Catholicism dominates in Portugal with a significant majority

Catholicism is the most prominent religion across all regions of Portugal, encompassing a staggering 6,668.06 thousand Catholics in Mainland Portugal, 179.40 thousand in the Azores, and 195.56 thousand in Madeira. This demonstrates the deep-rooted presence and influence of Catholicism in Portuguese culture and society.

The rise of secularism is evident but varies by region

The number of individuals without religion indicates a notable secular trend, with 1,211.58 thousand in Mainland Portugal, 12.08 thousand in the Azores, and 13.47 thousand in Madeira. Mainland Portugal shows a significantly higher inclination towards secularism compared to the island regions, reflecting a possible urban-rural divide in religious beliefs.

Minority religions show a varied presence across regions

Protestant/Evangelical and Orthodox Christianity, along with Islam and other non-Christian faiths, exhibit a diverse religious landscape. Protestant/Evangelical followers number 183.14 thousand in Mainland Portugal, contrasted with smaller communities in the Azores (1.73 thousand) and Madeira (1.97 thousand). Orthodox Christians, Muslims, and adherents of other non-Christian religions also have a presence, albeit smaller, highlighting Portugal's multicultural and multi-faith composition.

Jehovah's Witnesses and Orthodox Christians maintain consistent communities

Jehovah's Witnesses and Orthodox Christians have established consistent communities across Portugal, with Jehovah's Witnesses numbering 61.26 thousand in Mainland Portugal and Orthodox Christians at 59.57 thousand. These numbers indicate a stable foothold for these faiths within the country's religious fabric.

Smaller religious groups illustrate Portugal's religious diversity

Hindus, Buddhists, and Jews, although representing smaller segments of the population, contribute to Portugal's religious diversity. With Hindus at 19.35 thousand, Buddhists at 16.30 thousand, and Jews at 2.85 thousand in Mainland Portugal, these communities underscore the variety of religious expression and practice within the nation.

Island regions show distinct religious profiles

The Azores and Madeira demonstrate distinct religious profiles with comparatively smaller non-Catholic communities. For instance, Jehovah's Witnesses and Buddhists are more prevalent in Madeira (1.36 thousand and 0.28 thousand, respectively) than in the Azores (0.99 thousand and 0.18 thousand), highlighting regional variations in religious affiliation.

The religious composition signals a complex social fabric

Portugal's religious composition, from the dominant Catholic majority to the varied minority religions, signals a complex social fabric that is both deeply traditional and progressively diverse. This complexity mirrors broader European trends of secularization and the increasing multicultural makeup of societies.