While the majority of the population of the Federation consists of Bosniaks and Croats, neither Islam nor Roman Catholicism enjoys special status under the Federation Constitution. However, these provisions are being contested before the Constitutional Court in a case that claims that special status for any ethnic group is contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights, which is incorporated in the Constitution. Because of the close identification of ethnicity with religious heritage, it is difficult to distinguish clearly between religious freedom and freedom from ethnic discrimination. The three largest ethnic groups are identified with three distinct religions, or at least religious ancestries. These groups include Bosniaks, who are Muslim or of Muslim descent, Croats, who are Roman Catholic or of Roman Catholic descent, and Serbs, who are Serbian Orthodox or of Orthodox descent.
Many individuals are of mixed descent.
The remainder of the population includes those of Romani, Jewish, and other origin. As a legacy of the Communist period of 1945 to 1991 when religion was discouraged, the practice of religion is low among all groups. However, religious practice reportedly is increasing among the young. Religious practice is reportedly highest among Croats in the Herzegovina region. All three major religious groups and the Jewish community have claims to property confiscated from them during World War II, the Communist period, or the 1992-95 war.