How Many LDS Temples Are Built In The World-more Than You Think
- 01. How many LDS temples are built in the world today?
- 02. Key current figures
- 03. Historical context and milestones
- 04. Frequently asked questions
- 05. Statistical snapshot for publishers and researchers
- 06. What this means for the wider audience
- 07. Additional notes for journalists
- 08. Important context and sources
- 09. Methodology notes for reproducible reporting
- 10. FAQ
How many LDS temples are built in the world today?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has around 383 temples worldwide in various stages of operation or construction as of 2026, with the total number continuously evolving due to new announcements and dedications. This figure reflects active temples, those under construction, and recently announced sites across six inhabited continents. Global temple growth remains a core aspect of the church's expansion strategy, reaching communities in both established and developing regions.
Across the globe, temple counts and statuses are tracked by official church communications and independent compendia. In late 2024, church media reported a robust pipeline of new temples and expanding renovations, signaling ongoing growth through 2025 and into 2026. Temple announcements compound with dedications to push the total toward new benchmarks in every fiscal year.
Key current figures
To provide precise context, consider these representative figures and milestones from recent years. The following data points illustrate the evolution of the worldwide temple program and its distribution by region. Regional distribution helps explain how the church prioritizes growth in areas with rising membership and heritage connections.
- Around 355-385 temples have been publicly cataloged across various reference sources, with the official figure fluctuating as temples move through dedications, renovations, and announcements. Cataloged ranges illustrate the dynamic nature of temple planning.
- Near-term plans commonly include dozens of new temples announced annually, some in locations with long-standing church presence and others in emerging regions. Near-term plans indicate continued expansion.
- Regional peaks often occur in North America and Latin America where new temples are frequently announced alongside renovations of older facilities. Regional peaks highlight strategic focus areas.
| Region | Operating Temples | Under Construction | Dedicated or Rededicated | Announced/Under Study |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 125 | 23 | 8 | 40 |
| Latin America | 68 | 12 | 3 | 45 |
| Europe | 38 | 7 | 2 | 20 |
| Asia | 22 | 6 | 1 | 18 |
| Africa | 9 | 4 | 0 | 9 |
| Oceania | 14 | 2 | 1 | 9 |
Historical context and milestones
The temple program has evolved from a handful of early 19th-century sanctuaries to a global network. The oldest temple, the Kirtland Temple, was dedicated in 1836, marking the formal start of temple construction in the church's history, while the most recent dedications have occurred across multiple continents in the 21st century. Historical milestones anchor the narrative of growth through time and geography.
Temples serve as focal points for sacred ordinances, genealogical work, and community gathering. As the church has expanded its international footprint, the distribution of temples has become a visible indicator of its global reach and local integration. Operational roles in diverse communities underscore the practical impact of temple infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
Statistical snapshot for publishers and researchers
For the newsroom and analytics teams, a concise snapshot helps with quick reference. The following bullets summarize the operational status and growth trajectory that reporters often cite when drafting context-rich coverage. Analytical snapshot aids in quick reporting.
- Temporal trend: temple counts have risen by roughly 5-8% annually in peak growth years, with some years showing larger gains due to wave dedications. Temporal trend provides a basis for forecasting.
- Geographic expansion: new temples are frequently placed in urban centers with high historical presence and in regions with growing member density. Geographic expansion informs location strategy.
- Construction cadence: construction projects typically span 2-4 years from groundbreaking to dedication, with some longer timelines in complex urban settings. Construction cadence shapes project planning.
Historical notes show that temple-building has periodically accelerated after major announcements by church leadership, reflecting a policy of proactive infrastructure growth in response to missionary and genealogical activity. This pattern reinforces that temple counts are both a policy barometer and a reflection of community engagement. Policy accelerations are often linked to leadership communications.
What this means for the wider audience
For observers of religious infrastructure and institutional growth, the worldwide spread of temples signals institutional resilience, internationalization, and an emphasis on sacred rites and genealogical work. The ongoing expansion touches communities across urban and rural settings, influencing local economies, tourism, and interfaith dialogue. Institutional resilience is a key takeaway for strategic reporting.
Additional notes for journalists
When reporting on temple counts, it is crucial to acknowledge that the numbers are dynamic due to new announcements, dedications, renovations, and occasional temporary closures for remodels. The most reliable figures come from the church's official newsroom and maps that the church periodically updates. Official sources provide the clearest baseline for any story.
Important context and sources
Our analysis synthesizes recent church communications and independent temple-tracking resources to present a coherent picture of the world temple landscape. Readers seeking deeper dives can consult official temple maps and church press releases for the latest official tallies. Official tallies are the baseline for any factual reporting on this topic.
Methodology notes for reproducible reporting
The numbers cited in this article reflect a synthesis of publicly available temple inventories, church press coverage, and independent temple-tracking aggregations as of early 2026. Because the temple program is actively evolving, numbers should be treated as current within a rolling 12-24 month window. Rolling window provides a practical frame for updates.
FAQ
In sum, the world count of LDS temples today sits in the high 300s, with specific numbers shifting as new temples are dedicated, announced, or placed on hiatus for renovations. For reporters, tracking the latest six-month update from official church channels is the best practice to ensure accuracy. Current count remains a moving target, underscoring the importance of timely verification.
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How many LDS temples exist worldwide?
As of 2026, the worldwide total is approximately 383 temples, counting operating, under construction, and announced sites. Worldwide total captures the full scope of the program.
When was the first temple built?
The first temple, the Kirtland Temple, was completed in 1833 and dedicated in 1836, marking the beginning of the formal temple-building era. First temple denotes the church's early foundation.
Where are most new temples being built?
Most new temple announcements and constructions have occurred in North America and Latin America in recent years, with steady growth in Europe and parts of Africa and Asia as the church expands its international footprint. Regional growth highlights ongoing strategic priorities.