Religion In Germany
Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution of Germany as one of the major human rights. According to the Basic Law, any religious minority may establish places of worship and community. In total the country has about 160 different faiths. All of them enjoy the same respect for the local population, however, religious holidays (breaking fast, Passover or Muslim holidays) are in Germany working days. In average about 31% of Germans – are atheists. Major religions, which have the largest number of adherents, are Christian (Protestant: Lutheran, Evangelical and Reformed) and Roman Catholic faith. Traditionally, residents north and east of Germany is often adhere to Protestantism, while the southern regions and the Rhineland – a Roman Catholic. Also in the state peacefully coexist Muslims (more than 3 million people.) Jehovah's Witnesses (164 thousand people.) And Representatives of the Jewish community (about 100 thousand people) As a rule, the Church in Germany is separated from the secular power, and its influence on politics is negligible. However, the government supports the faithful, collecting special voluntary tax on the needs of the clergy.
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