Faith in the Netherlands declines: Limburg stands alone as majority still identify with religion
New data reveals a continuing decline in religious affiliation across the Netherlands, with Limburg now the only province where a majority still identify with a faith. The shift impacts cultural identity, community gatherings, and demographic trends, particularly among younger generations.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| National faith affiliation (2025) | 42% of population aged 15+ (down from 44% in 2024) |
| Limburg faith affiliation | 58% (only province with a majority, down from 67% in 2016-2020) |
| Largest religious groups | Roman Catholic: 16%, Protestant: 12%, Muslim: 6%, Other: 7% |
| Monthly religious attendance | 13% of population (Protestants: 53%, Catholics: 14%, Muslims: 48%) |
| Age and faith | 59% of 75+ identify with faith vs. 30% of 18-25-year-olds |
| Gender differences | 45% of women vs. 40% of men identify with a faith |
| Regional Muslim concentration | 11% in Greater Amsterdam, 10% in ’s-Gravenhage agglomeration |
Statistics Netherlands (CBS) is the national statistical office responsible for collecting and publishing data on social, economic, and cultural trends in the Netherlands. This report highlights demographic shifts in religious affiliation, which can inform policy decisions on community services, cultural preservation, and social cohesion.
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Only in Limburg does a majority still identify with a faith
The proportion of people who say they belong to a church denomination or philosophical group has declined slightly after a small increase. Limburg is the only province where more than half of the population still identifies with a faith. This is evident from new figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). In 2025, 42 percent of the population aged 15 and older said they belonged to a faith. Sixteen percent identified as Roman Catholic, 12 percent as Protestant, 6 percent as Muslim, and 7 percent as belonging to another faith. Fewer people now identify with a faith than in 2024 (44 percent). Over the longer term, the share of believers has declined. In 2010, 55 percent still said they belonged to a church or religious group.
Limburg has the highest share of believers, but this is also declining
Limburg is the only province where a majority still identifies with a faith; on average, 58 percent did so between 2021 and 2025. In Groningen and Drenthe, the share of believers is the lowest. Between 2016 and 2020, there were still four provinces where a majority of the population identified with a faith: Limburg, North Brabant, Gelderland, and Overijssel. In Limburg, the share of believers is declining: between 2016 and 2020, 67 percent of Limburg residents still identified with a faith. In North Brabant, too, the share of believers is dropping rapidly: from 57 to 47 percent.
Catholics the largest group in Limburg, relatively many Protestants in Zeeland
Roman Catholics form the largest group of believers in Limburg; 46 percent of Limburg residents identify as Catholic. In Zeeland, nearly a quarter of residents identify as Protestant. In Overijssel, 20 percent are Protestant, but there are large differences within the province: North Overijssel has more Protestants, while in Twente and Southwest Overijssel, Roman Catholics form the largest group. Similar differences exist in Gelderland: the Veluwe and Southwest Gelderland have relatively many Protestants, while the Achterhoek and the area around Nijmegen have more Catholics. Muslims are mainly found in Flevoland, South Holland, and North Holland, often in or around cities. For example, 11 percent of residents in the Greater Amsterdam region identify as Muslim, as do 10 percent in the ’s-Gravenhage agglomeration.
Protestants more likely to attend church than Catholics
In 2025, 13 percent of the population aged 15 and older attended a gathering in a church, mosque, synagogue, temple, or other place of worship at least once a month. This has remained virtually unchanged in recent years. Fourteen percent of Roman Catholics attend church monthly, compared to 53 percent of Protestants. Forty-eight percent of Muslims regularly visit a mosque. While Limburg residents most often identify with a faith, Zeeland residents most often attend church. Eighteen percent of Zeeland residents regularly visit a church, mosque, or other place of worship, compared to 8 percent in Limburg.
Especially women aged 75 and older more religious
Older people are more likely to identify with a church or faith group than younger people. In 2025, 30 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds were believers, compared to 59 percent of those aged 75 and older. Forty-nine percent of 65- to 75-year-olds are believers, down from a majority the previous year. Forty-two percent of 15- to 18-year-olds identify with a faith group. Roman Catholics and Protestants are relatively old: the average age of Roman Catholics is 58, and that of Protestants is 54. Non-believers are on average 45 years old. Muslims, by contrast, are relatively young, with an average age of 38. Women are more likely to belong to a faith community than men, at 45 percent compared to 40 percent. This difference is greatest among those aged 75 and older: 64 percent of women versus 54 percent of men.