Which Country Has the Most LDS Temples?

The temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can now be found across much of the globe. What began with a single temple in Kirtland, Ohio, has grown into hundreds of temples serving millions of Church members worldwide.

As new temples are announced each General Conference, many people wonder: Which country has the most LDS temples?

The answer is clear—the United States leads the world by a significant margin. However, many other countries have also experienced remarkable temple growth over the past several decades.

In this article, we'll explore which countries have the most temples, why they're located there, and how the Church continues to expand temple access around the world.

Which Country Has the Most LDS Temples?

The United States has more temples than any other country in the world. With hundreds of operating, under-construction, and announced temples, it remains the center of temple growth for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Church was organized in the United States in 1830, and its headquarters remain in Salt Lake City, Utah. Because the United States has the largest concentration of Church members, it naturally has the highest number of temples.

Even with so many existing temples, new ones continue to be announced throughout the country to reduce travel times and serve growing populations.

Top 10 Countries with the Most LDS Temples

While the exact rankings change as new temples are announced and dedicated, these countries consistently have the largest numbers of temples.

These rankings may change over time as additional temples are announced or dedicated.

Why Does the United States Have So Many Temples?

Several factors explain why the United States continues to have the highest number of temples.

Church Headquarters

Salt Lake City is home to the Church's headquarters, making the United States the historical center of Church administration and temple development.

Large Membership

The United States has millions of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, creating a need for many temples throughout the country.

Geographic Size

The United States covers a vast area. Even in states with multiple temples, members may still travel several hours to attend. Building additional temples helps reduce travel times.

Continued Growth

Rather than simply serving existing members, many new temples are built in areas experiencing membership growth or where members have historically traveled long distances to reach the nearest temple.

Temple Growth Around the World

Although the United States has the most temples, some of the fastest temple growth is occurring internationally.

Brazil

Brazil has become one of the Church's strongest countries outside the United States. New temples continue to be announced to serve members throughout this large nation.

Mexico

Mexico has one of the largest populations of Latter-day Saints in the world. Temples now serve members across many different states and regions.

The Philippines

Church membership has grown steadily for decades, resulting in several new temples that reduce travel for members living throughout the islands.

Africa

Some of the most exciting temple growth is taking place across Africa. New temples have been announced in multiple countries, providing greater access to members who previously traveled great distances.

South America

Countries including Peru, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, and Colombia continue to receive new temples as membership expands.

Countries Receiving Their First Temple

One of the most inspiring developments in recent years has been the announcement of temples in countries receiving their very first house of the Lord.

For many members, these announcements mean they will no longer need to travel across international borders or spend days reaching the nearest temple. Instead, sacred ordinances will become available much closer to home.

Each first temple announcement is a significant milestone in the history of the Church within that nation.

Why Are More Temples Being Built?

President Russell M. Nelson has repeatedly emphasized the importance of temple worship and making temple blessings available to more members.

New temples help:

• Reduce travel time.
• Increase opportunities for regular temple attendance.
• Strengthen local Church members.
• Prepare for future membership growth.
• Bring sacred ordinances closer to families around the world.

This global approach reflects the Church's continuing expansion into new countries and communities.

Visiting Temples Around the World

Many Church members dream of visiting temples in different countries during vacations, missionary reunions, or international travel.

Every temple has its own unique architecture, artwork, landscaping, and history that reflects the culture of its surrounding community.

Whether you visit a historic temple in Europe, a beautiful temple in South America, or a newly dedicated temple in Asia, each visit offers an opportunity to strengthen your faith while experiencing the worldwide nature of the Church.

If you're planning to visit temples across different countries, My Temple Journey provides a meaningful way to record every visit. With scratch-off temple pages, journaling space, and room for personal memories, it helps preserve the experiences that make each temple visit special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has the most LDS temples?

The United States has the largest number of operating, under-construction, and announced temples in the world.

Which country has the second most temples?

Brazil consistently ranks among the countries with the second-highest number of temples, reflecting decades of strong Church growth.

Are LDS temples located on every continent?

Temples are located on nearly every inhabited continent, and new temples continue to be announced around the world.

Are new temples announced every year?

Yes. New temple announcements are typically made during General Conference, with additional temples dedicated and opened throughout the year.

Conclusion

Temple growth is one of the clearest examples of the worldwide expansion of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While the United States continues to have the most temples, countries across Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Pacific are experiencing remarkable growth as more members gain access to temple worship.

As new temples are announced and dedicated, the list of countries with temples will continue to expand. No matter where you live, each new temple represents the Church's commitment to bringing the blessings of the temple closer to its members around the world.

Whether your goal is to visit temples close to home or across the globe, every temple has a unique story to tell—and every visit can become part of your own temple journey.

Scott & Riah

Brough Made

https://broughmade.com