As one of the world’s major religions, Buddhism has developed for more than 2,500 years and, as of 2025, has approximately 500 million followers—about 6% of the global population (assuming a world population of roughly 8 billion). Originating in India, its influence expanded across East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the West. Today, Buddhism presents a pattern in which regional diversity coexists with increasing globalization. This section examines the current religious landscape of Buddhism from four aspects: the distribution of followers, major trends, challenges, and social impact.

1. Global Distribution of Followers

Buddhism is concentrated mainly in Asia, but migration and conversion have led to growth in the West in recent decades. Key regional overviews include:

East Asia (approx. 270 million followers)

China: About 200 million Buddhists (including Chinese Mahāyāna and Tibetan traditions), 14% of the population. The Four Sacred Mountains—Putuo, Emei, Jiuhua, Wutai—are major centers. Pure Land and Chan (Zen) dominate.

Japan: About 50 million followers (40% of the population), chiefly Pure Land, Nichiren, and Shingon, though secularization has reduced youth involvement.

South Korea: Around 10 million Buddhists (20% of the population), led by the Jogye Order (Zen); faces strong competition from Christianity.

Taiwan: About 8 million followers (35% of the population); groups like Fo Guang Shan and Tzu Chi are highly active.

Southeast Asia (approx. 180 million followers)

Thailand: Around 70 million Buddhists (95% of the population), with Theravāda as the state religion; monks play roles in education and politics.

Myanmar: Approximately 40 million followers (89% of population); Theravāda dominates, but the Rohingya conflict has affected its image.

Sri Lanka: Roughly 15 million Buddhists (70% of the population), with Theravāda central to national identity.

Cambodia & Laos: About 20 million combined; Theravāda remains deeply rooted.

South Asia (approx. 12 million followers)

India: Around 10 million Buddhists (0.7% of population); revitalized after B. R. Ambedkar led mass Dalit conversions in 1956. Tibetan Buddhism is influential in Dharamsala.

Nepal: About 2 million followers, blending Tibetan and Theravāda traditions.

The West (approx. 6 million followers)

United States: About 4 million Buddhists (1.2% of population), including Asian immigrants and converts; Zen and Tibetan Buddhism are popular.

Europe: Around 1.5 million (France ~500,000; Germany ~300,000). Mindfulness draws many young people.

Australia: Roughly 500,000; includes both Mahāyāna and Theravāda.

Other Regions

Mongolia: Around 500,000 (Tibetan Buddhism).

Vietnam: Around 10 million (Mahāyāna), strong cultural continuity.

2. Major Contemporary Trends

Buddhism in 2025 shows multiple developmental trends, reflecting its global spread and adaptability to modern society.

Stable Population with Regional Variation

Growth is slow (approx. 0.5% annually). Traditional Asian regions remain stable; Southeast Asia and Tibet retain strong religious vitality, while East Asia (e.g., Japan) sees decline due to secularization. Conversion increases numbers modestly in the West.

Integration with Mindfulness and Psychology

Mindfulness meditation has become global. Teachers like Thich Nhat Hanh and psychologists such as Jon Kabat-Zinn have spread Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), influencing healthcare and education. Tens of millions participate worldwide as of 2025.

Digitalization of Religious Practice

Technology reshapes Buddhist practice:
Online sutra chanting apps (China)
Livestreamed teachings (Thailand)
Virtual meditation communities

Post-COVID-19, online courses (e.g., from the Insight Meditation Society in the U.S.) have become routine.

Social Engagement and Modernization

Buddhist organizations engage in charity and social activism:
Taiwan’s Tzu Chi builds schools and hospitals globally.
Thai monks participate in environmental activism.

Women’s ordination movements (e.g., revival of Sri Lankan bhikkhunī lineage) and youth involvement are driving modernization.

3. Current Challenges

Buddhism faces both internal and external challenges in 2025:

Secularization and Loss of Adherents

Youth engagement declines in Japan and Korea; temples become tourist sites (e.g., Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji). Western practitioners often focus on mindfulness rather than traditional teachings, leading to a “spiritual-but-not-religious” trend.

Religious Conflict and Nationalism

Rohingya crisis in Myanmar:
Tensions between Buddhist majority (89%) and Rohingya Muslims (~1 million in 2025) led to the 2017 military expulsion of 700,000 people. Buddhist nationalist groups (e.g., Ma Ba Tha) supported violence, harming Buddhism’s image as a nonviolent faith.

Southern Thailand insurgency:
Muslim separatist attacks on Buddhist monks (including a temple bombing in 2024) worsen religious divides.

Sri Lanka’s post-civil war tension:
Despite the end of conflict (1983–2009), strained relations between Sinhalese Buddhists and Tamil Hindus continue to affect Buddhism’s reputation.

Political Pressure and Lineage Difficulties

Tibetan Buddhism faces pressure due to Chinese policies; with the Dalai Lama nearing 90 in 2025, succession remains unresolved. Aging monastic populations in Japan and China weaken traditional transmission.

Competition under Globalization

Christianity and Islam’s active missionary work (e.g., rapid Christian growth in Korea) challenges Buddhism’s space. Cultural pluralism dilutes Buddhism’s distinct identity in the West.

4. Social and Cultural Influence

Buddhism continues shaping society and culture in 2025:

Education and Charity

Buddhist organizations operate schools and charities:
Tzu Chi has built thousands of schools worldwide.
Thai monks provide free education.

Buddhist relief groups play key roles in climate-related disasters (e.g., Indonesian tsunamis).

Culture and the Arts

Buddhism influences:
Architecture (e.g., Tōdai-ji in Nara)
Painting (e.g., Dunhuang Mogao Caves)
Film (e.g., Little Buddha, 1993)

Mindfulness trends influence pop music and fashion.

Ethics and Environment

Nonviolence and karma foster vegetarianism (about 10% of Buddhists strictly adhere). Buddhist groups promote environmental protection, such as Thailand’s “tree ordination” monks fighting climate change.

Glocalized Adaptation
In China, Buddhism blends with Daoism (e.g., Guanyin worship).
In Thailand, Theravāda maintains traditional rituals.
In the West, Zen merges with psychology, forming “New Buddhism.”

5. Outlook as of 2025

Growth and Transformation

Future growth is expected to be modest, reaching roughly 550 million by 2050. Expansion is strongest in Southeast Asia and the West; China and India have significant revival potential. Japan and Korea may continue declining.

Adaptation and Innovation

New forms include:
Online monastic communities
Female Buddhist leaders (e.g., Master Cheng Yen in Taiwan)
Eco-Buddhism (environment-centered theology)

Tibetan Buddhism spreads globally (e.g., U.S. Tibetan centers) while facing political pressure.

Challenges and Opportunities Coexist

Buddhism must address secularization and conflict while seizing opportunities in mindfulness, charity, and social engagement. The involvement of younger generations will determine its future vitality.