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Information released online from January 20, 2009 to January 20, 2017.
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The constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom and, in practice, the government generally respected religious freedom.
There were no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.
The Consulate General in Marseille discussed freedom of religion with the government and residents of Monaco.
The U.S. government estimates the total population is 30,500 (July 2013 estimate), with 7,600 being citizens of the country. Roman Catholicism is the state religion, and 90 percent of citizens are Catholic. Protestants are the second largest religious group. Most of the estimated 22,900 noncitizen residents are either Catholic or Protestant. There are an estimated 1,000 Jewish noncitizen residents and a smaller number of noncitizens who are Muslims or adhere to other religious beliefs.
The constitution and other laws and policies generally protect the right to religious freedom for all residents and citizens.
The government recognizes all Abrahamic-based religions and considers registration of others on a case-by-case basis. It does not maintain an official list of banned groups, but its policy is to deny registration to those considered to be involved in “dangerous” sectarian activity by the Government of France’s Inter-Ministerial Mission of Vigilance and Combat against Sectarian Aberrations.
Catholic ritual generally plays an important role in state ceremonies, including the annual National Day celebration and significant events in the lives of the ruling family. Religious minorities often attend these ceremonies and large gatherings.
There were no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice. Religious leaders of various denominations participated in cultural events and periodically in joint religious services, promoting greater understanding and mutual religious tolerance. The government invited representatives of all government-recognized religious groups, including Christians, Muslims, and Jews, to participate in state celebrations at the Cathedral of Monaco.
The U.S. Consulate General in Marseille managed U.S. relations with Monaco and discussed religious freedom with the government and members of religious groups. The U.S. Ambassador in Paris and other U.S. representatives participated in events that included representatives from various religious groups and met privately with religious leaders.
