Top 10 Countries with the Most Churches in 2024
As Christianity remains one of the most widely practiced religions globally, several countries are distinguished by their high number of churches. These places of worship are not only centers for spiritual activities but also vital components of community life, education, and social support.
Here’s a look at the top 10 countries with the highest number of churches, based on data from Bscholarly, highlighting the historical and cultural reasons behind their church density:
1. Vatican City
The Vatican City, though the smallest country in Europe by population, leads with the highest church density. Home to approximately 1,000 residents and around 1,700 churches, this tiny state within Rome, Italy, boasts more churches per capita than any other nation. It is also the location of St. Peter’s Basilica, a significant site for Catholics worldwide.
2. Rwanda
With a Christian population of 93.6%, Rwanda is predominantly Roman Catholic. Despite its small size and dense population of about 11 million, it has around 1 million Christians. Known as “the Jerusalem of Africa” by some, this nickname reflects its deep Christian roots, especially following the 1967 religious conflict.
3. Malawi
Malawi ranks highly in church density, with approximately one church for every 132 people. The nation hosts around 10,000 churches, a legacy of colonial-era missionary efforts. Before its independence from Britain in 1964, Malawi, then Nyasaland, had established many churches and chapels.
4. Angola
In Angola, Christianity is the predominant religion, with 95% of the population identifying as Christian. Most Angolans are Roman Catholics, while others belong to Protestant denominations. Missionary work significantly contributed to the spread of Christianity and the country’s social development.
5. Romania
Romania, located in Southeastern Europe, is home to about 1,800 churches. The country’s Orthodox Christian tradition is a major aspect of its cultural identity, influenced by its historical position along key European migration routes.
6. Italy
Italy, with a population of 60.6 million, has a rich cultural and religious heritage reflected in its numerous churches. The country, known for its contributions to art and architecture, also showcases its deep Christian traditions through its extensive number of churches.
7. Poland
Poland, in Central Europe, hosts over 10,000 churches, underlining its strong Catholic tradition. Catholicism is deeply woven into Polish cultural and national identity, with the country’s history and cultural practices heavily influenced by its religious heritage.
8. Spain
Spain’s deep historical connections with the Catholic Church have shaped its political and social landscapes. The Church’s influence grew as Spanish communities embraced and expanded their faith, contributing to the country’s high church count.
9. Portugal
Portugal maintains a significant Christian heritage, with 90% of its population identifying as Catholic. Despite its relatively small size, Portugal continues to uphold strong religious traditions, offering benefits like tax rebates for clergy as part of its enduring Catholic influence.
10. São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, has a strong Roman Catholic presence due to its colonial history with Portugal. About 55.7% of the population identifies as Catholic, reflecting the lasting impact of Portuguese colonization.
These countries demonstrate the global reach and deep-rooted nature of Christianity through their significant numbers of churches, reflecting diverse histories and cultural practices.
