Changes

The current '''atheist population''' mostly resides in [[East Asia]] (particularly China) and in [[secular Europe]]/Australia primarily among whites.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey, ''Washington Post'', May 23, 2013</ref> See: [[Global atheism]] and [[Western atheism and race]]  

The current '''atheist population''' mostly resides in [[East Asia]] (particularly China) and in [[secular Europe]]/Australia, primarily among whites.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey, ''Washington Post'', May 23, 2013</ref> See: [[Global atheism]] and [[Western atheism and race]]  

Razib Khan points out in ''Discover Magazine'', "most [[secular]] nations in the world are those of East Asia, in particular what are often termed “[[Confucianism|Confucian]] societies.” It is likely therefore that the majority of the world’s atheists are actually East Asian."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150905135558/http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/11/most-atheists-are-not-white/ Most atheists are not white & other non-fairy tales], Discover magazine</ref> See: [[Asian atheism]]

Razib Khan points out in ''Discover Magazine'': "most [[secular]] nations in the world are those of East Asia, in particular what are often termed “[[Confucianism|Confucian]] societies.” It is likely therefore that the majority of the world’s atheists are actually East Asian."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150905135558/http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/11/most-atheists-are-not-white/ Most atheists are not white & other non-fairy tales], Discover magazine</ref> See: [[Asian atheism]]

On March 15, 2024, Frontier Partners International reported concerning [[global atheism]]: "Simultaneously, atheism, which once saw a peak around 1970 with 165 million adherents, is on the decline. The current growth trend for atheism is -0.12 percent, with their number falling from 147 million in 2020 to 146 million in 2024."<ref>[https://www.frontierpartners.org/global-christianity-surges Global Christianity surges beyond projections in 2024], LiCAS.news • Mar 15, 2024, Frontiers Patners Intertnational, 2024</ref> See also: [[Desecularization] and [[Global atheism statistics]]

On March 15, 2024, Frontier Partners International reported concerning [[global atheism]]: "Simultaneously, atheism, which once saw a peak around 1970 with 165 million adherents, is on the decline. The current growth trend for atheism is -0.12 percent, with their number falling from 147 million in 2020 to 146 million in 2024."<ref>[https://www.frontierpartners.org/global-christianity-surges Global Christianity surges beyond projections in 2024], LiCAS.news • Mar 15, 2024, Frontiers Patners Intertnational, 2024</ref> See also: [[Desecularization] and [[Global atheism statistics]]

According to the ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]'', 2% of the world's population self-identifies as atheist and the average annual global change for atheism from 2000 to 2010 was −0.17%.<ref name="eb-2010">{{cite web|title=Religion: Year in Review 2010: Worldwide Adherents of All Religions|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1731588/Religion-Year-In-Review-2010/298437/Worldwide-Adherents-of-All-Religions|work=Encyclopædia Britannica Online|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica Inc.|accessdate=2013-11-21}}</ref> See: [[Global atheism statistics]]

According to the ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]'', 2% of the world's population self-identifies as atheist and the average annual global change for atheism from 2000 to 2010 was −0.17%.<ref name="eb-2010">{{cite web|title=Religion: Year in Review 2010: Worldwide Adherents of All Religions|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1731588/Religion-Year-In-Review-2010/298437/Worldwide-Adherents-of-All-Religions|work=Encyclopædia Britannica Online|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica Inc.|accessdate=2013-11-21}}</ref> See: [[Global atheism statistics]]

In respect to the atheist population of the world, there have been many studies in regards to the atheist demographics and in regards to the percentage of atheists in various geographic areas.  Concerning the atheist population as a percentage of various countries' populations, specific research on atheists conducted in 2006 [http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/allnewsbydate.asp?NewsID=1131 suggests] that the true proportion of atheists is 4% in the United States, 17% in Great Britain and 32% in France.  However, how one defines atheist can skew the results of polls (see: [[Definition of atheism]]). For example, in 2008, the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) reported 1.6% of Americans self-identified themselves as atheists.<ref>http://b27.cc.trincoll.edu/weblogs/AmericanReligionSurvey-ARIS/reports/ARIS_Report_2008.pdf</ref>  In 2007, Pew Forum estimated that 1.6% of Americans are atheists.<ref>[http://religions.pewforum.org/reports Pew Forum - 2007 - Key findings on religious belief in America]</ref>

In respect to the atheist population of the world, there have been many studies in regards to the atheist demographics and in regards to the percentage of atheists in various geographic areas.  Concerning the atheist population as a percentage of various countries' populations, specific research on atheists conducted in 2006 [http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/allnewsbydate.asp?NewsID=1131 suggests] that the true proportion of atheists is 4% in the United States, 17% in Great Britain and 32% in France.  However, how one defines atheist can skew the results of polls (see: [[Definition of atheism]]). For example, in 2008, the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) reported 1.6% of Americans self-identified as atheists.<ref>http://b27.cc.trincoll.edu/weblogs/AmericanReligionSurvey-ARIS/reports/ARIS_Report_2008.pdf</ref>  In 2007, Pew Forum estimated that 1.6% of Americans are atheists.<ref>[http://religions.pewforum.org/reports Pew Forum - 2007 - Key findings on religious belief in America]</ref>

[[File:Flag of Sweden.png|thumbnail|180px|right|In Sweden, 45% of the population indicates that they believe in some sort of ultimate force or great spirit.<ref>[http://www.science20.com/writer_on_the_edge/blog/atheism_peaks_while_spiritual_groups_move_toward_convergence-156528 Atheism Peaks, While Spiritual Groups Move Toward Convergence], Science 2.0 website</ref>]]

[[File:Flag of Sweden.png|thumbnail|180px|right|In Sweden, 45% of the population indicate that they believe in some sort of ultimate force or great spirit.<ref>[http://www.science20.com/writer_on_the_edge/blog/atheism_peaks_while_spiritual_groups_move_toward_convergence-156528 Atheism Peaks, While Spiritual Groups Move Toward Convergence], Science 2.0 website</ref>]]

The website Science 2.0 reported in 2015 about [[secular Europe]]:

The website Science 2.0 reported in 2015 about [[secular Europe]]:

{{Cquote|When we move our strictly-by-the-numbers probe across the rest of Europe, we find it is not the atheistic continent it is painted to be. Surveys across the 27 member countries indicate that 77% of people believe in a God-like higher consciousness. Only 20% of people said they did not believe in God or any type of over-arching spirit. And again we see the definition gap: alongside these figures, we get a separate number which tells us that only 7% of Europeans said they were atheists....

{{Cquote|When we move our strictly-by-the-numbers probe across the rest of Europe, we find it is not the atheistic continent it is painted to be. Surveys across the 27 member countries indicate that 77% of people believe in a God-like higher consciousness. Only 20% of people said they did not believe in God or any type of over-arching spirit. And again we see the definition gap: alongside these figures, we get a separate number which tells us that only 7% of Europeans said they were atheists....

[[File:Belief-god.jpg|thumb|550px|Financial Times (FT)/Harris Poll among adults in 5 countries in 2006]]

[[File:Belief-god.jpg|thumb|550px|Financial Times (FT)/Harris Poll among adults in 5 countries in 2006]]

{{clear}}

{{clear}}

A survey published in the 2005 ''[[Encyclopedia Britannica]]'' stated that 2.3% of the world's population consists of individuals who profess "atheism, skepticism, disbelief, or irreligion, including the militantly antireligious."<ref>http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9432620</ref> In regards to the 2.3% figure just mentioned, the 2005 survey cited by ''Encyclopedia Britannica'' survey did not include [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] in regards to the 2.3% figure and Buddhism can be [[Theism|theistic]] or atheistic.<ref>http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/beliefs/atheism.htm</ref><ref>http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9432620</ref> [[Ipsos]], a major global market research company, published a report on report on religious belief/skepticism from a worldwide perspective and the report provides [http://www.ipsos-na.com/download/pr.aspx?id=10670 various statistics gained from survey results].   

A survey published in the 2005 ''[[Encyclopedia Britannica]]'' stated that 2.3% of the world's population consists of individuals who profess "atheism, skepticism, disbelief, or irreligion, including the militantly antireligious."<ref>http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9432620</ref> In regards to the 2.3% figure just mentioned, the 2005 survey cited by ''Encyclopedia Britannica'' did not include [[Buddhism|Buddhists]] in regards to the 2.3% figure and Buddhism can be [[Theism|theistic]] or atheistic.<ref>http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/beliefs/atheism.htm</ref><ref>http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9432620</ref> [[Ipsos]], a major global market research company, published a report on religious belief/skepticism from a worldwide perspective and the report provides [http://www.ipsos-na.com/download/pr.aspx?id=10670 various statistics gained from survey results].   

== Atheism and diversity ==

== Atheism and diversity ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and diversity]] and [[Asian atheism]] and [[Atheism and white males]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and diversity]] and [[Asian atheism]] and [[Atheism and white males]]

As far as the issue of diversity within the atheist population, compared to [[Christianity]], [[atheism]] has a significantly less degree of geographic/cultural, racial, gender and personal wealth diversity (see: [[Atheism and diversity]]).

As far as the issue of diversity within the atheist population, compared to [[Christianity]], [[atheism]] has significantly less geographic/cultural, racial, gender and personal wealth diversity (see: [[Atheism and diversity]]).

== Atheism and racism ==

== Atheism and racism ==

The former [[Soviet Union]] had a worldwide expansionist policy as far as spreading [[Atheism and communism|atheistic communism]].<ref>''America Coming to Terms: The Vietnam Legacy'' By Nguyen Anh Tuan, page 82</ref>  The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a spike in religious affiliation, both in [[Russia]] and in Eastern Europe.<ref>[Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020] by Michael W. Chapman, CNS News, July 24, 2013 - 2:18 PM</ref>

The former [[Soviet Union]] had a worldwide expansionist policy as far as spreading [[Atheism and communism|atheistic communism]].<ref>''America Coming to Terms: The Vietnam Legacy'' By Nguyen Anh Tuan, page 82</ref>  The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a spike in religious affiliation, both in [[Russia]] and in Eastern Europe.<ref>[Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020] by Michael W. Chapman, CNS News, July 24, 2013 - 2:18 PM</ref>

The atheist community in the Western World has not had significant outreaches to spread atheism outside the Western World. On the other hand, historically, Christians have made great evangelism efforts to reach every people group across the earth. In 2005, there were four times as many non-[[Western World]] Christians as there were Western World Christians.<ref>[https://www.wnd.com/?pageId=30077 Is Christianity taking over the planet?]</ref>  Doing overseas evangelism/outreaches, often requires significant hardships/persecution and Western atheists have been unwilling to endure such hardships in order to spread atheistic ideology (see: [[Atheism and hedonism]]).  

The atheist community in the Western World has not had significant outreaches to spread atheism outside the Western World. On the other hand, historically, Christians have made great evangelism efforts to reach every people group across the earth. In 2005, there were four times as many non-[[Western World]] Christians as there were Western World Christians.<ref>[https://www.wnd.com/?pageId=30077 Is Christianity taking over the planet?]</ref>  Doing overseas evangelism/outreaches often requires significant hardships/persecution and Western atheists have been unwilling to endure such hardships in order to spread atheistic ideology (see: [[Atheism and hedonism]]).  

Christianity is rapidly growing in China. China is on course to have the largest Christian population in the world by 2030.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/10776023/China-on-course-to-become-worlds-most-Christian-nation-within-15-years.html China on course to become 'world's most Christian nation' within 15 years] by  Tom Phillips, ''The Telegraph'', April 19, 2014</ref> See also: [[Growth of Christianity in China]]

Christianity is rapidly growing in China. China is on course to have the largest Christian population in the world by 2030.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/10776023/China-on-course-to-become-worlds-most-Christian-nation-within-15-years.html China on course to become 'world's most Christian nation' within 15 years] by  Tom Phillips, ''The Telegraph'', April 19, 2014</ref> See also: [[Growth of Christianity in China]]

''See also:'' [[Western atheism and race]] and [[British atheism]] and [[American atheism]] and [[Global atheism]]

''See also:'' [[Western atheism and race]] and [[British atheism]] and [[American atheism]] and [[Global atheism]]

The atheist community has not had significant outreach to racial minorities within the [[Western World]] whereas Christians have done this (particularly among the poor).<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/06/16/blacks-are-even-discriminated-against-by-atheists/ Atheism has a big race problem that no one’s talking about] by Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson, Washington Post June 16, 2014</ref> The atheist [[Sikivu Hutchinson]] declared “If mainstream freethought and [[Secular humanism|humanism]] continue to reflect the narrow cultural interests of white elites who have disposable income to go to conferences then the secular movement is destined to remain marginal and insular.”<ref>[https://www.salon.com/2014/10/04/atheisms_white_male_problem_a_movement_needs_a_moral_cause_beyond_glamorizing_disbelief/ Atheism’s white male problem: A movement needs a moral cause beyond glamorizing disbelief] by CJ Werleman, ''Salon, '' October 4, 2014</ref>

The atheist community has not had significant outreach to racial minorities within the [[Western World]], whereas Christians have done this (particularly among the poor).<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/06/16/blacks-are-even-discriminated-against-by-atheists/ Atheism has a big race problem that no one’s talking about] by Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson, Washington Post June 16, 2014</ref> The atheist [[Sikivu Hutchinson]] declared “If mainstream freethought and [[Secular humanism|humanism]] continue to reflect the narrow cultural interests of white elites who have disposable income to go to conferences then the secular movement is destined to remain marginal and insular.”<ref>[https://www.salon.com/2014/10/04/atheisms_white_male_problem_a_movement_needs_a_moral_cause_beyond_glamorizing_disbelief/ Atheism’s white male problem: A movement needs a moral cause beyond glamorizing disbelief] by CJ Werleman, ''Salon, '' October 4, 2014</ref>

For information on the changing racial demographics of the Western World, please see: [[Global atheism]]

For information on the changing racial demographics of the Western World, please see: [[Global atheism]]

''See also:'' [[Global atheism]] and [[Global atheism statistics]]

''See also:'' [[Global atheism]] and [[Global atheism statistics]]

According to a new study released by the Pew Research Center, Christianity and Islam are the fastest growing religions. Other religions, such as Hinduism and Judaism, are also growing at a fast rate. On the other hand, the study revealed that atheism, and non-religion in general, is declining. According to the study, atheism and non-religion will decline from 16% of the world population in 2015 to 13% by 2050. The reason for such decline is the extremely low fertility rates and atheists and non-religious people switching to religion, according to the study.<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/religious-projections-2010-2050]</ref>

According to a new study released by the Pew Research Center, Christianity and Islam are the fastest growing religions. Other religions, such as Hinduism and Judaism, are also growing at a fast rate. On the other hand, the study revealed that atheism, and non-religion in general, is declining. According to the study, atheism and non-religion will decline from 16% of the world population in 2015 to 13% by 2050. The reasons for such decline are extremely low fertility rates and atheists and non-religious people switching to religion, according to the study.<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/religious-projections-2010-2050]</ref>

By 2050, the Christian population will have grown by as much as 700 million; the Muslim population will have grown by 1.1 billion; the Hindu population will have grown by 350 million; and the Jewish population will have grown by 2.2 million (particularly because of extremely high birth rates by Haredi Jews (Ultra-Orthodox or Ultra-Religious Jews)).<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/religious-projections-2010-2050]</ref>

By 2050, the Christian population will have grown by as much as 700 million; the Muslim population will have grown by 1.1 billion; the Hindu population will have grown by 350 million; and the Jewish population will have grown by 2.2 million (particularly because of extremely high birth rates by Haredi Jews (Ultra-Orthodox or Ultra-Religious Jews)).<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/religious-projections-2010-2050]</ref>

On July 24, 2013, ''CNS News'' reported:

On July 24, 2013, ''CNS News'' reported:

{{cquote|Atheism is [[Decline of atheism|in decline worldwide]], with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020, according to a new report by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass."<ref>[https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020]</ref>}}

{{cquote|Atheism is [[Decline of atheism|in decline worldwide]], with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020, according to a new report by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass."<ref>[https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020]</ref>}}

In 2011, the ''[[American Spectator]]'' citing research published in the ''International Bulletin of Missionary Research'' reported that atheism is on the decline as a whole in terms of adherents.<ref>http://spectator.org/archives/2011/02/28/thriving-christianity</ref>   

In 2011, the ''[[American Spectator]]'', citing research published in the ''International Bulletin of Missionary Research'', reported that atheism is on the decline as a whole in terms of adherents.<ref>http://spectator.org/archives/2011/02/28/thriving-christianity</ref>   

In 2009, the book ''A sceptics guide to atheism'' indicated: "A worldwide poll taken in 1991

In 2009, the book ''A sceptic's guide to atheism'' indicated: "A worldwide poll taken in 1991

put the global figure for atheists at just 4.4% of the population. By 2006 it was estimated that only 2% of the world population were atheists."<ref>[http://www.facingthechallenge.org/scepticsguide.pdf ''A sceptics guide to atheism'', page 4]</ref>

put the global figure for atheists at just 4.4% of the population. By 2006 it was estimated that only 2% of the world population were atheists."<ref>[http://www.facingthechallenge.org/scepticsguide.pdf ''A sceptics guide to atheism'', page 4]</ref>

=== Surveys by country ===

=== Surveys by country ===

In November 2010, ''Discover'' magazine published survey results published by the World Values Survey which showed significant differences between the percentage of men and women who are atheists for various countries.<ref>[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/11/sex-differences-in-global-atheism-part-n/ Sex differences in global atheism, part N]</ref>

In November 2010, ''Discover'' magazine published survey results by the World Values Survey which showed significant differences between the percentage of men and women who are atheists for various countries.<ref>[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/11/sex-differences-in-global-atheism-part-n/ Sex differences in global atheism, part N]</ref>

=== United States surveys ===

=== United States surveys ===