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]

  Christianity (89%)
  Islam (9%)
  Traditional faiths (1%)
  Others / None (1%)
Worshippers at the Bangui Cathedral

The country is officially secular and freedom of religion is enshrined in its constitution. Christmas and Easter are recognised as public holidays.[2]

Overview

Christianity

Christianity 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

Islam 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

References

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