Scouts from many nations meet, usually every four years, in a world jamboree. At these gatherings as many as 50,000 Scouts set up camp, demonstrate woodcraft skills, and work for better international understanding. The first world jamboree was held in England in 1920. National jamborees are held between the international events. These attract over 30,000 Scouts.
As of 9/31/08 there were more than 28 million Scouts, young people and adults, male and female, in 216 countries and territories.
· There are 155 countries with internationally recognized national Scout Organizations.
· There are 26 territories where Scouting exists as overseas branches of member Scout Organizations.
· There are 35 countries where Scouting exists but where there is no National Scout Organization that is yet a member of WOSM.
· There are 6 countries where Scouting does not exist. (Andorra, People's Republic of China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Lao People's Democratic Republic and Myanmar)
The top 10 countries in number of Scouts are:
Indonesia 8,909,435 88% Muslim
United States 6,239,435 78% Christian
India 2,138,015 81% Hindu
Philippines 1,956,131 92% Christian
Thailand 1,305,027 95% Buddhist
Bangladesh 908,435 83% Muslim
Pakistan 526,403 97% Muslim
United Kingdom 498,888 72% Christian
Republic of Korea 252,157 26% Christian/26% Buddhist
Japan 220,223 84% Buddhist
From this chart it can be easily seen that Scouting is a movement for all major religions. Worldwide the Scouting movement is 33% Christian, 20% Muslim, 13% Hindu, and 6% Buddhist. In the 10 countries above, Scouting is 40% Muslim, 29% Christian, 8% Hindu, and 6% Buddhist. So, it appears that Scouting reflects rather well the major religions of the world.
--WB Scribbler
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