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The most widespread religion in Russia is Orthodox Christianity, dominated by Russian Orthodox Church. It has been the major religion of Russia for centuries, with about 25 million followers (15% of the total population).[1] While two-thirds of Russians consider themselves Orthodox Christians, opinion polls suggest that most of those identify with the faith out of nationalism.[2]
Islam, with about 15-30 million followers (depending on estimates), is the second largest religion.[3][4][5][6][7]
As a consequence of state atheism 48.1% of Russian population are irreligious.[8]
Other branches of Christianity present in Russia include various Protestant faiths, Roman Catholicism, and Old Believers. There is some presence of Judaism, Buddhism, and Krishnaism (and other forms of Hinduism), as well.
We can notice today a growing movement of those who practice Slavianism (Slavic Neopaganism).
Shamanism and other cultural beliefs are present to some extent in remote areas, sometimes syncretized with one of the mainstream religions.
Division into different religions takes place primarily along ethnic lines: the majority of religious Slavs are Orthodox or Neopagans, while the majority of religious people of Turkic descent are Muslims (most of them Sunnis). [9]
A large percentage of Russians consider themselves atheists. [10]
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