The early Portuguese colonists brought the Roman Catholic religion to Brazil. Today, Catholics form about 75 percent of the population. Brazil has more Catholics than any other country does. However, many of them do not actively practice their religion.

Many Brazilians, mostly people of African and mixed ancestry, practice such local religions as macumba and candomble.

These religions combine African spiritual beliefs and Catholicism. Protestants make up about 15 percent of Brazil’s population. Brazil also has small numbers of Buddhists and Jews.