This document provides an introduction to the major world religions, including information on their followers, founders, beliefs, and practices. It discusses the monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as the polytheistic religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. For each religion, it provides details on their holy texts, symbols, leaders, core beliefs, and in some cases the origins of the religion and founding figures. It also includes a map showing the geographical distribution of religious followers around the world and notes which monotheistic religions emerged in which historical periods.