U.S. Department of State Human Rights Report 1998
The Constitution establishes
Islam as the state religion but also stipulates the right to practice
the religion of one's choice, and the Government respects this provision
in practice. Approximately 87 percent of the population is Muslim.
Some members of the Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist minorities continue
to perceive and experience discrimination toward them from the Muslim
majority (see Section 5).
The law permits citizens to proselytize. However, strong social resistance
to conversion from Islam means that most missionary efforts by non-Muslims
are aimed at Hindus and tribal groups. The Government allows various
religions to establish places of worship, to train clergy, to travel
for religious purposes, and to maintain links with co-religionists
abroad. Foreign missionaries may work in the country, but their right
to proselytize is not protected by the Constitution. Some missionaries
face problems in obtaining visas.
Source:
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1998, U.S. Department
of State.
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