Religious beliefs in France

France has a number of religions and everybody is allowed to follow whatever religion they choose because it is a secular country and freedom of thought and religion are encouraged. The Republic is based on the principle of laïcité, that is of freedom of religion (including agnosticism and atheism).

The majority of the people are Christian with 83%-88% of the people practicing Roman Catholicism. Other religions prevalent are Protestantism, Judaism and Islam.