Branden Kartchner

The constitution declares Islam as the official state religion of Djibouti. There are approximately 792,000 people that live in the country and 94% of the population is Muslim. Christians comprise the remaining 6%. The constitution guarantees equality regardless of one’s religion and the only limits to religious freedom are activities that promote disorder in the state. However, a recent law was passed that grants the government oversight over all mosques. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs is in charge of all Islamic matters including mosques, private schools, and public religious events. Muslims are allowed to resolve family law matters including marriage, divorce, and inheritance in Islamic-based family courts. Non-Muslims are able to address family law matters in civil courts. If one wishes to marry a Muslim, one must convert to Islam and Muslims must marry in a religious ceremony. Foreign missionaries are allowed in Djibouti, but the government does not allow proselytizing. Instead, they are required to concentrate on schools and hospital charities. All of the official holidays are Muslim holy days.

Sources: Religion and the State: An International Analysis of Roles and Relationships