Bolivia - Religions

Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion and the constitution recognizes it as the official religion. As such, the Roman Catholic Church receives support from the State and exercises a certain degree of political influence through the Bolivian Bishops' Conference. According to a 2001 survey, about 78% of the population are Roman Catholic. Between 16% and 19% of the population are Protestant. Missionary groups include Mennonites, Mormons, Seventh-Day Adventists, Baptists, Pentecostals, and various evangelical groups. There is a small Jewish community with a synagogue in La Paz, as well as a Muslim community with a mosque in Santa Cruz. Korean immigrants also have a church in La Paz. There is a Mormon temple/center in Cochabamba which is believed to serve more than 100,000 Mormons from across the country. There are small Buddhist and Shinto communities, and a substantial number of Baha'is.

Indigenous beliefs and rituals are exercised by the Aymara, Quechua, Guarani, and Chiquitano, as well as other indigenous groups, and many native superstitions persist. Common traditional beliefs include a focus on Pachamama, who is a mother earth figure, and Akeko, a god of luck, harvests, and abundance.