As of 2023, there are numerous countries around the world with a high concentration of churches. Here, we will take a closer look at the 15 countries with the highest number of churches and explore the reasons behind this trend.
15. United States
The United States has the highest number of churches in the world, with an estimated 384,000 churches across the country. The vast majority of these churches are Christian, with the largest denomination being Evangelical Protestantism. Other significant Christian groups in the U.S. include Roman Catholics, Mainline Protestants, and Mormons.
With a population of over 330 million people, the country is known for its diverse religious practices, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism. The Christian population in the country is predominantly Protestant, followed by Catholicism, and Orthodox Christianity.
14. Nigeria
Nigeria is home to a large number of Christians, with an estimated 90 million Christians in the country. The country has an estimated 200,000+ churches, with the largest denomination being Protestantism registered churches with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) However, the actual number may be higher due to the presence of unregistered churches.
13. Brazil
Brazil is predominantly Christian, with the largest denomination being Roman Catholicism. The country has an estimated 220,000 churches, with a significant number of Protestant churches as well.
As of 2021, there are an estimated 190,000 Catholic churches in Brazil. In addition to Catholicism, there is also a significant number of Protestant churches in the country, with an estimated 45,000 churches belonging to the Assemblies of God denomination alone. Other major Protestant denominations in Brazil include the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
12. Mexico
Mexico is predominantly Roman Catholic, with an estimated 117,000 Catholic churches across the country. The country also has a significant number of Protestant churches.
The number of Protestant churches in the country is estimated to be around 14,000. Other religions, such as Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism, also have a presence in Mexico, albeit smaller than Christianity.
11. South Korea
South Korea is one of the most rapidly growing Christian countries in the world, with a significant portion of the population identifying as Christian. The country was at an estimated 60,000 Christian churches in 2021, with the largest denomination being Protestantism.
South Korea has a enormous number of churches in the world, with over 100,000 churches. The country is known for its strong Christian presence, with Protestantism being the most prominent religion, followed by Buddhism and Confucianism.
10. DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is home to a significant number of religious institutions, with a diverse range of denominations represented throughout the country. According to estimates, there are approximately 70,000 registered and unregistered churches in the DRC, making it one of the most religiously diverse nations in Africa.
The largest denomination in the DRC is the Church of Jesus Christ on Earth by His Special Envoy Simon Kimbangu. Founded in 1921 by Simon Kimbangu, the church has a strong following throughout the country, and has played an important role in shaping the social, cultural, and political landscape of the DRC.
9. Ethiopia
Ethiopia is predominantly Christian, with the majority of Christians belonging to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The country had an estimated 20,000 churches in 2021, with a significant number of Muslim mosques as well. However, recent data shows that Ethiopia has over 45,000 churches. The country has a strong Christian presence, with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church being the most prominent religion. The country also has a significant Muslim population.
8. Germany
Germany has a predominantly Christian population, with Protestantism and Catholicism being the largest denominations. According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2021, about 55% of the population identifies as Christian. Christianity has played a significant role in shaping German culture, with many churches being involved in social and political issues. The country is also home to many historic churches and cathedrals, with some dating back to the medieval period.
Germany has a rich Christian history, with an estimated 45,000 churches across the country. The largest denomination in Germany is Protestantism, followed by Roman Catholicism.
7. Philippines
The Philippines is predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism being the dominant faith. The country has an estimated 42,000 churches, with the majority being Roman Catholic. the Philippines is predominantly a Christian country, with Catholicism being the largest religion, followed by Protestantism and other Christian denominations. The country has a rich religious heritage, and churches play a significant role in the lives of many Filipinos, both as places of worship and cultural landmarks.
6. Russia
Russia has a long history of religion, with Orthodox Christianity being the dominant faith. The country has an estimated 40,000 Orthodox Christian churches, as well as a significant number of Muslim mosques and Buddhist temples.
Russia has a rich and complex religious history dating back centuries. Orthodox Christianity has been the dominant faith in the country since the 10th century, when Vladimir the Great adopted the religion as the official faith of the Kievan Rus’ state. The Russian Orthodox Church has played a significant role in shaping Russian culture and society, and has maintained a strong presence in the country to this day.
5. Uganda
Uganda is a country located in East Africa and has a population of approximately 44 million people. The majority of the population is Christian, with Protestantism being the largest denomination, followed by Catholicism. The country has a significant number of churches, with an estimated 40,000 registered churches across the country.
The largest Protestant denomination in Uganda is the Anglican Church of Uganda, which has a membership of over 13 million people. Other significant Protestant denominations include the Pentecostal churches, the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Catholicism is the second-largest denomination in Uganda.
4. Poland
Poland is predominantly Roman Catholic and has an estimated 28,000 Catholic churches across the country, which is a reflection of its religious history and traditions. The country also has a significant number of Protestant churches, although they are not as numerous as Catholic churches.
3. Italy
Italy has a long and rich history with the Catholic Church. The country is home to many significant Catholic sites, including the Vatican City, which is the spiritual center of the Catholic Church and home to the Pope. The majority of Italians are Catholic, and the country has an estimated 24,000 Catholic churches.
In addition to Catholicism, there are also significant numbers of Protestant and Orthodox Christian churches in Italy. Protestantism has a long history in Italy, dating back to the 16th century, and there are now over 600,000 Protestants in the country. There are also many Orthodox Christian churches, particularly in the southern regions of Italy, due to the influence of Greek and Albanian immigrants. Overall, Italy has a diverse religious landscape, with a variety of Christian denominations represented.
2. Spain
Spain has a long and rich history with the Roman Catholic Church. In fact, the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, are known for their role in the Spanish Inquisition and their support of Christopher Columbus’ voyages to the New World.
Today, Spain remains predominantly Roman Catholic, with an estimated 23,000 Catholic churches spread throughout the country. However, there has been a decline in religious practice and attendance in recent years, with some Spaniards identifying as atheist, agnostic, or non-religious.
Despite this decline, Spain still has a significant number of Protestant churches, particularly in the larger cities and tourist areas. These include Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, and Methodist churches, among others.
1. Vatican City
Despite its small size, Vatican City is home to a significant number of churches, with an estimated 1700 churches within its borders. The largest and most famous of these churches is St. Peter’s Basilica. It has a population of around 1000 and is considered one of the most powerful countries in the world, despite its small size of only 44 acres.
Conclusion
In conclusion, religion continues to play a significant role in many countries around the world, with Christianity being the dominant faith in most cases. The list of top 15 countries with the highest number of churches is largely dominated by countries in the Americas, Africa, and Europe. Brazil, the United States, and Mexico top the list with the highest number of churches, while the Vatican has the highest number of churches per capita. It’s important to note that the number of churches listed is an estimate and may vary over time due to changes in registration and religious affiliations. Nonetheless, the presence of numerous churches in a country often reflects its rich religious heritage and the influence of faith in its culture and society.