Most Zambians define themselves as Christian, but traditional African religions remain important, especially in rural areas.
Many people follow a blend of Christian and traditional beliefs.
Most Christian Zambians are Roman Catholics, although Protestant churches, such as United, African Methodist, Anglican and Seventh-Day Adventist, have large memberships as well. T raditional beliefs, rituals and religious festivals differ greatly from one ethnic group to another. However, in most African religions, people worship a supreme being, but believe that natural and ancestral spirits have a more immediate influence on human lives. People often appeal directly to the spirits for favours or protection. The Tonga, for example, traditionally believe that each person has a guardian spirit called a mizimu .