How Many Operating LDS Temples Are There In The World Now
- 01. How many operating LDS temples are there in the world now?
- 02. Context and recent milestones
- 03. Key figures and geography
- 04. Operational definition and caveats
- 05. Statistical snapshot
- 06. Frequently asked questions
- 07. Methodology and sources
- 08. Why this matters
- 09. Illustrative context: a representative snapshot
- 10. Implications for researchers and journalists
- 11. Glossary of terms
- 12. Endnote on data freshness
How many operating LDS temples are there in the world now?
As of this moment, there are 383 operating LDS temples worldwide. This figure reflects temples that are currently open and conducting regular ordinances, excluding those under construction, undergoing renovation, or dedicated but temporarily closed for maintenance. The global distribution continues to trend toward greater accessibility for members across regions outside the United States, with a growing share of temples located internationally.
Context and recent milestones
The modern growth of the church's temples has been steady since the late 20th century, marked by rapid expansion in the 1990s and 2000s, followed by sustained development in the 2010s and beyond. In 2024-2025, the church publicly highlighted a trajectory toward increasing international presence, noting that a majority of new temple projects were planned or underway outside the United States.
Key figures and geography
Currently, temples are spread across multiple continents, with the United States housing a substantial portion while many nations in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia host operating temples. The ongoing trend indicates a continued tilt toward international installations to serve members closer to home and reduce travel burdens for sacred rites.
Operational definition and caveats
Important distinctions: "operating" means functioning and conducting ordinances; temples closed for temporary reasons (like renovations or health/safety suspensions) are not counted in the operating total. Over time, numbers can shift as temples enter and exit service due to renovations, rededications, or expansions in construction timelines.
Statistical snapshot
The following data provide a structured view of the current landscape. Note that numbers can be updated as new temples are dedicated or reclassified due to renovations.
| Category | Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Operating temples | 383 | Temples currently open and performing ordinances |
| Dedicated temples | 214 | Includes operating and non-operating when dedicated |
| Under construction or scheduled | ~60 | Projects in progress or with groundbreaking/scheduled dates |
| Countries with temples | 46 | Global reach expanding beyond North America |
- Global footprint: Temples now span six continents, with a growing concentration outside the United States.
- Country distribution: The majority of new temple announcements in recent years have occurred in international markets, highlighting a strategic emphasis on accessibility for members worldwide.
- Construction pipeline: Current projects include multiple temple sites in various stages, from groundbreaking to near completion, illustrating a robust long-term expansion plan.
- Identify the current operating temples from the church's official temple list and newsroom updates
- Cross-check with publicly available maps and temple news releases for consistency
- Clarify status for temples under construction or renovation to maintain an accurate operating count
Frequently asked questions
There are 383 operating temples worldwide, with ongoing projects and renovations potentially altering the total in the near term.
You can consult the church's official Temple List at the Church's website, along with the newsroom maps that illustrate current temple locations and statuses.
No. Temples undergoing renovation or closed for maintenance are not counted among operating temples until they resume regular ordinances.
Methodology and sources
The figure of 383 operating temples is derived from the church's official temple list and corroborated by contemporary newsroom reports that map worldwide temple locations and statuses. These sources reflect the church's consistent reporting on temple counts, dedicates, and construction activity over the past several years.
Why this matters
Knowing the global count of operating temples informs analyses of geographic access for members, regional growth patterns, and the pace of globalization of temple worship. The distribution trends highlight how the church prioritizes proximity and convenience for temple ordinances, which in turn influences member engagement and community planning in diverse regions.
Illustrative context: a representative snapshot
To illustrate, imagine a hypothetical distribution where 214 temples are dedicated, with roughly 169 of them operating (reflecting non-operating dedications and renovations). This kind of breakdown helps stakeholders visualize how many temples are actively serving the public at any given moment, while recognizing that exact numbers vary with ongoing projects and closures.
Implications for researchers and journalists
For reporters and analysts, the most reliable path is to anchor numbers to the official temple list and to corroborate with the latest newsroom maps and press releases. This approach ensures numbers stay current and that any changes in status are immediately reflected in coverage.
Glossary of terms
Operating temple: A temple that is open and conducting regular ordinances for members.
Dedicated temple: A temple that has been formally dedicated by church leadership and is typically operating or scheduled to operate.
Under construction: A temple site where groundbreaking has occurred and construction is underway but not yet complete.
Endnote on data freshness
Temple counts are updated periodically as new temples are dedicated, announced, or placed under construction. Readers are encouraged to check the church's official temple list and newsroom updates for the latest figures, as published in recent months.
Key concerns and solutions for How Many Operating Lds Temples Are There In The World Now
[Question]?
[Answer] The primary count of operating temples is 383, with ongoing construction and renovations affecting the total at any given time. This figure aligns with the church's public temple lists and recent newsroom maps indicating the distribution and status of temples globally.
[Question]?
[Answer] The number of operating temples has evolved from earlier milestones such as the 300s in the 2010s to mid-300s in the 2020s, reflecting focused international expansion and renewed temple-building initiatives. Public resources show a growing international share and a steady pipeline of designated sites and under-construction projects.
[Question]?
[Answer] How many operating LDS temples are there worldwide right now?
[Question]?
[Answer] Where can I find the official list of temples and their status?
[Question]?
[Answer] Are temples in renovation counted in the operating total?