Founded a century and a half ago, the Baha’i Faith is today among the fastest growing of world religions. With more than five million followers in at least 232 countries and dependent territories, it has already become the second-most widespread faith, surpassing every religion but Christianity in its geographic reach. Baha’is reside in more than 116,000 localities around the world, an expansion that reflects their dedication to the ideal of world citizenship.

Representing a cross section of humanity, Baha’is come from virtually every nation, ethnic group, culture, profession and social or economic class. More than 2,100 ethnic and tribal groups are represented. Since it also forms a single community, free of disunity or division, the Baha’i Faith comprises of what is very likely the most diverse and widespread organized body of people in the world.

The essential message of the Baha’i Faith is that of unity. Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Faith taught that there is only one God, that there is only one human race and that all the world’s religions have been stages in the revelation of God’s will and purpose for humanity. In this day, Baha’u’llah said, humanity has collectively come of age. As foretold in all of the world’s scriptures, the time has arrived for the uniting of all peoples into a peaceful and integrated global society.

"The earth is but one country and mankind its citzens."

-Baha'u'llah

Source: Office of Public Information of the Baha’i International Community. The Baha’is: A profile of the Baha’i Faith and its worldwide community.