Christianity in Asia: Population, Distribution, and Major Countries (2010 Data)

As of 2010 (the most recent comprehensive global religious landscape study by Pew Research Center), Asia was home to approximately 327 million Christians, representing 8.2% of the continent's total population. Christianity ranked as the third-largest religion in Asia, after Islam (~24%) and Hinduism (~22%).

Regional Distribution

• Southeast Asia: Highest Christian percentage (~15%). Philippines (86% Christian, mostly Catholic), East Timor (97% Catholic).
• East Asia: South Korea (~29% Christian, split Protestant/Catholic), China (estimated 5–7%, ~68–97 million, mostly Protestant house churches), Japan (~1.5%).
• South Asia: India (~2.3%, ~28 million), Sri Lanka (~7.4%), Pakistan (~1.3%).
• Central Asia: Small minorities (Russian Orthodox, Korean Protestant) in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan.
• West Asia (Middle East): Ancient communities (Armenian, Assyrian, Coptic, Maronite, Greek Orthodox) in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Israel/Palestine—declining due to conflict and emigration.

Countries with Largest Christian Populations (2010)

1. Philippines (~86 million)
2. China (~67 million)
3. India (~28 million)
4. Indonesia (~21 million, ~10% Protestant/Catholic)
5. South Korea (~14 million)
6. Vietnam (~8 million)

Trends Since 2010

Growth continues in China (house churches), Southeast Asia (Pentecostal/charismatic), and among diaspora communities. Decline persists in Middle Eastern historic communities. Updated 2020/2025 estimates suggest ~380–400 million Christians in Asia (~8.5–9%).

Christianity in Asia is diverse, dynamic, and deeply rooted—far from a monolithic "Western import."