In what country do 95% of the world's Hindus live?

Where Do Most Hindus Live in the World?

When it comes to the global Hindu population, geography tells a clear story. Nearly 95% of all Hindus call India home, making it the heartland of the religion. With over a billion adherents, Hinduism is the dominant faith in the country, practiced by about 79% of India's massive population. This deep cultural and spiritual connection has shaped Indian society for millennia, influencing everything from daily life to national traditions.

While India is the epicenter, it's not the only country with a significant Hindu presence. Nepal, nestled in the Himalayas, has the highest percentage of Hindus relative to its population—81%—making it the only officially Hindu-majority nation in the world. Just off the coast of Africa, Mauritius also stands out, where nearly half the population (48%) identifies as Hindu, a legacy of Indian indentured laborers brought during the colonial era.

Together, these countries highlight the broader trend: the vast majority of the world’s Hindus—about 99%—live in the Asia-Pacific region. Elsewhere, Hindu communities exist largely as diasporas, from Fiji to Trinidad, the United States to the United Kingdom, often maintaining strong ties to their cultural roots.

But despite its global spread, Hinduism remains deeply tied to South Asia. India, by far, remains the spiritual and demographic center of the faith, not just in numbers but in influence. Temples, festivals like Diwali and Holi, and ancient scriptures continue to radiate from the subcontinent, shaping how Hinduism is lived and understood worldwide.