Most people think the government is doing enough to tackle religious discrimination, according to figures published today.
The report on religion in England and Wales, based on findings from the 2001 Citizenship Survey, shows that:
Almost four out of every five people in England and Wales said they had a religious affiliation. The largest number - 74 per cent - described themselves as Christian, two per cent as Muslim and one per cent as Hindu.
Most thought the government and employers were doing enough to protect religious rights and respect religious customs. Seventy per cent of Hindu respondents, 62 per cent of Sikhs, 62 per cent of Muslims and 53 per cent of Christians thought that the government was doing enough to protect the rights of minority groups.
Home Office Minister Fiona Mactaggart said the information, along with the 'Working Together' report published in March, would help the government to take account of religious affiliation when it develops policy.
"For many people, their religious affiliation is important to their sense of self-identity," she said. "Our job is to take account of this in our policy making."
Ms Mactaggart also said it was encouraging to see that most people who were questioned felt that the government is doing enough to tackle religious discrimination.
"This finding is a boost to continuing progress in this area. Mutual understanding is important for building strong, active communities in which citizens have the power to shape their future. By furthering our knowledge of the many faiths in our diverse society, this report contributes to that goal."