United States Department of State

“ Restrictions on Religious Freedom
Government policy and practice contributed to the generally free practice of religion.
A law is in place requiring animal slaughter to be preceded by the administration of anesthetics to minimize undue suffering of the animal. The Jewish community has protested that this prevents the practice of kosher slaughter, requiring kosher meat to be imported. The Muslim community appears to be split between those who feel certain anesthetic methods do not conflict with halal requirements, and those who feel that it does. ”

“ Religious education covering all major world religions is compulsory in public schools. Parents may send their children to independent religious schools, all of which receive government subsidies and are obliged to follow certain government guidelines.
The Office of the Ombudsman Against Ethnic Discrimination investigates individuals' or groups' claims of discrimination "due to race, skin color, national or ethnic origin, or religion." Discrimination on religious grounds is illegal, and specific legislation concerning the work place was introduced in 1999. ”

“ Large numbers of immigrants in recent decades have led to the introduction of various world religions to Sweden, such as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and a number of Christian Churches other than the Church of Sweden in those communities populated by immigrants. ”

“ The number provided by the Muslim community is approximately 300,000 to 350,000 members, of whom around 100,000 are said to be active. Muslim affiliations represented among immigrant groups are predominantly with the Shi'a and Sunni branches of Islam. There are mosques in many parts of the country. Buddhists and Hindus number approximately 3,000 to 4,000 persons each. Although no reliable statistics are available, it is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of the adult population are atheists.
The major religious communities and the Church of Sweden are spread across the country. ”

“ No recognition or registration is required to carry out religious activity. Registration is voluntary and entitles groups to receive government aid, so long as they have a sufficient number of followers and have been established in the country for a number of years. ”

“ Some members of the Jewish community believe that increases in attacks are directly linked to the Israeli‐Palestinian conflict and increased tensions in the Middle East at large. Since the beginning of the second intifada in 2000, the Jewish community no longer sees its primary threats coming from neo-nazis but from Islamic and leftist extremists. In March, four young people of Arabic origin broke into a Jewish owned shop in Malm�, shouting anti-Semitic epithets and threats, after which they attacked the shop owner and another Jewish person. ”

“ The total number of Jewish persons living in the country is estimated to be approximately 18,500-20,000; however, the Jewish community estimates 10,000 active, or practicing, members. There are Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Jewish synagogues. Large numbers of Jewish people attend High Holy Day services but attendance at weekly services is low. ”