Christianity is the predominant religion in Central African Republic, with significant minorities of the adherents of Islam and Traditional African religions.
Religion in the Central African Republic (2020 estimate)[1]
The country is officially secular and freedom of religion is enshrined in its constitution. Christmas and Easter are recognised as public holidays.[2]
Overview
editChristianity
editChristianity is practiced by 75-89 percent of the population.[1][3] According to a 2019 study Protestants outnumber Catholics in the Central African Republic.[4] Accordingly, 61% of the population is Protestant and 28% is Catholic.[5] Some Christians are influenced by animist beliefs and practices.[6]
Islam
editIslam is the second largest religion in the country, practiced by 9-15 percent of the population.[7][1] The vast majority of Muslims are Malikite Sunni. It is believed that many of these followers incorporate traditional indigenous elements into their faith practices.[8] In 2021, there were around 703,373 refugees from the Central African Republic in bordering countries, with most of them adhering to Islam.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c "Religions in Central African Republic | PEW-GRF". www.globalreligiousfutures.org. Retrieved 2022-09-30.
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20101123095849/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2010/148671.htm [bare URL]
- ^ "Religious Freedom in the World, Report 2021: Central African Republic" (PDF). Aid to the Church in Need. 2021.
- ^ "Central African Republic".
- ^ a b "2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Central African Republic". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2022-09-30.
- ^ "Central African Republic". The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. 2022-09-23. Retrieved 2022-09-30.
- ^ "Central African Republic: A Role for Religious Leaders in Calming Conflict?". United States Institute of Peace. Retrieved 2022-09-30.
- ^ International Religious Freedom Report 2010 - Central African Republic