"Gallup surveys in 114 countries in 2009 show that religion continues to play an important role in many people's lives worldwide. The global median proportion of adults who say religion is an important part of their daily lives is 84%, unchanged from what Gallup has found in other years. In 10 countries and areas, at least 98% say religion is important in their daily lives.

Each of the most religious countries is relatively poor, with a per-capita GDP below $5,000. This reflects the strong relationship between a country's socioeconomic status and the religiosity of its residents. In the world's poorest countries -- those with average per-capita incomes of $2,000 or lower -- the median proportion who say religion is important in their daily lives is 95%. In contrast, the median for the richest countries -- those with average per-capita incomes higher than $25,000 -- is 47%."

However, justifying the proverb: "Exception proves the rule," two-third of the Americans, bucking the trend, confirms that religion plays a major role in their daily lives.

Now, ignoring the exception, this survey clearly indicates that wealthier people are more likely to be less religious. Sounds strange? May be, but that's what, the study has revealed.

The question, however, is: If it is so, then what could be the reason -- if at all there is any?

Do you have an answer to this puzzle?

Originally posting on my blog Leadership and Networking