Mesmerizing maps show how religion has spread throughout the world

Alex Kuzoian

The five largest religion — Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism — represent about 77% of the world population.

Their spread throughout parts of Asia and Europe, and gradually down to Africa and across to the Americas, has been fractured and erratic.

Here's how the major religions have touched nearly all corners of the globe.

Many scholars agree Hinduism was the first religion to take root, beginning thousands of years before the birth of Christ.

Alex Kuzoian

Over the span of a few hundred years, Hinduism spread throughout the Indus River Valley, or what is present-day India.

Alex Kuzoian

As Hinduism spread, the birth of Abraham sparked waves of converts and all but consumed the subcontinent.

Alex Kuzoian

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