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 religious freedom during the period covered by this report. Relations between the various religious communities are generally amicable. The U.S. Government discusses religious freedom issues with the Government in the context of its overall dialog and policy of promoting human rights. Although the Government does not require the registration of religious groups, the 1995 Law on Religious Organizations accords religious organizations certain rights and privileges when they register, such as status as a separate legal entity for owning property or other financial transactions, as well as tax benefits for donors.
Registration also eases the rules for public gatherings.
According to the Law on Religious Organizations, any 10 citizens or permanent residents over the age of 18 may apply to register a church. Asylum seekers, foreign embassy staff, and those in the country temporarily in a special status cannot register a religious organization. Congregations functioning in the country for the first time that do not belong to a church association already registered must reregister each year for 10 years. Ten or more congregations of the same denomination and with permanent registration status may form a religious association. Only churches with religious association status may establish theological schools or monasteries.