When you think of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as the LDS Church or the Mormon Church), chances are Utah comes to mind. But did you know that the majority of church members now live outside the United States? The global reach of Mormonism is broader than many realize, with growing congregations in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Here’s a look at the top 10 countries with the largest Mormon populations in 2025.
1. United States
Membership: ~6.8 million
Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah
It’s no surprise that the U.S. tops the list. The church was founded in New York in 1830 and later settled in Utah, where it still has its headquarters. About one-third of all Mormons live in the U.S., with Utah being the most concentrated hub.
2. Mexico
Membership: ~1.5 million
Mexico is home to the largest Mormon population outside the U.S. The church has deep roots here, dating back to the late 1800s. Today, it’s a vibrant community with dozens of temples and thousands of congregations.
3. Brazil
Membership: ~1.5 million
Brazil’s strong religious culture has made it fertile ground for Mormon growth. The LDS Church is especially strong in urban centers like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and Brazil now has more temples than any country outside the U.S.
4. Philippines
Membership: ~850,000
Mormon missionaries arrived in the Philippines in the 1960s, and the faith has since grown rapidly. The country now has multiple temples and a robust seminary and institute program for youth and young adults.
5. Peru
Membership: ~620,000
Mormonism in Peru has expanded significantly since the 1970s. With multiple temples—including a beautiful one in Lima—the LDS Church plays a visible role in the country’s religious life.
6. Chile
Membership: ~575,000
Chile has one of the highest LDS membership rates per capita. The church saw explosive growth here in the late 20th century, and although growth has slowed, it remains one of the largest religious communities in the country.
7. Argentina
Membership: ~470,000
Argentina was among the first South American countries to receive LDS missionaries. The church has grown steadily and maintains a strong educational and humanitarian presence.
8. Guatemala
Membership: ~290,000
With a significant portion of the population identifying as Christian, Guatemala has welcomed Mormon missionaries with open arms. Temples in Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango serve a dedicated and growing membership.
9. Ecuador
Membership: ~260,000
Ecuador has seen consistent growth in Mormon membership, especially in major cities like Quito and Guayaquil. The church is active in community service and youth education programs here.
10. Nigeria
Membership: ~225,000
Nigeria is the LDS Church’s fastest-growing region in Africa. Since gaining official recognition in the 1980s, growth has been exponential. Nigeria now boasts stakes, temples in progress, and a highly engaged membership.
Final Thoughts
The global face of Mormonism is changing. While the LDS Church remains deeply rooted in American culture and history, its future is increasingly international. These ten countries highlight how the faith is expanding across diverse languages, cultures, and continents.
As the church continues to grow, so does its influence—from humanitarian efforts to education and local leadership development. Whether you’re a church member or just curious about world religions, this list shows how far-reaching and dynamic the Mormon community has become.
Have you visited an LDS temple or met a Mormon missionary abroad? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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