Statistical Overview of Sri Lanka’s Religious Population in 2023: Insights and Trends
Sri Lanka Statistics – Religious Population in 2023
South Asia’s Sri Lanka is a multiethnic and multireligious nation. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and other religions are among the many that are practiced throughout the nation. The religious populations of Sri Lanka and their geographic distribution will be looked at in this article.
The number of Buddhists in Sri Lanka in 2023
With 70.2% of the population identifying as Buddhists, Buddhism is by far the most popular religion in Sri Lanka. This is equivalent to about 13.7 million individuals. The introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the third century BCE had a profound effect on the history and culture of the island nation. The central, western, and southern areas of Sri Lanka are where the majority of the country’s Buddhists reside.
Sri Lanka’s Hindu Population, 2023
With 12.6% of the population identifying as Hindu, Hinduism is the second-largest religion in Sri Lanka. This is equivalent to about 2.5 million individuals. The 10th century CE saw the introduction of Hinduism to Sri Lanka, where it has been practiced ever since. The northern and eastern areas of Sri Lanka are home to the majority of the country’s Hindu population.
Islamism in Sri Lanka in 2023
With 9.9% of the people identifying as Muslims, Islam is the third most popular religion in Sri Lanka. This is equivalent to about 2.2 million individuals. In the seventh century CE, Islam was brought to Sri Lanka, where it has been practiced ever since. The eastern province, particularly the districts of Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee, is where the majority of Sri Lanka’s Muslims live.
The number of Christians in Sri Lanka in 2023
With 7.4% of the population identifying as Christians, Christianity is the fourth most popular religion in Sri Lanka. This is equivalent to about 1.5 million individuals. During the colonial era, Christianity was brought to Sri Lanka, where it has since been practiced. The western and southern regions, particularly the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara, are home to the bulk of Sri Lanka’s Christians.
The remaining 0.1% of Sri Lanka’s population practices various religions, including those with Buddhist influences and indigenous traditions.
Sri Lanka’s Population Density in 2023
The central province has the highest population density, with about 332 people living there per square kilometer. The western province follows, with roughly 310 inhabitants per square km. The population densities in the northern and eastern provinces are lower, at about 89 and 124 people per square kilometer, respectively.
Sri Lankan Districts with a Majority of Muslims
The three districts of Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee stand out as having a significant Muslim population. With 37.7% of the population identifying as Muslims, Ampara has the greatest percentage of Muslims. With 36.7% of the population identifying as Muslims, Batticaloa has the second-highest percentage of Muslims. With 28.4% of the population identifying as Muslims, Trincomalee has the third-highest percentage of Muslims.
Sri Lankan districts with a majority of Hindus
The districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, and Vavuniya are the most notable in terms of having a majority of Hindus. With 98.9% of the population identifying as Hindu, Jaffna has the greatest proportion of Hindus. With 96.3% of the people identifying as Hindu, Kilinochchi has the second-highest proportion of Hindus. With 90.7% of the people identifying as Hindu, Mannar has the third-highest percentage of Hindus.
It is crucial to remember that Sri Lanka’s religious populations have undergone changes and shifts over time, particularly as a result of migration, conflict, and social and political upheavals. With tensions and disputes between various religious groups frequently influencing social and political concerns, Sri Lanka’s religious diversity has also played a key part in the history and politics of the island nation.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka has a large population of people who practice many religions, including substantial numbers of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and other faiths. By province and district, the country’s religious population is distributed differently, with certain locations having a concentration of one particular religion. Understanding Sri Lanka’s religious makeup is crucial for comprehending the social, political, and cultural dynamics of the nation.
