Religion in Swaziland

The population of Swaziland is approximately 35 percent Protestant, 30 percent African Zionist, 25 percent Catholic, 1 percent Muslim and Hinduism (0.15%).^[1]. Those statistics, however do not match CIA's data in Nationmaster, which specifies 66% protestants and 5.33% catholics^{[2] [3]} The remaining 9 percent of the population is divided among the Baha'i Faith, Seventh-day Adventism, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Branhamism, and other religious groups.^[3] The Zionist Churches, which blend Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship, predominate in rural areas.^[3] A large Roman Catholic presence, including churches, schools, and other infrastructure, continues to flourish.^[3] The country forms a single diocese - the Diocese of Manzini. 😄 Followers of Judaism, Islam, and the Baha'i Faith are generally located in urban areas.^[3] Islam in Swaziland probably dates to the colonial period, when many Muslims settled in the country from other countries under the dominion of the British Empire.^{[citation needed]} Most immigrants from South Asia practice Islam.^[3] There are few atheists.^[3] Missionaries continue to play a role in rural development.^[3]

The new Constitution, which went into effect on February 8, 2006, provides for freedom of religion. The Government generally respects freedom of religion in practice.^[3] The US government received no reports of societal abuse or discrimination based on religious belief or practice during 2008.^[3]

References

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