grow by 8% between 2010 and 2050, much less than the region’s population as a whole (26%). The number of Christians in North America is expected to increase from about 250 million people in 2010 to over 270 million by 2050. This growth is driven by high birth rates among Hispanic and immigrant communities.
The relatively slow growth of Christianity in North America is largely due to the increasing secularization of society. Many Americans, especially younger generations, are identifying as non-religious or atheist. This trend is particularly pronounced in the United States, where church attendance and religious affiliation have been declining for decades.
However, the growth of Christianity in North America is being driven by high birth rates among Hispanic and immigrant communities. Many of these communities have higher fertility rates than the general population, and as these children grow up, many of them are raised as Christians, contributing to the overall growth of the religion.
Christianity and Other Religions
Christianity is the largest religion by population, with approximately 2.4 billion adherents as of 2023. Islam is the second-largest religion, with around 1.8 billion adherents, and is projected to nearly catch up with Christianity by the middle of the 21st century. Other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism, are also expected to experience growth, but at a slower rate than Christianity and Islam.
The growth of Islam is largely due to the high birth rates in many Muslim-majority countries. Many of these countries have fertility rates above the global average, and as these children grow up, many of them are raised as Muslims, contributing to the overall growth of the religion.
In contrast, other religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism are expected to grow at a slower rate. These religions have a smaller geographic footprint and are concentrated in specific regions of the world. Additionally, many of these religions have lower birth rates and are experiencing increasing secularization, similar to Christianity in Europe and North America.
FAQs: Christians in the world
How many Christians are there in the world compared to other religions?
As of 2023, there are approximately 2.4 billion Christians worldwide, making Christianity the largest religion by population. This number represents about 30% of the global population of around 8 billion people.
Islam is the second-largest religion, with around 1.8 billion adherents, and is projected to nearly catch up with Christianity by the middle of the 21st century. Other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism, are also expected to experience growth, but at a slower rate than Christianity and Islam[1].
How many types of Christians are there in the world?
Christianity is diverse theologically as well as geographically. The main types of Christianity are:
- Catholicism (52.4% of Christians worldwide)[3]
- Protestantism (34.9% of Christians worldwide)[3]
- Orthodoxy (11.4% of Christians worldwide)[3]
- Other forms of Christianity (1.3% of Christians worldwide)[3]
How many true Christians are there in the world?
There is no definitive way to determine the number of “true Christians” in the world, as this is a subjective and theological question. Different denominations and individuals have varying definitions of what constitutes a “true Christian.”
What are the 12 types of Christianity?
There is no definitive list of 12 types of Christianity. Christianity is often divided into the following major branches:
- Catholicism
- Protestantism
- Orthodoxy
- Anglicanism
- Restorationism
- Adventism
- Pentecostalism
- Evangelicalism
- Fundamentalism
- Liberalism
- Arminianism
- Calvinism
However, there are many other smaller denominations and movements within Christianity. The exact number and categorization of Christian types can vary depending on the source and criteria used.
Conclusion
The growth of Christianity presents opportunities for evangelism and mission work, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Christians around the world should be aware of the changing religious landscape and be prepared to adapt their strategies for outreach and engagement. The growth of Christianity also highlights the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation, as Christians work together with adherents of other religions to address common challenges and promote peace and understanding.
As the Christian population continues to grow, particularly in the Global South, it will be important for Christian leaders and organizations to adapt their strategies to meet the needs of these growing communities. This may involve investing in education, healthcare, and social services to support these communities and promote sustainable development.
At the same time, it will be important for Christians to engage in interfaith dialogue and cooperation with adherents of other religions. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is essential that people of different faiths work together to address common challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. By promoting understanding and cooperation between different faiths, Christians can help to build a more just and peaceful world.