Which country banned minarets?

Switzerland passed a nationwide ban on the construction of new minarets on November 29, 2009, following a popular referendum where 57.5% of voters approved the proposal. The ban was initiated by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), who argued that minarets were symbols of religious-political power rather than a religious necessity. This restriction, which amended the Swiss Constitution, does not apply to existing minarets.

Where are minarets banned?

In a November 2009 referendum, a constitutional amendment banning the construction of new minarets was approved by 57.5% of the participating voters. Only three of the twenty-six Swiss cantons and one half canton, mostly in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, opposed the initiative.

Why did Switzerland ban minarets?

The campaign to ban minarets was described by the country's justice minister as a "proxy war" for drumming up conflict between ethnic Swiss and Muslim immigrants. But the ban was supported by a majority of 57.5%, 20 percentage points more than predicted in opinion polls in the run-up to the vote.

Which country banned mosques?

As of 2020, the Angolan government does not legally recognize any Muslim organizations; as a result, mosques in the country have faced restrictions and many have been shut down by the government.

Has Switzerland banned mosques?

Temples and mosques are allowed. There is no prohibition. What is not allowed are minarets. But note also that even in the 60s, a Catholic church in Zurich could only be built without a tower.

Plans to ban minarets in Switzerland

What country has zero mosques?

Vatican City is the only country in the world where not a single Muslim lives.

Which country banned the burqa in 2025?

Kazakhstan. On 1 July 2025, Kazakhstan officially banned the Burqa and Niqab.

Are mosques illegal in Russia?

Vladimir Putin has introduced a new rule for Russia: Every year, 100 mosques will be built across the country. This decision aims to support the Muslim community, ensuring access to proper places of worship and strengthening religious harmony.

Which country banned hijab?

Several Muslim-majority countries have banned the burqa and hijab in public schools and universities or government buildings, including Tunisia (since 1981, partially lifted in 2011), Turkey (gradually lifted), Kosovo (since 2009), Azerbaijan (since 2010), Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Which country in Europe has the least Muslims?

Islam in Europe by country:

• 3%–4% (Greece, Norway, Spain)
• 4%–5% (Denmark)
• 5%–10% (Sweden, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Georgia, Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom)
• 10%–20% (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Montenegro, Russia)
• 20%–60% (Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia)
• 60%–80%
• 80%–95%
• >95% (Turkey, Azerbaijan)

Which country banned the burqa first?

In April 2011, France became the first European country to implement a ban on full-face veils in public areas. However, some countries, like Afghanistan, have made wearing a burqa a religious mandate.

Is Switzerland welcoming to Muslims?

Switzerland is a dream destination for many Muslim travelers — especially families looking for halal hotels Switzerland for families, where to pray in Switzerland for Muslims, and authentic Switzerland halal food options.

Which countries have no Muslims?

Islam is one of the most widely practiced religions in the world, with followers present in almost every country. Besides India, many nations have a significant Muslim population. But there is one country where there is not a single Muslim resident. Vatican City is the world's smallest independent country.

Is Christianity allowed in Dubai?

Christians are free to worship and wear religious clothing, if applicable. The country has Catholic, Eastern, Oriental Orthodox and Protestant churches. Although Christian women can marry Muslim men freely, marriage between Muslim women and non-Muslim men is forbidden.

Will hijab be banned in the UK?

Government responded

We recognise the huge contribution of people of faith to public life, locally and nationally, and are committed to celebrating and promoting this. There is no current legislation that bans the wearing of religious or non-religious face coverings and the government has no intention to introduce any.

Which country has the most no religion?

Relative to its own populations, Zuckerman ranks the top five countries with the highest possible ranges of atheists and agnostics: Sweden (46–85%), Vietnam (81%), Denmark (43–80%), Norway (31–72%), and Japan (64–65%).

Why are so many people converting to Islam?

Many of those who convert report positive experiences relating to self-identity, gender identity, living a healthy, disciplined and stable life, providing a moral context for themselves and their children, and being part of a community. Islam has also helped some move away from self-destructive or criminal behaviours.

How does Russia treat Muslims?

Some of those who closely followed the teachings of Islam have lost their jobs; mosques have also been closed. Russian president Vladimir Putin has allowed the de facto implementation of Sharia law in Chechnya by Ramzan Kadyrov, including polygamy and enforced veiling.

What country doesn't allow mosques?

Slovakia is the only EU member state without a mosque.

Is Switzerland a secular country?

Yet today, a quarter of the Swiss population declares itself to have no religious affiliation, whereas people of no faith represented 1% of the population in 1970. While religious freedom is a fundamental right, Switzerland is not a secular country, since it does not have a strict separation between church and state.

Why did Portugal ban the burqa?

Burqa ban bill approved by Portugal's parliament seen as targeting Muslim women. Portugal's parliament has approved a bill banning face veils worn for “gender or religious” reasons in public, in a move seen as targeting Muslim women who wear face coverings.

Which European country has banned the hijab?

Austria bans headscarves in schools for under-14s

The terms of the new law mean girls under 14 will be forbidden from wearing "traditional Muslim" head coverings such as hijabs or burkas. If a student violates the ban, they must have a series of discussions with school authorities and their legal guardians.