The number of Muslims per country

Islam is one of the world’s largest religions, with over 1.8 billion believers worldwide. Muslims can be found in almost every corner of the globe, and the distribution of Muslims in different countries varies greatly. In this article, we will explore the number of Muslims per country and discuss some interesting trends and statistics.

According to a report by the Pew Research Center, about 24.1% of the global population identifies as Muslim. However, the distribution of Muslims across countries is not uniform. The most populous Muslim-majority country is Indonesia, home to over 225 million Muslims. This accounts for about 12.7% of the global Muslim population. Pakistan, with a population of around 220 million, ranks second in terms of Muslim population. India, despite being a non-Muslim majority country, still has the third-largest Muslim population, estimated at over 195 million.

In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia stands out as a prominent Muslim country. It is home to the two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina, and welcomes millions of Muslims every year during the Hajj pilgrimage. With a population of around 33 million, Saudi Arabia has a significant Muslim population. Other countries in the Middle East, such as Iran, Turkey, and Egypt, also have large Muslim populations.

Moving towards Africa, Nigeria is the most populous Muslim-majority country on the continent, with over 90 million Muslims. Egypt follows closely with around 87 million Muslims. Additionally, countries like Algeria, Morocco, and Sudan have substantial Muslim populations.

Europe, despite having a predominantly Christian population, is also home to a significant number of Muslims, particularly due to immigration. France has the highest Muslim population in Europe, with estimates ranging from 5.7 to 6.7 million Muslims. Germany comes second, with a Muslim population of about 4.5 to 5 million. Other European countries with notable Muslim populations include the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy.

In Southeast Asia, besides Indonesia, countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan have considerable Muslim populations. Bangladesh is the fourth most populous Muslim country and has a population of over 160 million. Pakistan, as mentioned earlier, is the second most populous Muslim country.

It is essential to note that the Muslim population is not limited to Muslim-majority countries. Muslim minorities can be found in various countries around the world. In the United States, for instance, Muslims make up around 1.1% of the population, which amounts to approximately 3.5 million people. Similarly, Muslims comprise around 4% of the population in France and 3% in the United Kingdom.

The number of Muslims per country not only reflects religious demographics but also contributes to cultural diversity and social dynamics. It is crucial to appreciate and understand these diversities to foster harmony and inclusion in our global society.

In conclusion, the number of Muslims per country varies significantly. While countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, and India have the largest Muslim populations, Muslim minorities can also be found in various countries worldwide. Understanding these demographics helps us appreciate the rich religious and cultural diversity that exists globally.