Lyla Lindsey
While Christianity remains the reigning religion in Australia, the country is also home to people of many other ethnic and religious backgrounds. In recent years, the fastest-growing religion in Australia has been a subject of debate, with various reports and surveys suggesting different religions as the fastest-growing. While some sources claim that Islam is the fastest-growing religion in Australia, others attribute this title to Hinduism or Sikhism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fastest growing religion in Australia | Hinduism, Sikhism |
| Number of Hindus in Australia | 444,000 |
| Percentage of Australians who are Hindu | 2.1% |
| Number of Sikhs in Australia | 210,400 |
| Percentage of Australians who are Sikh | 0.8% |
| Number of Yezidis in Australia | 4,123 |
| Percentage increase in Yezidis in Australia | 6,444% |
| Number of Christians in Australia | 14 million |
| Percentage of Australians who are Christian | 60% |
| Number of Muslims in Australia | 476,300 |
| Percentage of Australians who are Muslim | 2.2% - 2.4% |
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What You'll Learn
- Islam is the fastest-growing religion worldwide, but not in Australia
- Hinduism is the fastest-growing religion in Australia
- Sikhism is the fastest-growing religion in Australia, according to some sources
- Yezidi is the religion with the highest proportional growth since the last census
- Conversion is a factor in the growth of Islam
Islam is the fastest-growing religion worldwide, but not in Australia
According to the Pew Research Centre, the world's population of 1.6 billion Muslims is predicted to expand to 2.3 billion by 2050, and 2.8 billion by 2060. By 2050, Muslims will be nearly as numerous as Christians, who are projected to remain the world's largest religious group at 31.4% of the global population. Muslims are predicted to make up 29.7% of the global population by 2050 and 30% by the middle of the 21st century. The growth of Islam is attributed to high fertility rates, the size of younger populations, and conversion to Islam. Globally, Muslims have the highest fertility rate, with an average of 3.1 children per woman, compared to 2.3 for all other religious groups combined. The median age of Muslims in 2010 was 23, indicating that a larger share of the group will be starting families or thinking about it. Conversion is also a factor, with a "modest net gain" of 3.2 million people forecast by 2050 as a result of switching faiths.
In Australia, the 2011 census recorded 476,300 Muslims, comprising 2.2% of the population. While the growth rate of Australia's Muslim population has outpaced that of the total population, it is not the fastest-growing religious group in the country. The latest census figures show that Hinduism and Sikhism are the fastest-growing religions in Australia, coinciding with the growth in the number of Australians born in India and other source countries like the UK and New Zealand. The growth of Islam in Australia is attributed to both quantitative and qualitative factors, with an increase in the number of practicing Muslims and improved observance among previously non-practicing Muslims.
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Hinduism is the fastest-growing religion in Australia
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Hinduism is the fastest-growing religion in Australia. In 2016, Hinduism was the country's fifth-largest religion, with around 2.1% of the population identifying as Hindu. This figure has seen a sharp increase since, with a 60% growth in followers since 2011.
The rise of Hinduism in Australia is largely attributed to migration from the Indian subcontinent, with 91.9% of migrants affiliated with Hinduism being born in India and Nepal. The number of Hindus in Australia has increased from about 20,000 to 444,000 in recent years, marking a significant surge. This increase is also reflected in the growth of Hindu temples in the country, such as the Shri Shiva Mandir temple in Minto, Sydney.
While Hinduism is the fastest-growing religion in Australia, it is worth noting that a large section of the Australian population, about one-third, describes themselves as non-religious. Additionally, other religions such as Sikhism have also witnessed significant growth in recent times.
In summary, while Australia is predominantly a Christian country, it is becoming increasingly diverse in terms of religious affiliation. Hinduism's rapid growth in Australia is primarily driven by migration from Hindu-majority countries, contributing to the religious and cultural diversity of the nation.
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Sikhism is the fastest-growing religion in Australia, according to some sources
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Sikhism is the fastest-growing religion in Australia, with a 500% growth from 2006 to 2016. In 2021, there were 210,400 Sikhs in Australia, accounting for 0.8% of the population. The number of Sikhs in the country has nearly tripled since the 2011 Census, with many immigrating from countries such as India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, Kenya, the UK, and Uganda.
Sikhism is a religion with a rich history and set of beliefs. Sikhs believe that God is everywhere and that all people are equal regardless of their race, color, sex, caste, or creed. There are no pilgrimages, fasting, or other rituals seen as superstitious in this religion. All Sikhs are considered equals, and there is no top clergy class. Gurdwaras, or Sikh temples, have readers and singers but no priests. The community kitchen, Langar, offers free food to all.
While Sikhism is the fastest-growing religion in Australia, it is not one of the top five religions in the country. In 2016, the Australian Census of Population and Housing found that three-fifths of Australians were affiliated with some type of religion or spiritual practice. Christians made up the largest religious group, followed by Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs.
Other religions that have seen significant growth in Australia include Hinduism and Islam. Hinduism has experienced a record growth pace, largely due to migration from countries like India, China, and Vietnam. Islam is the fastest-growing religion globally, with a projected population of 2.3 billion by 2050, according to the Pew Research Centre. However, the growth of Islam in Australia has been slower, with a 27% increase since 2011.
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Yezidi is the religion with the highest proportional growth since the last census
Yezidi is the religion with the highest proportional growth in Australia since the last census. The number of Yezidis in Australia increased from 63 people in 2016 to 4,123 in 2021, representing an increase of 6,444%. This significant growth can be attributed to Australia's Humanitarian Program, which focused on resettling Yezidi women, children, and families from Iraq and Syria, with most arrivals occurring in 2017 and 2018.
Yezidis, or Yazidis, are an ancient religious minority primarily from Northern Iraq. They have faced religious persecution in their homeland, prompting many to seek refuge in other countries, including Australia. In 2021, Yezidis were mainly located in regional areas of Queensland and New South Wales, which are designated as regional refugee settlement locations under the Humanitarian Settlement Program.
While Yezidi has experienced the highest proportional growth, other religions in Australia have also grown in recent years. Hinduism, for example, has seen a significant increase in adherents, largely due to migration from countries like India and Nepal. The number of Hindus in Australia has increased from about 20,000 to 444,000, with a 60% growth rate since 2011.
Additionally, Sikhism has grown in Australia, particularly over the past decade. The number of people affiliating with Sikhism has almost tripled since the 2011 census, and in 2021, they accounted for 0.8% of the population, or 210,400 people. The growth of Sikhism in Australia is attributed to migrants from countries such as India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Uganda, who often face injustices in their home countries.
Islam has also experienced growth in Australia, with a 27% increase since 2011. This growth is influenced by both an increase in fertility rates among Muslims and the migration of Muslims to Australia. However, proportionally, the number of Muslims migrating to Australia is relatively small compared to other religious groups.
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Conversion is a factor in the growth of Islam
Islam is the fastest-growing religion globally, and while Australia's Muslim population has expanded faster than the total population since the 1970s, it is not the country's fastest-growing religion. Nevertheless, conversion is a factor in the growth of Islam in Australia and worldwide.
According to a Pew Research report, a "modest net gain" of 3.2 million people is projected by 2050 due to conversion, contributing to a total population increase of 1.16 billion Muslims. Professor Ozalp stated that while conversions play a role in Muslim population growth, fertility rates are a more significant factor. Globally, Muslims have the highest fertility rate, with an average of 3.1 children per woman, compared to 2.3 for all other religious groups combined.
Islam has been present in Australia since the 1700s when Makassar traders visited Arnhem Land. The post-World War II period saw an influx of displaced white European Muslims, particularly from the Balkans. Albanian Muslims, for instance, built the first mosques in several Australian cities, including Melbourne in 1969.
In recent decades, there has been a rise in interest in and conversion to Islam among non-Muslims in the West. However, the relationship between conversion and political Islam has been a subject of debate. Some scholars argue that converts to Islam are more susceptible to extremist ideology and radicalization than those born into Muslim families. Others, like Jones and Dawson, challenge this view, noting a lack of empirical evidence and suggesting that the tendency to conflate conversion with extremism is problematic.
The growth of Islam in Australia is also influenced by its demographics. Muslims in Australia tend to be younger than non-Muslims, with a median age of 23 in 2010, indicating that a larger share of the group will be starting families. Additionally, the growth of Islamic financial products and Halal certification authorities in the country may also contribute to the appeal and practice of Islam.
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Frequently asked questions
Hinduism and Sikhism.
2.2% or 476,300 people.
Islam.
Christians.
Islam.
