Cultural diversity
Religion
Religion records a person's stated religious affiliation, including no religion and not stated responses. It is a measure of cultural identity and belief rather than practice or participation.
About this topic
Religion records a person's stated religious affiliation, including no religion and not stated responses. It is a measure of cultural identity and belief rather than practice or participation.
This topic helps show the religious diversity of an area and can support planning for community facilities, faith-based services, and inclusive engagement. It is best interpreted with ancestry, birthplace, and language, which together provide a broader picture of cultural composition.
Interpretation notes
- This records stated religious affiliation, not attendance or level of religious practice.
- No religion and not stated are part of the overall picture, so interpretation should consider both affiliation and non-response.
Key insight
In 2021, Islam was the most common religious affiliation among residents in Christmas Island, accounting for 22.4% (374 people). This share was higher than Other Territories (16.1%).
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Christmas Island - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Christmas Island in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Other Territories and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Christmas Island, with comparison markers for Other Territories.
Not stated
Islam
No Religion, so described
Buddhism
Western Catholic
Anglican Church of Australia
Christianity, nfd
Baptist
Uniting Church
Hinduism
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Data table
Religion for Christmas Island. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Other Territories.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Other Territories% | Count | % | Other Territories% | Count | pp | |
| Not stated | 451 | 27.0% | 20.2% | - | - | 17.4% | - | - |
| Islam | 374 | 22.4% | 16.1% | - | - | 16.8% | - | - |
| No Religion, so described | 333 | 19.9% | 27.1% | - | - | 20.8% | - | - |
| Buddhism | 258 | 15.4% | 5.6% | - | - | 7.5% | - | - |
| Western Catholic | 123 | 7.4% | 8.3% | - | - | 9.2% | - | - |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 35 | 2.1% | 12.1% | - | - | 15.2% | - | - |
| Christianity, nfd | 31 | 1.9% | 1.7% | - | - | 1.9% | - | - |
| Baptist | 28 | 1.7% | 0.9% | - | - | 0.5% | - | - |
| Uniting Church | 18 | 1.1% | 3.9% | - | - | 4.3% | - | - |
| Hinduism | 10 | 0.6% | 0.3% | - | - | 0.2% | - | - |
| Total | 1,671 | 100.0% | 100.0% | - | - | 100.0% | - | - |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.