This site is not updated so external links may no longer function. Contact us with any questions about finding information. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein. There was no change in the status of respect for religious freedom during the period covered by this report.
Citizens generally are very tolerant of one another in the practice of their religion.
U.S. embassy officials engage in a regular human rights dialog with government officials, which includes religious freedom issues. Embassy officers also meet with leaders of the religious communities. Although Islam is the state religion, the Government imposes no sanctions on those who choose to ignore Islamic teachings or practice other faiths. The Qadi is the country's senior judge of Islamic law and is appointed by the Minister of Justice. The current Qadi was appointed in June 1999.