Christianity is by far the most widespread religion in the country, predominantly represented by the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches. One of these two denominations dominates in each of the individual cantons. In 2017 around 36% of the population were Catholic and 24% Protestant. There are, however, other faiths in Switzerland: 5.4% of the resident population is Muslim, 5.9% Orthodox and other Christians, and around 1% Hindu, Buddhist and Jews.

In recent years, however, many people have left the churches and the number of people not affiliated with any religion has significantly increased. In 2017 the proportion of people not affiliated with any religion was 26%. (Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office, as at 2017).

Church and State are separate in Switzerland. The right to religious freedom, freedom of conscience and freedom of worship are firmly embedded in the Swiss Constitution. Every person has the right to choose whether they want to be religious and which religion they wish to practise.

It is also possible to change one’s beliefs and religion and freely express one’s convictions. This applies equally to individuals and religious communities. Everyone has the right to profess their beliefs alone or in a group through forms of worship, religious practices, or rituals.