Religion in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is officially a Buddhist country, however Sri Lankans practice a variety of religions. As of the 2024 census, 69.8% of Sri Lankans were Buddhists (mostly Theravada), 12.6% were Hindus, 10.7% were Muslims (mainly Sunni), 7.6% were Christians (mostly Catholics). Buddhism is declared as the state religion of Sri Lanka and receives special privileges in the Sri Lankan constitution, such as mandatory protection and nationwide propagation by the government. However, the constitution also provides for freedom of religion and the right to equality among citizens. In 2008, a Gallup poll ranked Sri Lanka the third most religious country in the world with 99% of Sri Lankans saying that religion was an important part of their daily life.