There are approximately 20 million followers of Sikhism around the world, most of whom live in the Punjab province of India.  Sikhism began in the 16th century in the Punjab region of what is now India and Pakistan. It was founded by Guru Nanak and is based on his teachings, and those of the 9 Sikh gurus who came after him. The most important aspect of Sikhism is the internal religious state of the individual.

• Sikhism is a monotheistic religion with only one God
  
• Sikhism stresses the importance of actually performing good actions rather than just carrying out rituals
• Sikhs believe that the best way to lead a good life is to:
  • keep God in the heart and mind at all times
  • live honestly and work hard
  • treat everyone equally the same
    
  • be generous to the less fortunate than yourself
    
  • serve others as best you can
    
• The Sikh place of worship is called a Gurdwara
• The Sikh scripture is called the Guru Granth Sahib, a book that Sikhs think of as a living Guru

   The tenth Sikh Guru decreed that after his death the spiritual guide of Sikhism would be the teachings contained in this book. Therefore, Guru Granth Sahib now has the status of a Guru, and Sikhs give it the respect they would to a human Guru.