View the map of muslim population of the world shown below, The Muslim population worldwide is estimated to be around 1.9 billion people, making up approximately 24.9% of the global population as of 2023. Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with the largest Muslim populations found in countries like Indonesia (the largest Muslim-majority country), Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. About 62% of Muslims live in the Asia-Pacific region, while significant populations are also found in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe.
Explore the percentage of islamic populationn in world map for all the countries of the world.
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World Muslim Population by Country
Country
Muslim Population (in millions)
Percentage of Total Population
Region
Notable Facts
Indonesia
231
87.2%
Asia-Pacific
Largest Muslim-majority country in the world
Pakistan
235
96.5%
South Asia
Second-largest Muslim-majority country
India
213
15.4%
South Asia
Largest Muslim minority in the world
Bangladesh
153
90.4%
South Asia
Third-largest Muslim-majority country
Nigeria
100
49.6%
Africa
Largest Muslim population in Africa
Egypt
92
90.0%
North Africa
Center of Islamic scholarship and culture
Turkey
85
99.0%
Middle East
Secular state with a majority Muslim population
Iran
82
99.4%
Middle East
Largest Shia Muslim population
Saudi Arabia
35
100%
Middle East
Home to Islam’s holiest sites, Mecca and Medina
Sudan
33
97%
Africa
Predominantly Muslim population after secession of South Sudan
Algeria
43
99.0%
North Africa
One of the largest countries in Africa by land area
Morocco
37
99.6%
North Africa
Predominantly Sunni Muslim population
Uzbekistan
32
96%
Central Asia
Most populous country in Central Asia
Iraq
41
95%
Middle East
Mixed Sunni and Shia Muslim population
Afghanistan
40
99.8%
South Asia
Almost entirely Muslim population, mostly Sunni
Yemen
30
99%
Middle East
Primarily Shia Muslim population
Russia
20
10%
Europe/Asia
Significant Muslim minority, especially in Caucasus region
Jordan
10
97%
Middle East
Key Arab country with a predominantly Sunni population
France
5.7
8.8%
Europe
Largest Muslim population in Western Europe
United Kingdom
3.9
6.3%
Europe
Significant Muslim minority, primarily of South Asian descent
Germany
5
6%
Europe
Large Turkish Muslim population
Malaysia
20
63%
Asia-Pacific
Predominantly Muslim country with ethnic diversity
United Arab Emirates
9
76%
Middle East
Economically significant, with a large expatriate Muslim population
Ethiopia
34
34%
Africa
Substantial Muslim population, coexisting with Christians
Tunisia
12
98%
North Africa
Predominantly Sunni Muslim
Syria
20
93%
Middle East
Sunni and Shia Muslims
Libya
6.5
96.6%
North Africa
Predominantly Sunni Muslim
Somalia
15
99.8%
Africa
Almost entirely Muslim population
Philippines
6
6%
Asia-Pacific
Significant Muslim minority, primarily in Mindanao
Thailand
4
5%
Asia-Pacific
Predominantly Buddhist country with a Muslim minority in the south
China
25
1.8%
Asia
Muslim minority, primarily Uighur and Hui ethnic groups
Muslim Population in the World
Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with a global Muslim population of approximately 1.9 billion people as of 2023. This accounts for about 24.9% of the world's total population, making it one of the fastest-growing religions globally. The Muslim population is spread across various continents, with the majority residing in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, though significant populations are also found in Europe and the Americas. This detailed content explores the distribution, growth trends, and demographic composition of the Muslim population, providing key data and insights.
Global Distribution of the Muslim Population
The Muslim population is not evenly distributed across the world, with certain regions having a higher concentration of Muslims than others.
1. Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region is home to the largest number of Muslims, with approximately 62% of the global Muslim population residing here. Countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh have some of the highest numbers of Muslims. Indonesia, in particular, has the largest Muslim population of any country, with over 231 million Muslims, accounting for about 87.2% of its population. Pakistan has approximately 235 million Muslims, making up around 96.5% of its population. In India, despite being a minority, Muslims constitute around 213 million, or 15.4% of the country's population.
2. Middle East and North Africa
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is the historical birthplace of Islam and remains a region with a high concentration of Muslims. In countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, and Turkey, the overwhelming majority of the population follows Islam. Saudi Arabia, the spiritual center of Islam, has a population of 35 million Muslims, accounting for 100% of its population. Egypt is another key country in this region, with around 92 million Muslims, comprising 90% of its population.
3. Sub-Saharan Africa
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Islam is the predominant religion in several countries. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has an estimated 100 million Muslims, accounting for around 49.6% of its population. Other countries such as Sudan, Somalia, and Mali also have significant Muslim populations, with Islam being the majority religion in many areas.
4. Europe
In Europe, Islam is a minority religion, but it is growing due to immigration and higher birth rates among Muslim populations. The largest Muslim populations in Europe are found in countries like France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. France has the largest Muslim population in Western Europe, with around 5.7 million Muslims, comprising 8.8% of its population. Germany is home to around 5 million Muslims, making up approximately 6% of its population, while the United Kingdom has about 3.9 million Muslims, or 6.3% of the total population.
5. Americas
In the Americas, the Muslim population is relatively small compared to other regions but has been growing steadily. The United States has an estimated 3.5 million Muslims, comprising about 1.1% of the total population. Canada has a smaller but significant Muslim population, with around 1.4 million Muslims, making up about 3.7% of the population.
Growth Trends of the Muslim Population
Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. Several factors contribute to this rapid growth:
1. High Fertility Rates
Muslim-majority countries tend to have higher fertility rates compared to non-Muslim countries. This is particularly true in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Middle East, where birth rates are significantly higher than the global average. For example, Nigeria, with its large Muslim population, has one of the highest fertility rates in the world.
2. Youthful Population
The Muslim population is also younger on average compared to other religious groups. According to research, 34% of Muslims are under the age of 15, compared to only 27% of the global population. This youthful demographic ensures that the Muslim population will continue to grow at a faster rate than the populations of other religious groups.
3. Migration
Migration has also played a significant role in the growth of the Muslim population, especially in regions like Europe and North America. Large numbers of Muslims have migrated to these regions from countries in the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa due to economic opportunities, political instability, and conflicts in their home countries.
Sunni and Shia Muslims
Islam is divided into two major branches: Sunni and Shia. The vast majority of Muslims worldwide—around 85–90%—are Sunni Muslims. Shia Muslims make up about 10–15% of the global Muslim population.
1. Sunni Muslims
Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam, with the majority of Muslims adhering to this sect. Countries with predominantly Sunni populations include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Indonesia.
2. Shia Muslims
Shia Muslims, while a minority, are concentrated in certain countries such as Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and parts of Lebanon and Yemen. Iran, with a population of around 82 million, is the largest Shia-majority country in the world.
Impact of the Muslim Population on Global Demographics
The growth of the Muslim population has significant implications for global demographics. According to projections by the Pew Research Center, by 2060, Muslims are expected to make up about 31% of the global population, nearly equaling the size of the Christian population. This growth is attributed to higher fertility rates, a younger age structure, and continued migration.