Religion in the UK: Christianity Leads, But "No Religion" Surges (2021 Census)

The 2021 UK Census reveals a historic shift in the religious landscape of England and Wales (Scotland and N. Ireland report separately but show similar trends):

• Christianity: Remains the largest single group at 46.2% (27.5 million), but fell below 50% for the first time (down from 59.3% in 2011).
• "No Religion": Surged to 37.2% (22.2 million), up from 25.2% in 2011—now the second-largest category.
• Other Religions: Islam (6.5%), Hinduism (1.7%), Sikhism (0.9%), Judaism (0.5%), Buddhism (0.5%), and others.
• Not Stated: 6.0% declined to answer.

Key Drivers: Generational change (younger cohorts far less religious), secularization, and immigration (which bolsters minority faiths but also brings non-religious people).

Note: The census question ("What is your religion?") is voluntary and measures self-identification, not necessarily practice or belief intensity. The trend indicates a continuing trajectory toward a pluralistic, majority non-Christian society in the near future.