The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and other
laws and policies contributed to the generally free practice of
religion. The status of respect for religious freedom by the
Government continued to improve during the period covered by
this report, and government policy continued to contribute to
religious freedom. There were some reports of societal abuses or
discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief or
practice. Abuse of religious minorities, including violence,
verbal harassment, and disruption of services and meetings,
continued to decrease. Both government officials and religious
leaders attributed this decline to more vigorous government
prosecution of those who harass or attack religious minorities.
The U.S. Government discusses religious freedom with the
Government as part of its overall policy to promote human
rights. The U.S. Embassy funded several projects to foster
religious tolerance. Section I. Religious Demography The country
has an area of 25,900 square miles and a popul