Here is a list of countries with significant Buddhist populations:
- Thailand: Buddhism is the predominant religion in Thailand, and the country is known for its numerous temples and monastic communities.
- Myanmar (Burma): Myanmar has a large Buddhist majority, and Theravada Buddhism is the predominant tradition. The country is home to many important Buddhist sites, including the Shwedagon Pagoda.
- Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is another predominantly Theravada Buddhist country with a rich Buddhist heritage, including ancient monasteries and temples.
- Cambodia: Buddhism, particularly Theravada Buddhism, plays a central role in Cambodian culture and society. The Angkor Wat temple complex is a notable Buddhist site.
- Laos: Theravada Buddhism is the state religion of Laos, and the country has many Buddhist monasteries and temples.
- Vietnam: Buddhism has a significant presence in Vietnam, with both Mahayana and Theravada traditions. The country is known for its beautiful Buddhist pagodas.
- Japan: Japan is home to a distinctive form of Buddhism known as Zen Buddhism, along with other Mahayana traditions. Buddhism has had a profound influence on Japanese culture and art.
- South Korea: South Korea practices various forms of Buddhism, with the Jogye Order being the largest. Temple stays and meditation retreats are popular in South Korea.
- China: Buddhism has a long history in China, and it encompasses various traditions, including Zen (Chan), Pure Land, and Tibetan Buddhism. Many Buddhist temples and monasteries can be found throughout the country.
- Taiwan: Taiwan has a significant Buddhist population, with various Buddhist organizations and temples actively promoting Buddhist teachings and practices.
- Mongolia: Although historically associated with Tibetan Buddhism, Mongolia has a growing Buddhist community following various Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhist traditions.
- Nepal: Nepal is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha. While the country has a diverse religious landscape, Buddhism is a significant minority religion, and Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, is an important pilgrimage site.
- Bhutan: Buddhism is the state religion of Bhutan, and the country follows the Drukpa Kagyu tradition. Bhutan is known for its stunning monasteries and fortresses.
- Tibet (Autonomous Region of China): Tibet is historically and culturally closely associated with Tibetan Buddhism, particularly the Gelugpa tradition, and is home to numerous monasteries and temples.
- Singapore: Buddhism is one of the major religions in Singapore, with various Buddhist traditions practiced by different ethnic groups.
- Malaysia: Malaysia has a significant Buddhist minority, primarily among the Chinese and Indian communities. Different Buddhist traditions are practiced in the country.
- Indonesia: While Indonesia is primarily a Muslim-majority country, Buddhism is practiced by significant minority communities, particularly on the island of Bali.
- Bangladesh: Buddhism has a historical presence in Bangladesh, with notable archaeological sites and a small Buddhist minority in the country.