The relationship between the state and religion(s) is a significant factor in shaping a society. In some countries, religion plays an important role and forms part of the state doctrine, while in others state action is based on the principle of secularism, the strict separation of state and religion. Whether a state sees itself as secular has important consequences for social life. However, most states cannot be classified as one extreme or the other, but have found their own way of managing the relationship between the state and religion. The following paper explains in more detail what exactly secularism means and what forms it can take.