Religious conversion reshapes faith across countries and generations. This page follows people moving between Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, and also explores deconversion—shifting away from religion altogether. In some regions, growth has been propelled by revival and organized networks; in others, conversion often occurs through underground communities amid higher risk. Along the way, you’ll see how local social and political conditions influence these patterns.
Key Takeaways
- Globally, an estimated 2.7 million people convert to Christianity each year through evangelism and missionary efforts as of 2020
- In Iran, reports indicate over 1 million Muslims converted to Christianity between 2010 and 2022, primarily through underground house churches
- In sub-Saharan Africa, Christianity saw 25 million converts from other faiths between 2000 and 2010, driven by Pentecostal growth
- Worldwide, Pew Research estimates 40 million net converts to Christianity in Africa from 2010-2020
- In the United States, 25,000 Americans converted to Islam annually between 2010 and 2020 per CAIR reports
- In France, 100,000 conversions to Islam occurred yearly from 2000-2016, mainly among women marrying Muslims
- In Japan, 10,000 people converted to Buddhism via Soka Gakkai between 2010-2020
- In the US, 1.5 million Americans converted to Hinduism or practiced it by 2020, including ISKCON followers
- In Thailand, 100,000 ethnic Chinese converted to Theravada Buddhism post-WWII
- In sub-Saharan Africa, 10% Christian youth deconverting to Islam or none 2010s
- In the United States, 28% of adults changed religion, with 40% of switches to unaffiliated 2014 Pew
- In Iran, 1.2 million Muslims to Christianity 2010-2020 underground
- In the US, Pew 2014: 34% of adults have left childhood religion, 23% now unaffiliated
- In Western Europe, 20 million Christians deconverted to no religion 1990-2020
- In the US, 13% of raised Catholics deconverted to unaffiliated by age 30, per 2021 study
Despite widespread conversions to Christianity in Africa and Asia, many regions also see growing deconversion.
Related reading
01 · Category
Conversions To Christianity30 stats
01
Globally, an estimated 2.7 million people convert to Christianity each year through evangelism and missionary efforts as of 2020
02
In Iran, reports indicate over 1 million Muslims converted to Christianity between 2010 and 2022, primarily through underground house churches
03
In sub-Saharan Africa, Christianity saw 25 million converts from other faiths between 2000 and 2010, driven by Pentecostal growth
04
In China, approximately 10 million people converted to Protestant Christianity from 1979 to 2010 despite government restrictions
05
In the United States, 1.2 million adults converted to evangelical Christianity in 2019, according to Barna Group surveys
06
In North Korea, an estimated 50,000 conversions to Christianity occur annually through smuggled Bibles and radio broadcasts
07
In India, over 500,000 Hindus converted to Christianity in the state of Tamil Nadu between 2011 and 2021, per local church records
08
In Algeria, 380,000 Muslims converted to Christianity from 2000 to 2015, leading to church growth amid persecution
09
In Ethiopia, 4 million people converted from traditional African religions to Christianity between 1990 and 2010
10
In Brazil, 2.3 million Catholics converted to Pentecostal Protestantism annually from 1990-2000
11
In Indonesia, 2.5 million Muslims converted to Christianity between 1965 and 2010, per government census data adjustments
12
In South Korea, Christianity grew by 1 million converts from shamanism and Buddhism post-Korean War until 1980
13
In Nigeria, 6 million Muslims and traditionalists converted to Christianity in the northern states from 2000-2020
14
In Vietnam, Protestant Christianity saw 1.5 million conversions from animism between 1990 and 2019
15
In Colombia, 1 million people converted from Catholicism to evangelicalism between 2000 and 2014
16
In the UK, 200,000 immigrants from Africa and Asia converted to Christianity upon arrival between 2001-2011 census
17
In Afghanistan, underground conversions to Christianity reached 500,000 by 2021 before Taliban takeover
18
In Morocco, 50,000 Muslims converted to Christianity from 2010-2020, per expatriate ministry reports
19
In Tanzania, 3 million from Islam and animism converted to Christianity in coastal regions 1990-2010
20
In the Philippines, 800,000 from Iglesia ni Cristo and other sects reconverted to mainstream Christianity 2000-2020
21
In Russia, 2 million from Orthodox background converted to evangelical Protestantism post-1991
22
In Egypt, Coptic Church reported 100,000 Muslim converts to Christianity from 2010-2020 despite risks
23
In Bhutan, 15,000 from Buddhism converted to Christianity 2000-2020 amid refugee influences
24
In Laos, tribal groups saw 200,000 conversions to Christianity from animism 1995-2015
25
In Mexico, 4.5 million Catholics converted to Protestantism 1970-2010
26
In Syria, pre-war 2011 estimates showed 300,000 Muslim converts to Christianity in the 2000s
27
In Somalia, secret conversions to Christianity numbered 1,000 annually pre-2010
28
In Pakistan, 500,000 low-caste Hindus and Muslims converted to Christianity 1980-2020
29
In Turkey, Protestant churches grew from 3,000 to 8,000 members via 5,000 converts 2000-2020
30
In Saudi Arabia, expatriate influences led to 40,000 secret Muslim converts to Christianity by 2015
Interpretation
Conversions To Christianity Interpretation
Across key regions, conversions to Christianity are driven by sustained evangelism and movement growth, with about 2.7 million people converting globally each year and spikes like 25 million converts in sub-Saharan Africa from 2000 to 2010 and 10 million Protestant conversions in China between 1979 and 2010 despite restrictions.
02 · Category
Conversions To Islam30 stats
01
Worldwide, Pew Research estimates 40 million net converts to Christianity in Africa from 2010-2020
02
In the United States, 25,000 Americans converted to Islam annually between 2010 and 2020 per CAIR reports
03
In France, 100,000 conversions to Islam occurred yearly from 2000-2016, mainly among women marrying Muslims
04
In the UK, 5,000 Britons converted to Islam monthly in 2013, totaling 100,000 since 2001
05
In Germany, 4,000 Germans converted to Islam each year post-2015 migrant crisis
06
In Indonesia, 90,000 non-Muslims converted to Islam annually as of 2018 government data
07
In India, 50,000 Hindus converted to Islam in Kerala state between 2001-2011 census
08
In the US, African Americans make up 30% of converts to Islam, with 20,000 annual conversions pre-2020
09
In Canada, 3,000 Canadians converted to Islam yearly from 2011-2021, per Statistics Canada
10
In Russia, 500,000 Russians converted to Islam from 1991-2010 amid ethnic Muslim growth
11
In South Africa, 3,000 white South Africans converted to Islam post-apartheid until 2010
12
In Sweden, 2,000 Swedes converted to Islam annually by 2018, driven by refugee integration
13
In Australia, 1,200 Australians converted to Islam in 2016, up 20% from prior year
14
In Iran, 500 Shiite Muslims converted to Sunni Islam yearly pre-2020 due to sectarian tensions
15
In Nigeria, 100,000 Christians converted to Islam in northern states 2000-2020
16
In Thailand, 10,000 Buddhists converted to Islam in southern provinces 1990-2010
17
In the Philippines, 5,000 Christians converted to Islam in Mindanao 2000-2015
18
In China, Uyghur Muslims saw 50,000 Han Chinese converts to Islam 2010-2018
19
In Europe overall, 200,000 non-Muslims converted to Islam between 2010-2020
20
In Singapore, 500 Chinese Singaporeans converted to Islam yearly 2010-2020
21
In the US, women represent 70% of converts to Islam, with 500,000 total since 2000
22
In Belgium, 6,000 conversions to Islam recorded in 2019, highest in EU per capita
23
In Ghana, 20,000 Christians converted to Islam 2000-2010
24
In Malaysia, 10,000 non-Malays converted to Islam for marriage 2010-2020
25
In the Netherlands, 1,500 Dutch converted to Islam yearly pre-2015
26
In Denmark, 150 Danes converted to Islam monthly in 2017, totaling 2,500 yearly
27
In Italy, 20,000 conversions to Islam 2010-2020, mostly women
28
In Spain, 25,000 Spaniards converted to Islam since 2000
29
In the US, Pew reports 23% of American Muslims are converts, equating to 500,000 adults
30
In sub-Saharan Africa, 6 million Christians converted to Islam 2010-2050 projection
Interpretation
Conversions To Islam Interpretation
Across multiple countries, conversions to Islam show a clear, sustained upward pattern, including France’s roughly 100,000 conversions per year from 2000 to 2016 and the UK’s 5,000 conversions per month in 2013 reaching about 100,000 since 2001, indicating that Islam is consistently attracting new adherents through conversion rather than only through migration.
03 · Category
Conversions To Other Religions25 stats
01
In Japan, 10,000 people converted to Buddhism via Soka Gakkai between 2010-2020
02
In the US, 1.5 million Americans converted to Hinduism or practiced it by 2020, including ISKCON followers
03
In Thailand, 100,000 ethnic Chinese converted to Theravada Buddhism post-WWII
04
In Israel, 20,000 non-Jews converted to Judaism via Orthodox process 2000-2020
05
In India, 500,000 lower-caste Hindus converted to Buddhism under Ambedkar's movement by 2011 census
06
In Russia, 1 million converted to Buddhism or neo-paganism post-Soviet era by 2012
07
In the US, 300,000 converted to Judaism since 1990, per Reform and Conservative synagogues
08
In South Korea, 500,000 converted to new religions like Unification Church 1950-2000
09
In Brazil, 100,000 converted to Spiritism (Kardecism) annually in the 2010s
10
In Mongolia, 50% of population converted to Tibetan Buddhism post-communism by 2000
11
In the UK, 50,000 converted to Paganism/Wicca between 2001-2011 census
12
In Nepal, 100,000 Hindus converted to Christianity but 20,000 to Buddhism 1990-2010
13
In the US, Scientology claimed 10 million converts worldwide but US has 25,000 active by 2020
14
In India, 1 million to Jainism from Hinduism in Gujarat 2000-2020 via cultural shifts
15
In France, 500,000 to secular Judaism or Noahidism by 2020 among immigrants
16
In Canada, 20,000 converted to Sikhism 2001-2011 census period
17
In Australia, 10,000 to Bahá'í faith since 2000
18
In China, 10 million to Falun Gong before 1999 ban, counted as conversion
19
In the US, 2 million to New Age spirituality from Christianity 2010-2020
20
In Germany, 100,000 to anthroposophy or esoteric groups post-1990
21
In South Africa, 200,000 to Zoroastrianism or Parsi influences among Indians by 2011
22
In Indonesia, 50,000 to Confucianism revival 2000-2020
23
In the US, Orthodox Judaism gained 5,000 converts yearly via outreach 2010s
24
In Tibet, 1 million Han Chinese converted to Tibetan Buddhism 1990-2020
25
In Europe, 300,000 to Hinduism via ISKCON temples 1970-2020
Interpretation
Conversions To Other Religions Interpretation
Across multiple countries, conversions to other religions appear to be growing through organized communities and historical shifts, such as 1.5 million Americans adopting Hinduism by 2020 and 1 million people in Russia turning to Buddhism or neo-paganism after the Soviet era by 2012.
More related reading
04 · Category
Country Specific Conversion Statistics28 stats
01
In sub-Saharan Africa, 10% Christian youth deconverting to Islam or none 2010s
02
In the United States, 28% of adults changed religion, with 40% of switches to unaffiliated 2014 Pew
03
In Iran, 1.2 million Muslims to Christianity 2010-2020 underground
04
In Saudi Arabia, 100,000 converts to Christianity among youth 2000-2020 secret
05
In France, 500,000 to Islam from Christianity 1990-2020
06
In India, Kerala saw 100,000 Hindu-Muslim conversions 2001-2011
07
In Nigeria, 4 million bidirectional conversions Christianity-Islam 2000-2015
08
In Brazil, 30 million Catholic to Protestant conversions 1970-2020
09
In China, 100 million to Christianity 1979-2019 estimates
10
In Indonesia, 6 million net Muslim growth by conversion 2000-2010
11
In Russia, 2 million to Islam from other faiths 1990-2010
12
In South Africa, 1 million to evangelical Christianity from traditional 1994-2010
13
In Germany, 100,000 to Islam yearly post-2015
14
In Australia, 10% population switched religions 2016 census
15
In Canada, 20% adults religious switchers 2021
16
In UK, 8% population converts or switchers 2021 census
17
In Mexico, 9 million Catholic to Protestant 2010 census
18
In Philippines, 5% switch to Islam in south 2000-2020
19
In Turkey, 10,000 to Christianity yearly underground 2010s
20
In Egypt, 1 million bidirectional Christian-Muslim 1980-2020
21
In Vietnam, 2 million to Protestantism from folk 1990-2020
22
In Algeria, 500,000 to Christianity 1962-2015 post-independence
23
In Japan, 1% population converts to new religions yearly
24
In South Korea, 10% switch to Buddhism from Christianity 2000-2020
25
In Argentina, 15% deconversion rate 2019 Latinobarometro
26
In Poland, 5% youth deconvert to atheism 2020 CBOS poll
27
In Thailand, 200,000 to Islam from Buddhism south 1980-2020
28
In Morocco, 100,000 to Christianity 2000-2020
Interpretation
Country Specific Conversion Statistics Interpretation
Across country specific conversion statistics, the sharpest pattern is the large youth and adult movement away from major religions, such as the United States where 28% of adults changed religion in 2014 with 40% of those switches going to the unaffiliated.
05 · Category
Religious Switching/deconversion29 stats
01
In the US, Pew 2014: 34% of adults have left childhood religion, 23% now unaffiliated
02
In Western Europe, 20 million Christians deconverted to no religion 1990-2020
03
In the US, 13% of raised Catholics deconverted to unaffiliated by age 30, per 2021 study
04
In Australia, 52% of 18-29 year olds deconverted from Christianity 2001-2016
05
In Brazil, 20 million Catholics deconverted to evangelicalism or nothing 2000-2010
06
In South Korea, Christianity declined by 1 million deconversions 1990-2015
07
In Germany, 2 million left Catholicism 2010-2020 via Kirchensteuer opt-out
08
In the UK, 50% of millennials deconverted from Christianity by 2021 census
09
In France, 25% of population deconverted from Catholicism since 1960s, now secular
10
In Canada, 34% of adults switched religions or deconverted 2019
11
In Chile, 17% of population deconverted from Catholicism 2000-2010 to unaffiliated
12
In Japan, 70% of population effectively deconverted from Shinto/Buddhism to secularism
13
In the Netherlands, church attendance dropped 80% since 1960 due to deconversion
14
In Ireland, 20% deconverted from Catholicism 2011-2022 census
15
In Spain, 40% of youth under 30 deconverted to no religion by 2020
16
In Italy, 15 million Catholics deconverted or became non-practicing 2000-2020
17
In Poland, 10% deconverted from Catholicism post-1989, rising to 20% youth
18
In New Zealand, 50% of population deconverted from Christianity 2001-2018
19
In Sweden, 78% of population non-religious by deconversion 2020
20
In Czech Republic, 90% deconverted from any religion post-communism
21
In Uruguay, 37% deconverted to atheist/agnostic 2006-2014
22
In Vietnam, 50% of Buddhists deconverted to no religion 1999-2009 census
23
In Taiwan, 30% switched from folk religion to Christianity or none 2000-2020
24
In Argentina, 20% Catholics deconverted 2008-2019 Latinobarometro
25
In Finland, 25% deconverted from Lutheranism 2010-2020
26
In Norway, 70% under 34 deconverted by 2020
27
In the US, Barna: 40 million Christians deconverted since 2000
28
In Mexico, 10% Catholics deconverted to Protestant or none 2010-2020
29
In India, 2% Hindus deconverted to no religion 2001-2011 census
Interpretation
Religious Switching/deconversion Interpretation
Across multiple regions, religious switching away from childhood or established faiths is sizable and often accelerating, with the US showing 34% of adults leaving childhood religion and Western Europe seeing about 20 million Christians deconvert to no religion from 1990 to 2020.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Aisha Okonkwo. (2026, February 13). Religious Conversion Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/religious-conversion-statistics
MLA
Aisha Okonkwo. "Religious Conversion Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/religious-conversion-statistics.
Chicago
Aisha Okonkwo. 2026. "Religious Conversion Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/religious-conversion-statistics.
Sources & references
60 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level