A Pew Research Center study across 36 countries found that speaking the local language is the most widely accepted factor in determining national identity, more so than birthplace or cultural traditions. Religion is seen as the least important.
Older adults, conservatives, and those with less education are more likely to view language, birthplace, and traditions as essential for belonging. In the U.S., the ideological divide is especially stark, with conservatives far more likely than liberals to emphasize these factors.
Middle-income countries tend to place higher importance on birthplace and traditions than wealthier nations. The study highlights how national identity perceptions are shaped by politics, demographics, and cultural values worldwide.
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