Every fifth American feels Obama is Muslim

Findings of a new survey in the United States reveal that one in five Americans think President Barack Obama is a Muslim.

The survey conducted by Pew Research Center for the People & the Press and the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life show that the portion of US national who believe Obama is a Christian has declined.

More than a year and half after he was sworn in as the first African-American president, a cross section of the public says they did not know what religion the president followed.

While 18 per cent the respondents said Obama is a Muslim -- up from 11 per cent in 2009 -- only 34 per cent of adults said he is a Christian, a sharp decline from 48 per cent in 2009. A full 43 per cent said they didn't know his religion.

More Republicans, especially the conservative section, believe Obama is a Muslim.