More Singapore residents have no religion in 2025 than in 2020, marking a significant shift in the country's religious landscape. According to the Department of Statistics' General Household Survey 2025, the proportion of Singapore residents with no religious affiliation rose to 23.9 per cent, up from 20 per cent in 2020. This trend has been steadily increasing over the past decade, reflecting broader societal changes in attitudes towards religion. The survey, conducted between population censuses—typically held every ten years—with the most recent census in 2020, offers a detailed look at how Singapore's religious demographics have evolved.
The survey reveals that the shares of Buddhists, Taoists, Christians, and Muslims have generally declined among residents aged 15 and above. However, Hinduism experienced a slight increase, growing from 5 per cent to 5.4 per cent. Notably, the rise in the non-religious population was the most pronounced change, indicating that nearly one in four Singaporeans now identifies with no religion—a jump from 17 per cent in 2010. The survey highlights that this trend spans all educational backgrounds, with those without formal education and those with university degrees equally represented in the non-religious category.
Age plays a crucial role in this demographic shift. Younger Singaporeans are more likely to identify as non-religious, with 26.8 per cent of those aged 15 to 24 reporting no religious affiliation, compared to 19.4 per cent of those aged 55 and over. The most dramatic increase occurred among those aged 35 to 44, where the proportion of non-religious individuals rose by 6.7 percentage points, from 22.3 per cent in 2020 to 29 per cent in 2025. Additionally, Chinese residents showed a marked increase in the non-religious category, rising from approximately one in four to one in three. Despite this, Buddhism remains the most practiced religion within the Chinese community.
Meanwhile, Malay residents continue to predominantly identify as Muslim, with 98.6 per cent reporting Islamic affiliation in 2025. For Indian residents, Hinduism remains the most common religion, with 58.8 per cent identifying as such. Language patterns also reflect changing societal dynamics. English remains the most widely spoken language in Singaporean households, with close to 60 per cent of residents over five years old speaking it most frequently at home—an increase from 48.3 per cent in 2020. Conversely, the use of other languages and dialects, such as Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil, has seen a decline, with Chinese dialect speakers dropping from 8.7 per cent in 2020 to 4.9 per cent in 2025. Bilingual literacy, however, has improved across all major ethnic groups, showing a growing proficiency in both English and mother tongues.
In contrast to the secularizing trend, some Singaporeans are choosing to have multiple children, defying the national fertility decline. While most Singaporeans opt for one or two children, a smaller but consistent group is choosing to have five or more. Data shows that the percentage of births being fifth or later children increased from 1.5 per cent in 2005 to 2.1 per cent in 2025. These large families, though rare, provide insight into differing views on family size and child-rearing in a society often focused on economic pragmatism and careful planning. Religious beliefs, personal values, and supportive networks appear to influence these decisions, with some couples viewing having more children as a spiritual duty rather than a financial burden. Pastor Edric Sng, who has six children, exemplifies this perspective, emphasizing that parenthood is a privilege driven by faith and love rather than logistical constraints. His experience reflects a broader narrative of how religious conviction can shape family planning and lifestyle choices in Singapore.
2 reports
The Straits TimesParty-aligned🔒Center5 days agoSingapore's General Household Survey 2025 reveals that 23.9% of residents aged 15 and above now identify as having no religion, up from 20% in 2020. This marks a continued rise in secularism over more than a decade, with declines observed in Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam. Hinduism saw a slight increase, growing from 5% to 5.4%. The non-religious category saw the largest growth, with nearly one in four Singaporeans now unaffiliated. The shift is evident across education levels and age groups, particularly among young people and those with university degrees. Chinese residents experienced the most significant rise in non-religion, reaching around one in three, while Malay Muslims remain predominantly Muslim at 98.6%, and Hindus continue to dominate among Indians. English remains the most widely spoken language at home, with usage increasing among younger and more educated populations.
Bias read (Center): The article presents statistical data on religious demographics without overt ideological framing. While it highlights changes in religious affiliation, it does not take a stance on the implications of these shifts, nor does it emphasize any particular political agenda. The focus remains on factual,
The Straits TimesParty-aligned🔒Center7 days ago Going big: Why some Singaporeans choose to have 5 or more kidsIn Singapore, while most citizens opt for one or two children due to economic pressures and societal norms, a small number of families are choosing to have five or more children. According to recent data from the Department of Statistics, the proportion of fifth and subsequent children born has increased slightly over the past two decades, reaching 2.1% in 2025 compared to 1.5% in 2005. These families often cite religious beliefs, cultural values, and practical support systems as motivations for their decision. Scholars note that religious convictions can shift perspectives on family planning, viewing children as spiritual blessings rather than burdens. Additionally, factors like spousal and familial support, along with flexible work environments, contribute to this choice. Despite the broader trend of declining birth rates, these large families highlight diverse approaches to parenthood in a society focused on careful family planning.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the phenomenon, discussing both sociological and personal factors influencing family size choices. It cites academic opinions without overtly favoring any perspective, maintaining neutrality in its framing.
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