The Democratic Republic of Congo is a secular country where several religions coexist. However, most people practice Christianity in the country. In 2020, the last survey published by Target on the same theme indicated that the Roman Catholic Church was the most practiced religion among Congolese (+18 years). In 2021, the trend remained the same despite slight decreases for some beliefs and increases for others.

Results of the survey show that one out of three respondents declares himself a Catholic believer. Protestants represent 22% of the population, compared to 19% for the Pentecostal and Evangelical churches, better known in the DRC as " Revival Churches. " According to respondents' statements, the trend in the practice of the Catholic and Protestant religions is decreasing, even though they remain the most practiced. However, Pentecostals increased by 6% between 2018 and 2021, while Evangelicals (revivalist churches) decreased by 6% over the same period. Although practiced by many respondents, the share of Catholic practice is highest among high-income individuals (56%). In comparison, the numbers are almost even between Catholics and Protestants (12%) among low- and middle-income people.

The survey results show that one-third of respondents identify themselves as Catholics. Protestants represent 22% of the population, compared to 19% for the Pentecostal and Evangelical churches, better known in the DRC as " Revivalist Churches. " According to respondents' statements, the trend in the practicing Catholic and Protestant religions is decreasing, even though they remain the most practiced. However, Pentecostals increased by 6% between 2018 and 2021, while Evangelicals (revivalist churches) decreased by 6% over the same period. Although practiced by many respondents, the share of Catholic practice is highest among high-income individuals (56%). In contrast, the numbers are almost evenly split between Catholics and Protestants (12%) among low- and middle-income people.

Target surveyed from March 28 to April 24, 2021, in the 26 main towns of the DRC on a sample of 2,000 people (1,000 men and 1,000 women) aged 18 years and over interviewed face-to-face. The company ensured the sample's representativeness by the quota method applied to the variables: gender, age, and city of residence.

If you are interested in the complete study, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at info@target-sarl.cd, +243820001403 and +243970134454