Botswana through its constitution defines itself as a circular state. That is an idea pertaining to secularity, whereby a state is or purports to be officially neutral in matters of religion, supporting neither religion nor irreligion.
The country also through the same constitution affords its citizens with freedom of expression and of association. Meaning everyone is free to associate with any religion or organization and also to express themselves as such.
That being said there are however religions which are larger in population than others and as such enjoying recognition, and their voices heard more. Below are the three (3) most followed religions in Botswana;
Christianity
Christianity is the most followed religion in Botswana. According to the statistics, the religion is estimated to be followed by almost Eighty percent (80%) of Two point three million (2.3 million) of Botswana population. Nonetheless, Christianity is dividend into Four (4) denominations being; Catholic Churches, Mainline churches, Pentacostal churches, and African independent churches (AICs). Due to its huge following, Christianity is greatly recognized by the government more so that it has its religious festivals like Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, and Christmas as paid holidays. Christianity is basically a religion which regards Jesus Christ as God’s son wo came to earth as the messiah. Christians believe that Christ came to earth to die for the world’s sins by crucifixion, then resurrected after three (3) days.
African Traditional Religion (ATR)
ATR is based on oral traditions, which means that the basic values and way of life are passed from elders to younger generation. In Botswana ATR followers believe in Badimo (ancestors). This does not simply refer to people who are now dead, but rather to the “living dead”. In the traditional African worldview, deceased ancestors continue to be present and are actively included in the daily life of individuals and tribes. Four point one percent (4.1%) of Batswana follow ATR.
Islam
Islam is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion teaching that Muhammad is a messenger of Allah. It is the world’s second-largest religion with one point nine billion (1.9 billion) followers or twenty-four point nine percent (24.9%) of the world’s population, known as Muslims. However, in Botswana Islam is the third biggest religion with a mere zero point five percent (0.5%) of Botswana population.
