The main religion in Penang is Sunni Islam, accounting for 45.5% of the population as of 2020. This makes it the most widely practiced faith in the state, also recognized as the official religion.
Penang is known for its rich cultural and religious diversity, reflecting its multi-ethnic population. While Sunni Islam is predominant, a significant portion of the population adheres to other religions, contributing to the state's vibrant tapestry of beliefs and practices.
Religious Demographics in Penang (2020)
The religious landscape of Penang showcases a variety of faiths, with their respective proportions contributing to the state's unique character. The distribution of religions in 2020 was as follows:
| Religion | Percentage of Population (2020) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sunni Islam | 45.5% | Official religion |
| Buddhism | 37.6% | |
| Hinduism | 8.4% | |
| Christianity | 4.3% | |
| Other religions | 2.4% | |
| No religion | 1.7% |
This data highlights the significant presence of Buddhism, primarily practiced by the Chinese community, and Hinduism, largely observed by the Indian community, alongside Christianity and other faiths. The coexistence of these diverse religious groups is a defining characteristic of Penang.
