Top 10 Countries with the Largest Hindu Population

This list shows the wide geographic spread of Hinduism, from South Asia to the Caribbean and Africa, demonstrating the global influence and reach of Hindu communities.

1. Nepal

• Hindu Population: About 81% (around over 20 million people).
• Why: Nepal is the only Hindu kingdom in the world and has the largest Hindu population by percentage. Hinduism is not just a religion but a central part of the country’s cultural and national identity. From ancient temples to daily rituals, Hindu traditions influence everything from art to festivals and politics. Kathmandu, the capital, is home to some of the holiest Hindu sites like Pashupatinath Temple.

2. India

• Hindu Population: About 79% (over 1.3 billion people).
• Why: India is the birthplace of Hinduism and has the largest Hindu population globally. Hinduism shapes the cultural, social, and political landscape of India. It is deeply integrated into the country’s festivals, rituals, daily life, and art. The sacred Ganges River, the grand temples, and the celebration of festivals like Diwali and Holi are iconic to Hindu identity in India.

3. Mauritius

• Hindu Population: About 48.5% (around 700,000 people).
• Why: Mauritius has the largest Hindu population in Africa and one of the highest in the world by percentage. Most Mauritians of Indian origin trace their roots to indentured laborers who were brought to the island during British colonial rule. Hinduism has shaped the culture, with vibrant festivals like Diwali and Maha Shivaratri, and plays a role in politics and national identity.

4. Fiji

• Hindu Population: About 27% (around 300,000 people).
• Why: Hinduism was brought to Fiji by Indian laborers who worked on sugar plantations during British colonial rule. The religion remains a key part of Fijian Indian identity, with temples, rituals, and festivals such as Diwali still widely observed. Although Fiji is a predominantly Christian country, Hinduism thrives through its diaspora community, with the religion influencing local customs and holidays.

5. Bhutan

• Hindu Population: About 22-25% (around 200,000 people).
• Why: Bhutan is a predominantly Buddhist country, but Hinduism plays a significant role in the southern regions, particularly among the Lhotshampa people, who have historical ties to Nepal and India. Hindu traditions and customs are maintained alongside Buddhism, with Hindu temples, rituals, and festivals such as Dashain celebrated in the southern parts of the country.

6. Guyana

• Hindu Population: About 24% (around 150,000 people).
• Why: Hinduism in Guyana traces its roots to Indian indentured laborers who were brought to the country in the 19th century. Today, Hinduism is a significant part of Guyanese society, especially among people of Indian descent. Hindu festivals such as Phagwah (Holi) and Diwali are widely celebrated, and Hindu customs influence the culture, including traditional food and music.

7. Trinidad and Tobago

• Hindu Population: About 18-20% (around 200,000 people).
• Why: Trinidad and Tobago has a large Indo-Trinidadian community whose ancestors were brought to the island as indentured laborers. Hinduism plays a significant role in their culture, with festivals like Diwali and Holi being widely observed across the country. Hindu temples, rituals, and practices are central to the community’s daily life and social structure.

8. Suriname

• Hindu Population: About 27% (around 200,000 people).
• Why: Like Guyana, Suriname’s Hindu community is largely made up of descendants of Indian indentured workers. Hinduism remains a central aspect of their cultural identity, with Hindu temples, ceremonies, and festivals like Divali being an integral part of Surinamese life. The country has a rich blend of Hindu traditions and Afro-Surinamese culture.

9. South Africa

• Hindu Population: About 1.2% (around 1.5 million people).
• Why: South Africa’s Hindu community is primarily of Indian descent, especially from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. They were brought to South Africa as indentured laborers during the British colonial period. Hinduism is most prominent in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, where temples, cultural organizations, and Hindu festivals like Diwali have flourished.

10. Malaysia

• Hindu Population: About 6% (around 2 million people).
• Why: Hinduism in Malaysia is mainly practiced by the Tamil community, who are descendants of Indian migrants. Hinduism has influenced Malaysia’s culture through its vibrant temples, rituals, and festivals such as Thaipusam and Deepavali. The religion is an essential part of the Indian ethnic identity in Malaysia, despite the country being predominantly Muslim.

Key Takeaways:

• Nepal and India are the clear leaders, with Nepal having the highest percentage of Hindus in the world.
• Mauritius, Fiji, and Guyana have significant Hindu populations, largely due to historical migration from India during colonial times.
• South Africa and Malaysia have smaller Hindu communities but are still culturally vibrant with their Hindu traditions.

This list shows the wide geographic spread of Hinduism, from South Asia to the Caribbean and Africa, demonstrating the global influence and reach of Hindu communities.