Arunachal Pradesh is the third least populated state of India and has a diverse population of many religions & communities. At the census 2011, out of 13.84 Lakhs population, around 4.01 lakhs (29%) have returned themselves as followers of the Hindu religion, 4.18 lakhs (30.26%) as Christians, 3.62 Lakhs (26.20%) as tribal religion and 1.62 Lakhs (11.77%) as Buddhists. In addition, 0.48% Stated No religion & 2.25% are other religions.
also read about Population of Arunachal Pradesh
Religion-wise Population in Arunachal Pradesh
| # | Religion | Population 2011 |
| 1 | Christian | 418,732 |
| 2 | Hindu | 401,876 |
| 3 | Tribal religions | 362,553 |
| 4 | Buddhist | 162,815 |
| 5 | Muslim | 27,045 |
| 6 | Sikh | 3,287 |
| 7 | Jain | 771 |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 6,648 |
| Total | 1,383,727 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion-wise Population Percentage in Arunachal Pradesh
| # | Religion | Percentage % |
| 1 | Christian | 30.26% |
| 2 | Hindu | 29.04% |
| 3 | Tribal religions | 26.20% |
| 4 | Buddhist | 11.77% |
| 5 | Muslim | 1.95% |
| 6 | Sikh | 0.24% |
| 7 | Jain | 0.06% |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 0.48% |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Arunachal Pradesh - Rural Population
| # | Religion | Rural Population | Percentage% |
| 1 | Christian | 349,180 | 32.75% |
| 2 | Tribal Religion | 297,021 | 27.85% |
| 3 | Hindu | 256,727 | 24.08% |
| 4 | Buddhist | 143,726 | 13.48% |
| 5 | Muslim | 12,488 | 1.17% |
| 6 | Sikh | 1,587 | 0.15% |
| 7 | Jain | 561 | 0.05% |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 5,068 | 0.48% |
| Total | 1,066,358 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Arunachal Pradesh - Urban Population
| # | Religion | Urban Population | Percentage% |
| 1 | Hindu | 145,149 | 45.74% |
| 2 | Christian | 69,552 | 21.92% |
| 3 | Tribal Religion | 65,532 | 20.65% |
| 4 | Buddhist | 19,089 | 6.01% |
| 5 | Muslim | 14,557 | 4.59% |
| 6 | Sikh | 1,700 | 0.54% |
| 7 | Jain | 210 | 0.07% |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 1,580 | 0.50% |
| Total | 317,369 |
Source: Census 2011
Arunachal Pradesh Caste-wise Population
| Caste | Population (%) |
| OBC* | – |
| Dalits (SCs) | 0 |
| Tribals (STs) | 68.79% |
| Forward caste | 31% |
*Govt has not enumerated caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in the Census 2011. So OBC Percentage is not accurate & based on various estimates.
Ethnic Groups
Arunachal Pradesh has a highly diverse tribal population and is home to more than 25 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes. Prominent tribes include Adi, Nyishi, Apatani, Galo, Tagin, Monpa, Mishmi (Idu, Digaru, and Miju), Nocte, Wancho, Tangsa, Sherdukpen, Singpho, Aka (Hrusso), Memba, and Khamba. These tribes are spread across different regions of the state and have distinct languages, customs, and traditional practices. Many tribes follow indigenous faiths such as Donyi-Polo, while others practice Buddhism, Christianity, or Hinduism, depending on their geographic and cultural influences. Apart from the indigenous communities, smaller populations of non-tribal groups such as Assamese, Nepalis, Bengalis, and other migrants also live in towns and administrative centers across the state.
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