<P> Religion has waned considerably in Europe, where many are today irreligious, agnostic or atheist and they make up about 18% of the European population . In terms of irreligion, over half of the populations of the Czech Republic (79% of the population was agnostic, atheist or irreligious), the United Kingdom (~ 25%), Germany (25--33%), France (30--35%) and the Netherlands (39--44%) are agnostic, atheist, or otherwise non-religious . </P> <P> However, per another survey by Pew Research Center from 2011, Christianity remains the dominant religion in the Western world where 70--84% are Christians, According to this survey, 76% of Europeans described themselves as Christians, and about 86% of the Americas population identified themselves as Christians, (90% in Latin America and 77% in North America). And 73% in Oceania are self - identify as Christian, and 76% in South Africa is Christian . </P> <P> According to new polls about religiosity in the European Union in 2012 by Eurobarometer, Christianity is the largest religion in the European Union, accounting for 72% of the EU population . Catholics are the largest Christian group, accounting for 48% of the EU population, while Protestants make up 12%, Eastern Orthodox make up 8% and other Christians make up 4% . Non believer / Agnostic account 16%, Atheist account's 7%, and Muslim 2% . </P> <P> Throughout the Western world there are increasing numbers of people who seek to revive the indigenous religions of their European ancestors, such groups include Germanic, Roman, Hellenic, Celtic and Slavic, polytheistic reconstructionist movements, likewise, Wicca, new age spirituality and other neo-pagan belief systems enjoy notable minority support in Western nations . </P>

Identify and explain the defining characteristics of the modern western world