Demographics of Italy - Religion

Religion

Religion in Italy
Religion Percent
Christianity   91.6%
None   5.8%
Islam   3.8%
Buddhism   0.3%
Hinduism   0.2%
Sikhism   0.12%
Judaism   0.1%

Roman Catholicism is by far the largest religion in the country, although the Catholic Church is no longer officially the state religion. Fully 87.8% of Italy's population identified themselves as Roman Catholic, although only about one-third of these described themselves as active members (36.8%).

Most Italians believe in God, or a form of a spiritual life force. According to the most recent Eurobarometer Poll 2005: 74% of Italian citizens responded that 'they believe there is a God', 16% answered that 'they believe there is some sort of spirit or life force' and 6% answered that 'they do not believe there is any sort of spirit, God, or life force'. This makes Italians much more theist than those of most other European countries, including France, Spain, and Germany.

Read more about this topic:  Demographics Of Italy

Famous quotes containing the word religion:

    “The religion which is to guide and fulfill the present and coming ages, whatever else it be, must be intellectual. The scientific mind must have a faith which is science.”
    —Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

    “When Religion and Royalty are swept away, the people will attack the great, and after the great, they will fall upon the rich.”
    —Honoré De Balzac (1799–1850)

    “There is nothing in our book, the Koran, that teaches us to suffer peacefully. Our religion teaches us to be intelligent. Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery. That’s a good religion.”
    —Malcolm X (1925–1965)