In many countries around the world, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people who are nonbelievers or unaffiliated with any organized religion. These so-called “nones" — atheists, agnostics, or nothing in particular — comprise 30% or more of the adult population in the United States and Canada, as well as numerous European countries. Japan, Israel and Uruguay are among other nations where large numbers of people are secular.
In a sweeping package of stories, photos and video, The Associated Press Religion Team takes an in-depth look at how this phenomenon is playing out in several of these countries. The package also looks at regions where openly being a none is rare or even dangerous.