How Many Countries are Officially Non-Secular: The Role of Religion in Constitution and Society

Secularism provides individuals with the freedom to make personal choices, fostering creativity and economic prosperity without restrictions. However, religion plays a significant role in many countries, often influencing their constitution and national identity. This article explores how many countries are officially non-secular and the extent to which religion is integrated into their governmental and societal structure.

Introduction to Secularism and Religion

Secularism is a political and social philosophy that advocates for the separation of government and religion, ensuring that individuals have the freedom to choose their beliefs without state interference. In contrast, in countries where religion plays a major role, the constitution often reflects and enforces religious principles, thus influencing laws, policies, and societal norms.

Factors Influencing Non-Secular Status

Several factors determine whether a country is officially non-secular. These include historical influences, cultural heritage, and the constitution's explicit mention and enforcement of religious beliefs. Countries with a significant religious population might naturally gravitate towards a non-secular system, where cultural and religious values are closely tied to governance.

List of Officially Non-Secular Countries

As of the latest data, there are a total of 51 officially non-secular states in the world. These countries have either explicitly or implicitly incorporated religious principles into their constitutions. Let's explore the top countries that fall under this category:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahamas, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, England, Georgia, Greece, Iceland, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritania, Monaco, Morocco, Mount Athos, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, Vatican City, Yemen

Each country has a unique blend of religious practices and governmental structures, often reflecting a shared cultural and historical background.

Religious Influence in Non-Secular Countries

The role of religion in non-secular countries can be significant, but the extent varies widely. Some countries, like Afghanistan and Iran, have clear constitutional references to Islam, making it a dominant force in the government and daily life. Others, such as Greece, rely heavily on Eastern Orthodoxy, influencing their culture and legal framework.

Roman Catholicism

Roman Catholicism is a prominent religious influence in several countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Costa Rica, Malta, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Vatican City, Andorra, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador, Paraguay, Poland, Peru.

Eastern Orthodoxy

The Eastern Orthodox Church influences the religion of many countries, particularly Greece. Eastern Orthodoxy is also deeply rooted in the cultural and historical heritage of the nation.

Protestantism

Protestantism is an influential religion in countries such as England, Denmark, Iceland, and Norway. The Lutheran Church is the national church in many Scandinavian countries, impacting both cultural and governmental practices.

Islam

Islam, particularly Sunni Islam, is prevalent in countries such as Bangladesh, Algeria, Brunei, Comoros, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and the United Arab Emirates. Shia Islam is predominant in Iran, while Bahrain and Kuwait have a mix of Sunni and Shia populations.

Mixed Religious Denominations

Bahamas, Kuwait, and Yemen have a mixture of Sunni and Shia Islam, reflecting the diversity of religious practices in these countries. Oman and the Maldives have unique religious practices.

Buddhism

Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion in Cambodia, while Vajrayana Buddhism is predominant in Bhutan. Both countries have unique religious traditions that significantly impact their societal and cultural norms.

Judaism

In Israel, Judaism is closely intertwined with the state, and the Jewish population has significant political, cultural, and religious influence.

Conclusion

The presence of religion in the constitution and governance of a country can vary widely. Countries like Afghanistan and Iran have explicit references to Islam, while others, like Malta and Liechtenstein, are Roman Catholic ecclesiastical states. Understanding the role of religion in non-secular countries is crucial for comprehending their political, cultural, and social landscapes.

The list of non-secular countries provides valuable insights into the interplay between religion and governance, highlighting the complex relationship between faith and state in different parts of the world.