Religion plays a central role in the history, identity, and social structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country is widely known for its religious pluralism, where mosques, Catholic churches, and Orthodox churches often stand within close proximity—symbolizing centuries of shared space as well as periods of tension.

Major Religions and Beliefs

The most widely practiced religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Islam, followed by Christianity, which is primarily divided between Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism. Religious affiliation is closely connected to ethnic identity:

• Bosniaks are generally associated with Islam
• Bosnian Croats are predominantly Roman Catholic
• Bosnian Serbs are primarily members of the Serbian Orthodox Church

Almost all Muslims in the country follow Sunni Islam, mainly adhering to the Hanafi school of Islamic law and the Maturidi theological tradition.

Legal Framework and Religious Freedom

The Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the constitutions of its two entities—the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska—guarantee freedom of religion. A state-level Law on Religious Freedom provides legal recognition and rights for religious communities.

In practice, the government generally respects religious freedom, particularly in ethnically mixed areas. However, in regions where one group dominates, members of minority religions have sometimes faced restrictions on worship or access to religious facilities.

Religious Composition (2013 Census)

According to the 2013 population census:

• Islam – 51.3%
• Eastern Orthodox Christianity – 30.7%
• Roman Catholicism – 15.4%
• No religion / Other beliefs – 2.6%

These figures broadly reflect the country’s ethnic distribution, though census data has been disputed by some political groups.

Religion in Daily Life

Religion remains important to many citizens. A Gallup poll found that 77% of people in Bosnia and Herzegovina consider religion an important part of their daily lives. However, levels of religious practice vary significantly:

• A Pew Research survey reported weekly religious attendance among
  • 31% of Muslims
  • 10% of Orthodox Christians
  • 54% of Catholics

For many people—especially Bosnian Muslims—religion often serves more as a cultural or ethnic marker than a daily practice, with observance focused on major life events such as births, marriages, and funerals.

Minority Religions and Communities

In addition to the three major religious traditions, Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to smaller communities, including:

• Jews, numbering nearly 1,000 believers as of 2022
• Protestants
• Other Christian denominations
• New religious movements, including a Slavic neopagan group established in 2011

The Jewish and Protestant communities are most concentrated in Sarajevo, reflecting the city’s long-standing multicultural character.

Impact of War and Migration

The 1992–1995 Bosnian War profoundly reshaped the country’s religious landscape. Ethnic cleansing and displacement led to large-scale population movements, resulting in greater ethno-religious separation:

• Most Serbian Orthodox believers now live in Republika Srpska
• Most Muslims and Catholics reside in the Federation

Although refugee returns peaked in the early 2000s, many communities remain demographically altered. Some towns have seen partial reversals through return migration, but overall patterns of segregation largely persist.

Regional Differences in Religious Practice

Religious observance tends to be stronger in rural areas than in major cities like Sarajevo or Banja Luka. Notably:

• Catholic Croats in Herzegovina show higher levels of church attendance
• Muslim communities in central Bosnia demonstrate stronger religious engagement

Religious leaders from all three major traditions report increased interest among younger generations, especially those who grew up after the communist era and the war.