May 2016 – When it comes to the importance of religion, Americans are middle-of-the-road. That is according to Pew Research’s 2015 rating of how each country values religion. The United States is ranked right at the global median, with 53% of Americans saying religion is very important to them personally. Neighboring countries, Canada and Mexico, rank much lower at 27% and 37% respectively. Overall, when it comes to Western countries, the United States comes out a little above most others. Only two rank higher, Brazil (74%) and Peru (66%). European nations do not score any higher than 28%. Australia is also near the bottom of the pack, at 18%. Israel is at 34%.
The countries with the highest regard for religion (over 85%) are all either African or Asian countries. China is at the bottom of the list, with only 3% valuing religion.
