Dagestan Religion Percentage

Dagestan: A Crossroads of Faith and Conflict

Overview

Dagestan, a republic in the North Caucasus region of Russia, is a diverse and complex land. Its population is predominantly Muslim (83%), with a significant minority adhering to the Russian Orthodox Church (24%).

Religion and Politics

Religion plays a significant role in Dagestan's cultural and political landscape. The Avar ethnic group, which constitutes about a fifth of the population, and the Dargins are among the most influential religious groups.

Multiethnic political movements and parties have gained support in Dagestan, reflecting the importance of religious and cultural identity in shaping political discourse.

Tragic Past

Dagestan has been plagued by post-Soviet violence that extended well into the 1990s and beyond. This complex conflict has ethnic, political, and religious dimensions, highlighting the challenges of maintaining stability in a diverse and fractured region.