Religion in the Central African Republic

Religion in the Central African Republic (2020 estimate) ^[1]

1. Christianity (89.0%)
2. Islam (9.00%)
3. Traditional faiths (1.00%)
4. Others / None (1.00%)

Christian worshippers outside the Bangui Cathedral

Christianity is the predominant religion in Central African Republic , with significant minorities of the adherents of Islam and Traditional African religions.

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

• Roman Catholicism in the Central African Republic
• Demographics of the Central African Republic
• Freedom of religion in the Central African Republic
• Islam in the Central African Republic
• Central African Republic conflict - A sectarian civil conflict

References

1. "Religions in Central African Republic | PEW-GRF". www.globalreligiousfutures.org. Retrieved 2022-09-30.
2. "Central African Republic". Archived from the original on 23 November 2010.
3. "Religious Freedom in the World, Report 2021: Central African Republic" (PDF). Aid to the Church in Need . 2021. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2024-09-02. Retrieved 2022-09-30.
4. "Central African Republic".
5. "2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Central African Republic". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2022-09-30.
6. "Central African Republic". The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. 2022-09-23. Retrieved 2022-09-30.
7. "Central African Republic: A Role for Religious Leaders in Calming Conflict?". United States Institute of Peace. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved 2022-09-30.
8. International Religious Freedom Report 2010 - Central African Republic