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Religious Beliefs and Spirituality in Kazakhstan

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Since Kazakhstan gained its independence in 1991 when free practice of religious beliefs was guaranteed by the Constitution, religious activities have increased and construction of mosques and other religious houses accelerated. Latest statistics show that the country now has 2,300 mosques mostly affiliated with the Spiritual Association of Muslims of Kazakhstan; 258 Orthodox churches; 93 Catholic churches, 500 Protestant churches and worship houses, and 4,170 religious associations representing 46 denominations.

Despite full freedom of religion provided in the Constitution, Islam finds the largest number of adherents at 65% of the population, followed by the Russian Orthodox Christians at 33%. The other Christian groups that also practice their beliefs are the Roman Catholics and the Protestants. The other religious groups that also have registered churches in the country are Judaism, Baha’i Faith, Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Judaism has a small number of followers and most of its members can speak Russian. The Baha’i Faith began during the suppression of religions in the regime of the former Soviet Union, and had only 6,000 followers in 2005. Hindus come mainly from India and belong to the Indian community in Central Asia that includes Kazakhstan. Despite its being the largest religion in the country, Islam is not given a special status under the Constitution. This is because the framers of the law foresee a government that could build a bridge between the Muslim East and the Christian West, and attract possible investments from many countries of the world regardless of their religious affiliations.