Least Common Religion in Spain: Buddhism (0.1%)

According to the Spanish Center for Sociological Research (CIS) and Pew Research, the least prevalent religion in Spain is Buddhism, at approximately 0.1% of the population (~45,000 adherents).

Religious Landscape (2023–24 Estimates)

AffiliationApprox. %
Catholic (nominal)52–60%
Non-religious / Atheist / Agnostic30–38%
Muslim2–3%
Protestant / Evangelical1–2%
Orthodox Christian<1%
Jewish<0.1%
Hindu<0.1%
Buddhist~0.1%
Other / Not specified1–2%

Context

  • Spain is historically Catholic but rapidly secularizing
  • Buddhism present since 1970s (Tibetan, Zen, Nichiren groups); small convert communities + Asian immigrants
  • No official religion since 1978 Constitution; state cooperation agreements with Catholic Church, Muslims, Jews, Protestants
  • Minority faiths have legal recognition but limited visibility

While Buddhism is the smallest major world religion in Spain, even smaller groups (Sikh, Bahá'í, Jain, neopagan) exist but fall below statistical thresholds.

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