Atlas

This map depicts the distribution of the major religions of Asia. The most interesting aspect of the map is the wide variety of religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Shinto, Confucianism, Taoism, and tribal religions. This mixture is quite unique, especially when compared with the religious situation in the Americas and Europe, where Christianity in one form or another dominates. The widespread nature of Islam (represented by the light yellow color) is also quite interesting: it is found in Southwest Asia, Northwest Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia! I am also fascinated that Shinto and Buddhism exist together in Japan and that Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism exist together in China, Vietnam, and Korea. I suppose that none of these religions or philosophies contradict each other, but it is still surprising (and heartening) that people can adhere to more than one faith on a wide scale.