Religion in Mali

Great Mosque of Djenné

An estimated 90 percent of Malians are Muslim, mostly Sunni or Sufi; approximately 5 percent are Christian (about two-thirds Roman Catholic and one-third Protestant denominations); the remaining 5 percent of Malians adhere to indigenous or traditional animist beliefs.^[1] Atheism and agnosticism are believed to be rare among Malians, most of whom practice their religion on a daily basis, although some are Deist.^[2]

According to the U.S. Department of State’s annual report on religious freedom, Islam as traditionally practiced in Mali can be characterized as moderate, tolerant, and adapted to local conditions.^[2] Women participate in economic, social, and political activity and generally do not wear veils.^[2] The constitution establishes a secular state and provides for freedom of religion, and the government largely respects this right.^[2] Relations between Muslims and practitioners of minority religious faiths are generally amicable, and foreign missionary groups (both Muslim and non-Muslim) are tolerated.^[2]

See also

• Islam in Mali
• Roman Catholicism in Mali

References