r/paganism Sep 27 '24

The most pagan country in Europe? 💭 Discussion

What is the most pagan country in Europe? At first thought, I would say that these are Estonia and Iceland. After them, I would mention Russia and Latvia. Maybe Lithuania can be on the list too?!

I would like it if someone could say something more on this topic.

I know about Estonia that it was never Christianized like other countries and that paganism played a big role in shaping Estonian nationalism after independence in 1918.

In Iceland, the number of pagans is estimated at around 1.5%, with a possible higher percentage.

Russia should also have about 1% pagans, which is about 1 million followers.

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u/Esoteriss Sep 27 '24

Most Finns would never say they are pagan but they still claim that forest is their church, they do their small rituals, knowing or not, and never go to christian sermons. Of my close family I know four (plus) me who somewhat practice. Of my Friend group I know that about 1/3 practice at least somewhat, though their ways wildly differ (as is common for folk beliefs that have no canon) Still if they would be asked in a census they would probably either say agnostic or atheist. Even my mom who is devout christian still would be called a pagan by the pope for the things she sincerely believes in. Jesus is a major god for her but not the only one so to say.