The Middle East
It is estimated that in the Middle East around 900,000 people, perhaps more, profess Buddhism (Buddhist adherents make up just over 0.3% of the total population of the Middle East). Many of these Buddhists have emigrated to the Middle East from Asia in the last 20 years. Large numbers of general workers from East Asian countries with large Buddhist populations such as China, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan have migrated to Middle Eastern countries to work. A small number of engineers, company directors and managers from Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea have also moved to the Middle East.
Some countries, such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have 5% of the population that is Buddhist, due to this migration from Asian nations, looking for employment.
See also
References
- The Complete Book of Buddha's Lists -- Explained. David N. Snyder, Ph.D., 2006.
- http://www.thedhamma.com/