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Which religious communities make up Keralam’s population?

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Keralam is characterized by a diverse religious landscape, with three major faiths comprising the vast majority of its population:

  • Hinduism: Followed by more than half of the population, this is the largest religious community in the state.12
  • Islam: Practiced by approximately one-fourth of the residents, with the Mappila people of the Malabar Coast forming the largest Muslim community.12
  • Christianity: Accounting for nearly one-fifth of the population, this community includes Syrian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and various Protestant denominations. Many long-established groups are known as St. Thomas (Mar Thoma) Christians, while others, such as Latin Catholics, trace their origins to the European colonial era.12

Additionally, Keralam is home to smaller religious communities, including Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jews. The Jewish presence, historically centered in Kochi, has declined significantly since the mid-20th century due to emigration.12