According to the law "About the freedom of thought and religious institutions" passed in 1997, traditional religions of Tuva are shamanism, Buddhism, Christianity and Mahayana traditions. There are also many other beliefs which have increased in number during the last several decades. There are 44 religious institutions working on the territory of Tuva now. The population can be divided in the following way: Buddhists - 53%, shamanists - 29%, protestants - 16%, orthodox - 2.2%, old believers - 0.8%.

Tuva's religious situation is unique - different beliefs exist peacefully with each other. It is a common situation when a Tuvinian who has a problem goes both to the Buddhist temple and to a shaman to carry out the ritual of kamlanie.

Shamanism is a system of religious beliefs which implies there are good and evil spirits living in the mountains, forests, water, sky and under ground. The life of a man fully depends on the spirits. After death people go to another world where their life continues.

The specific peculiarity of shamanism is special people (shamans) who can communicate with spirits defending the interests of people. Men and women became shamans according to the order of the spirits. Shamanism is usually a hereditary tradition. The main form of communication between a man and a shaman is praying and sacrifice. This is known as the ritual of kamlanie.

The tuvinian shamans are very popular now. The majority of the tourists go to Tuva to see shamans. Originally shamans never worked together, but today there are several shamanic institutions. The most famous place is the Shaman's clinic in Kyzyl. The head of the clinic is Ay-Churek Oyun, the most powerful shaman in Tuva.

Buddhism is the second religion of Tuva. Buddhism in Tuva is Buddhism of Tibet. It became the great stimulus for social and cultural development of the Tuvinians. One of the most important aspects of Buddhism development in Tuva is the spread of Mongolian and Tibet written language on the territory of Tuva. Buddhism is declared to be the official religion of Tuva since XVIII century.

Shamanism and Buddhism are closely connected in Tuva. It is normal that lamas usually go to restore their health to shamans and vice versa. If you visit the house of the Tuvinian do not be surprised to see both ritual objects for Buddhism and shamanism standing on the altar near each other.