Religious Freedom or Belief in Burma
Burma’s population consists of Buddhists (87.9 percent), Christians (6.2 percent), Muslims (4.3 percent), Animists (0.8 percent), and Hindus (0.5 percent). The 2008 constitution recognizes Buddhism as the de facto state religion, but also recognizes Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Animism.
Christians are concentrated in Chin, Kachin, Karenni, and Karen States, with Chin State having the largest proportion of Christians at 85 per cent.
According to the 2008 constitution, the Burmese military gives Buddhism special recognition (Article 361). The constitution also recognizes Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Animism as established religions in the Union (Article 362).
Since 1999, the United States has designated Burma as a Country of Particular Concern due to the Burmese military’s severe violations of religious freedom pursuant to the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998
BRI published research reports for advocacy and education purposes. Its latest report is “Burma: Severe Violations of Religious Freedom Against Christians.