A non-secular country is one where religion plays a central role in government, laws, or national identity. These countries often have an official state religion or give preferential treatment to one religion over others.
List of Non-Secular Countries by Religion
1️⃣ Islamic Countries (Islam as State Religion)
These countries have Islam as the official religion, and Islamic law (Sharia) influences governance.
| Country 🇺🇳 | Official Religion | Legal System |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 | Islam (Wahhabi Sunni) | Strict Sharia law |
| Iran 🇮🇷 | Islam (Shia) | Theocratic rule |
| Pakistan 🇵🇰 | Islam | Sharia influences laws |
| Afghanistan 🇦🇫 | Islam | Islamic law governs |
| Egypt 🇪🇬 | Islam | Sharia is the primary source of law |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) 🇦🇪 | Islam | Sharia courts exist |
| Malaysia 🇲🇾 | Islam | Dual legal system (Sharia + Civil law) |
| Sudan 🇸🇩 | Islam | Sharia-based laws |
| Mauritania 🇲🇷 | Islam | Islamic governance |
| Brunei 🇧🇳 | Islam | Sharia law for Muslims |
💡 Note: Some Islamic countries (e.g., Turkey, Indonesia) are officially secular but have strong Islamic influences.
2️⃣ Christian Countries (Christianity as State Religion)
These countries have Christianity as the official religion or give legal privileges to the church.
| Country 🇺🇳 | Official Religion | Church Influence |
|---|---|---|
| Vatican City 🇻🇦 | Roman Catholicism | Ruled by the Pope |
| United Kingdom 🇬🇧 | Anglican Christianity | Monarch is head of Church of England |
| Denmark 🇩🇰 | Evangelical Lutheran | State-funded church |
| Norway 🇳🇴 | Evangelical Lutheran | State-supported church |
| Greece 🇬🇷 | Eastern Orthodox Christianity | Orthodox Church has privileges |
| Argentina 🇦🇷 | Roman Catholicism | Constitutionally recognized |
3️⃣ Buddhist & Hindu Countries
These countries recognize Buddhism or Hinduism as the state religion or have strong religious influence in governance.
| Country 🇺🇳 | Official Religion | Religious Influence |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand 🇹🇭 | Buddhism | King must be Buddhist |
| Bhutan 🇧🇹 | Buddhism | Government protects Buddhist values |
| Cambodia 🇰🇭 | Buddhism | State-supported religion |
| Nepal 🇳🇵 | Hinduism | Hindu-influenced laws |
💡 Note: India is officially secular but has strong Hindu influences in politics.
🚨 Key Differences: Secular vs. Non-Secular Countries
| Aspect | Secular Countries 🌍 | Non-Secular Countries 🏛 |
|---|---|---|
| Religious Neutrality | Yes | No |
| Official State Religion? | No | Yes |
| Religious Laws? | No religious influence | Religion influences governance |
| Example Countries | USA, France, India, Japan | Saudi Arabia, Iran, UK, Vatican |
