Religion in the Maldives
Official Religion
Islam is the official religion of the Maldives, as declared in both the 1998 and 2008 constitutions.
Sunni Dominance
The primary religion in the Maldives is Islam, with the majority population practising Sunni Islam. It is the state religion, and the practice of any other faith is prohibited by law.
Historical Significance
Islam replaced Buddhism as the country's predominant religion after the 12th century.
Religious Demographics
According to a 2010 estimation, the religious demographics of the Maldives are as follows:
- Islam: 98.69%
- Christianity: 0.29%
- Agnostics: 0.29%
- Hindu: 0.29%
- Others: 0.74%
Constitutional Significance
The 2008 Constitution, or Fehi Gānoon, declares the significance of Islamic law in the country.
Conclusion
The Maldives' strong adherence to Islam shapes its cultural, social, and political landscape. The dominance of Sunni Islam and the prohibition of other faiths underscore the country's commitment to a unified religious identity.
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