Prague, like the wider Czech Republic, does not have a single dominant religion. Instead, a significant portion of its population identifies as irreligious, encompassing atheists, agnostics, or those with other non-religious life stances.
Religious Landscape in Prague and the Czech Republic
The religious identity of the Czech Republic, including its capital Prague, has undergone a drastic transformation since the mid-20th century. Historically, over 90% of Czechs were Christians. However, contemporary data indicates a significant shift towards non-belief.
The breakdown of religious and irreligious identities across the Czech Republic provides insight into Prague's likely demographic:
| Category | Percentage of Population (Czech Republic) |
|---|---|
| Irreligious | 47.8% |
| Believers | 21.3% (Specific religions among believers are not the majority) |
This means that nearly half of the population identifies as irreligious, making it the most prominent group, rather than any specific religious denomination. While 21.3% of the population are believers, no single religion among this group constitutes a majority.
Historical Context of Religion in the Czech Republic
The dramatic change in religious affiliation is a key aspect of the Czech Republic's modern identity. In the first half of the 20th century, Christianity, primarily Catholicism, was the prevailing faith, with more than 90% of the population identifying as Christian. The decline in religious adherence reflects broader societal and historical developments.
Today, while various religious communities exist in Prague and throughout the country, including Christian denominations, Judaism, and others, none hold the widespread adherence that would qualify them as the "main" religion in the traditional sense. The most defining characteristic of the religious landscape is the high prevalence of non-religious individuals.
