Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion with over one billion followers. More than 97 percent of the worldwide Hindu population lives in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. According to the Hindu belief, the proper goals or aims of human life are Dharma(ethics/duties), Kama (desires/passions), Artha (prosperity/work) and Moksha (liberation/freedom/salvation). Anyway, according to the World Atlas, here is the list of countries with the largest Hindu populations apart from India:
1. NEPAL
Nepal is famous, as the world’s only Hindu Kingdom. 24,170,000 Nepali Hindus live in the country. According to Nepalese theology, it is believed that Vishnu, Shiva and Lord Brahma had come to Nepal in the form of deer.
2. BANGLADESH
The main religion in Bangladesh is Islam (90.2%) but 12,680,000 people practice Hinduism (around 8.5 percent).
3. INDONESIA
Indonesia has the highest Muslim population in the world. 4,050,0000 Indonesian Hindus live in the country. The country of Indonesia is considered to be a tolerant state for Hinduism and other denominations.
COUNTRIES WITH THE LARGEST HINDU POPULATIONS
| Rank | Country | Hindu Population (2010) | % of World’s Hindu Population (2010) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 973,750,000 | 94.30 |
| 2 | Nepal | 24,170,000 | 2.30 |
| 3 | Bangladesh | 12,680,000 | 1.20 |
| 4 | Indonesia | 4,050,000 | 0.40 |
| 5 | Pakistan | 3,330,000 | 0.30 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 2,830,000 | 0.30 |
| 7 | United States | 1,790,000 | 0.20 |
| 8 | Malaysia | 1,720,000 | 0.20 |
| 9 | United Kingdom | 890,000 | <0.1 |
| 10 | Burma (Myanmar) | 820,000 | <0.1 |
4. PAKISTAN
According to the 1998 Census, Hinduism is the second largest religion in Pakistan after Islam. Pakistan would, today, have roughly 3 million Hindus. There are 1.49 million Hindu voters in the country.
5. SRI LANKA
2,830,000 Sri Lankan Hindus live in the country. Sri Lanka is home to the five abodes of Shiva, which are known as Pancha Ishwarams.
6. UNITED STATES
Around 1,790,000 Hindus practice their religion in the United States.