Cultural diversity
Religion
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 Cocos Islands, accounting for 66.2% (389 people). This share was higher than Other Territories (16.1%).
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Cocos Islands - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Cocos Islands in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Other Territories and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Cocos Islands, with comparison markers for Other Territories.
Islam
2021 count
389
% of total
66.2%
Change from 2016
-
389
66.2%
-
Not stated
2021 count
91
% of total
15.5%
Change from 2016
-
91
15.5%
-
No Religion, so described
2021 count
83
% of total
14.1%
Change from 2016
-
83
14.1%
-
Western Catholic
2021 count
12
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
-
12
2.0%
-
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Data table
Religion for Cocos Islands. 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 | |
| Islam | 389 | 66.2% | 16.1% | - | - | 16.8% | - | - |
| Not stated | 91 | 15.5% | 20.2% | - | - | 17.4% | - | - |
| No Religion, so described | 83 | 14.1% | 27.1% | - | - | 20.8% | - | - |
| Western Catholic | 12 | 2.0% | 8.3% | - | - | 9.2% | - | - |
| Total | 588 | 100.0% | 100.0% | - | - | 100.0% | - | - |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.