5 facts about religion in South and Southeast Asia
Most people in all six South and Southeast Asian countries surveyed say they believe in God or unseen beings.
Most people in all six South and Southeast Asian countries surveyed say they believe in God or unseen beings.
In Thailand, Cambodia and Sri Lanka, more than 90% of Buddhists see strong links between their religion and country. In the neighboring countries of Malaysia and Indonesia, nearly all Muslims say being Muslim is important to being truly part of their nation.
Despite the Chinese Communist Party's ban on religion, some 6% of party members formally identify with a religion.
A median of 63% across 24 countries surveyed see the UN in a positive light, another 28% see it negatively.
Based on formal religious identity, China is the least religious country in the world - with just 10% of Chinese adults self-identifying with a religion.
Only one-in-ten Chinese adults formally identify with a religion, but surveys indicate that religion plays a much bigger role in China when the definition is widened to include questions on spirituality, customs and traditional beliefs.
Across 12 countries, a median of 40% of adults say they have no confidence in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to do the right thing regarding world affairs, while a median of 37% say they have at least some confidence. About eight-in-ten Indians (79%) have a favorable view of Modi, including a 55% majority with a very favorable view.
A median of 48% of people across the 24 countries have a favorable view of Taiwan, compared with a median of 28% who have an unfavorable view.
In an open-ended question allowing Americans to name which country they see as the greatest threat to the U.S., 50% name China.
More than a third of Americans (37%) say foreign aid from the United States and China both benefits and harms developing countries.