What Is the Main Religion in France?
France does not have an official state religion, but an overwhelming majority of the country’s inhabitants identify as Roman Catholic. Islam and Protestantism are the country’s second- and third-largest religions, and there are also high numbers of people who do not adhere to any religion.
Despite Roman Catholicism being the country’s largest religion, the country’s official motto of “Liberté, égalité, fraternité,” which translates to “liberty, equality and fraternity,” does not give particular preference to any religion. This motto has its origins in the 18th century during the French Revolution, a period which profoundly changed the national character of the country. As such, all citizens under French law are deemed equal, regardless of religion.
Though Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in France, there are also people who practice other religions. Approximately 2 percent of the French population are Protestant and 7 to 8 percent are practicing Muslims. France is also home to a handful of people who are Jewish or identify with the Baha’i faith. Only 4 percent of the population claims no religious preference, a statistic that shows how important religion is to the French.
