Animism is the religious belief that all things in life are animated and alive, including animals, plants, rocks, rivers, the weather, human products, and even words. The system's inception predates paganism, making it the oldest religion in the world. Animism is a common belief among indigenous peoples across the world, and it was once the main religion in the Americas and the Pacific islands; however, its largest concetrations are in Africa and in parts of southern Asia.