By Bob Benenson

Which is the least religious state, according to a Gallup poll?

a) Maine

b) Massachusetts

c) New Hampshire

d) Vermont

Answer: d) A survey of more than 350,000 adults across the nation over the course of 2008, collected as part of the Gallup organization’s daily tracking poll, found 42 percent of respondents in Vermont said yes to the question, “Is religion an important part of your daily life?”

This was the lowest percentage among the states, followed by New Hampshire at 46 percent, and Maine and Massachusetts tied at 48 percent.

While the list of the most religious states was dominated by those in the South, the list of the least religious states also had a very regional flavor. It was split between New England states (including those in the top four) and states in the West.

The 10 least religious states were rounded out by Alaska (51 percent), Washington (52 percent), Oregon and Rhode Island (tied at 53 percent), Nevada (54 percent) and Connecticut (55 percent).

Overall, 65 percent of all respondents nationally said religion plays an important part in their daily lives.