How Many People Currently Endorse Flat Earth Beliefs
Surveys indicate that a very small share of adults worldwide believe the Earth is flat, typically well under 1% in most countries. In large-scale studies in the United States and several other high-income nations, fewer than 1 in 100 respondents agree with a flat Earth statement. These estimates vary by wording, sample, and year, but the overall pattern shows flat Earth views remain a small minority position globally. The following sections explain how researchers measure this, factors linked to higher belief, and how these numbers compare with other science-related attitudes.
Key Survey Estimates by Region and Year
United States and Comparable Countries
In nationally representative surveys in the United States, between 0.5% and 2% of adults strongly agree or somewhat agree that the Earth is flat. Smaller online studies in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia often show similarly low levels, though some samples report slightly higher numbers depending on question phrasing. Across multiple years, the ranges remain narrow, indicating stable, low-level prevalence.
| Region / Study | Question Wording and Years | Reported Flat Earth Agreement | Notes and Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (national) | YouGov/Greentarget, 2022 and 2024 | Approximately 1% to 2% | Large probability-based samples, online questionnaire |
| United Kingdom (national) | YouGov, 2024 | Less than 1% | Online panel; may underrepresent certain groups |
| Canada and Australia (national) | Various polls, 2020–2024 | Under 2% | Differences mainly from phrasing and mode |
| Global samples | Surveys in multiple countries, 2018–2024 | Generally under 2%, sometimes higher in specific samples | Highly variable by country, question design, and sample access |
Common Questions About Survey Methods
When asking about flat Earth beliefs, researchers can use direct questions, such as asking whether the Earth is flat, or indirect approaches that probe trust in science or space agencies. Online polls, phone interviews, and mixed-mode surveys can yield different results due to sampling differences and social desirability. Small sample sizes and self-selection in some online studies mean some estimates are less precise, even if the overall conclusion is clear.
Factors Associated With Higher Belief
- Lower formal education and science knowledge in some studies.
- Strong distrust of institutions such as space agencies or scientific organizations.
- Younger age groups in certain samples, though older adults can also show elevated belief.
- High conspiratorial thinking and mistrust of experts.
These patterns do not imply causation, but they help contextualize where belief is more common and may guide communication strategies.
How This View Compares to Other Science Topics
Flat Earth belief remains substantially less common than other science-related disagreements, such as doubt about human-caused climate change or vaccine skepticism in some populations. Longitudinal data suggest that while climate and vaccine attitudes can shift with events and messaging, flat Earth views have been very stable at low levels over the past decade.
Reliable Sources and Topic Coverage
Key organizations that provide consistent, transparent data include government statistical bodies, major survey panels such as YouGov and Pew Research Center, and peer-reviewed social science research. Reliable coverage addresses measurement choices, demographic patterns, and links to broader science attitudes without amplifying extreme claims. Understanding these numbers supports informed discussion about science communication and public trust.