In 2020, Indonesia recorded the largest population of Muslims worldwide, with around 239 million. This was followed with around 226.88 million Muslims in Pakistan and 213 million Muslims in India.

The average for 2013 based on 128 countries was 34.3 percent. The highest value was in Algeria: 100 percent and the lowest value was in Angola: 0 percent. The indicator is available from 1960 to 2013. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

In 2024, Nigeria had the largest Muslim population in Africa, with around 105 million people who belonged to an Islamic denomination. Egypt and Algeria followed with 90.4 million and 39.4 million Muslims, respectively. Muslims have a significant presence in Africa, with an estimated 50 percent of the continent's population identifying as Muslim. The spread of Islam in Africa began in the 7th century with the arrival of Arab traders, and it continued through Islamic scholars and missionaries.

Associated with manuscript titled: Fifty Muslim-majority countries have fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths than the 50 richest non-Muslim countriesThe objective of this research was to determine the difference in the total number of COVID-19 cases and deaths between Muslim-majority and non-Muslim countries, and investigate reasons for the disparities. Methods: The 50 Muslim-majority countries had more than 50.0% Muslims with an average of 87.5%. The non-Muslim country sample consisted of 50 countries with the highest GDP while omitting any Muslim-majority countries listed. The non-Muslim countries’ average percentage of Muslims was 4.7%. Data pulled on September 18, 2020 included the percentage of Muslim population per country by World Population Review15 and GDP per country, population count, and total number of COVID-19 cases and deaths by Worldometers.16 The data set was transferred via an Excel spreadsheet on September 23, 2020 and analyzed. To measure COVID-19’s incidence in the countries, three different Average Treatment Methods (ATE) were used to validate the results. Results published as a preprint at https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/84zq5(15) Muslim Majority Countries 2020 [Internet]. Walnut (CA): World Population Review. 2020- [Cited 2020 Sept 28]. Available from: http://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/muslim-majority-countries (16) Worldometers.info. Worldometer. Dover (DE): Worldometer; 2020 [cited 2020 Sept 28]. Available from: http://worldometers.info

Islam is the major religion in many African countries, especially in the north of the continent. In Comoros, Libya, Western Sahara, at least 99 percent of the population was Muslim as of 202. These were the highest percentages on the continent. However, also in many other African nations, the majority of the population was Muslim. In Egypt, for instance, Islam was the religion of 79 percent of the people. Islam and other religions in Africa Africa accounts for an important share of the world’s Muslim population. As of 2019, 16 percent of the Muslims worldwide lived in Sub-Saharan Africa, while 20 percent of them lived in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Together with Christianity, Islam is the most common religious affiliation in Africa, followed by several traditional African religions. Although to a smaller extent, numerous other religions are practiced on the continent: these include Judaism, the Baha’i Faith, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Number of Muslims worldwide Islam is one of the most widespread religions in the world. There are approximately 1.9 billion Muslims globally, with the largest Muslim communities living in the Asia-Pacific region. Specifically, Indonesia hosts the highest number of Muslims worldwide, amounting to over 200 million, followed by India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Islam is also present in Europe and America. The largest Islamic communities in Europe are in France (5.72 million), Germany (4.95 million), and the United Kingdom (4.13 million). In the United States, there is an estimated number of around 3.45 million Muslims.

This statistic shows the estimated number of Muslims living in different European countries as of 2016. Approximately **** million Muslims were estimated to live in France, the most of any country listed. Germany and the United Kingdom also have large muslim populations with **** million and **** million respectively.

As of 2010, Christianity was the religion with the most followers worldwide, followed by Islam (Muslims) and Hinduism. In the forty years between 2010 and 2050, it is projected that the landscape of world religions will undergo some noticeable changes, with the number of Muslims almost catching up to Christians. The changes in population sizes of each religious group is largely dependent on demographic development, for example, the rise in the world's Christian population will largely be driven by population growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, while Muslim populations will rise across various regions of Africa and South Asia. As India's population is set to grow while China's goes into decline, this will be reflected in the fact that Hindus will outnumber the unaffiliated by 2050. In fact, India may be home to both the largest Hindu and Muslim populations in the world by the middle of this century.

Religion and Bangladesh

Religion in Bangladesh is a sensitive issue, mostly because Bangladesh is officially a secular state but recognizes Islam as an official, state religion. Historically and doctrinally, Islamic scholars don’t accept nations that are secular because they think that religion, society and private life are all part of the great community they like to call ‘umma’.

The main religion in Bangladesh is Islam because it is practiced by almost 90 percent of the country’s population. The rest of 10 percent adhere to Hinduism. The type of Islam that is practiced in Bangladesh is Sunni Islam with a lot of Sufi influences. Sunni is the most numerous branch of Islam in the world. Countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia have Sunni majority populations. The Sufi practices that influence the Islamic religion in Bangladesh are commonly known as mysticism. Sufi followers are poor men that don’t eat, don’t drink and spend their days in deep prayer in order to achieve spiritual connection with God.

Bangladesh has the fourth largest Muslim population in the world, with over 130 million followers, right after Indonesia, Pakistan and India. In its constitution, Bangladesh is recognized as a secular state. For a short period of time, when Bangladesh was under Pakistani rule, Islam was made the state’s official religion. But the Supreme Court or High Court of Bangladesh ruled that Bangladesh must return to the principles of the 1972 constitution, meaning that it mustn’t have an official religion.

The problem with Islam gaining too much power in Bangladesh is that it unbalances the genders issues. Islamic edicts or fatwas have been issued mostly against women by religious courts as punishments for their nonreligious behavior. Global NGO’s are fighting such edicts in order to maintain a fair judgment when it comes to men and women. Bangladesh is a country where gender issues, as well as religious issues are very sensitive subjects.

Islamic Financing Market Outlook

In 2023, the global Islamic financing market size was estimated to be approximately USD 2 trillion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% between 2024 and 2032. The market is expected to reach around USD 4.7 trillion by 2032, driven by robust growth factors including rising interest in ethical financing, increasing Muslim population, and supportive government regulations.

The growth of the Islamic financing market can largely be attributed to the increasing demand for Sharia-compliant financial instruments. As awareness about the principles and benefits of Islamic finance grows, both among Muslims and non-Muslims, the demand for ethical and interest-free financial products continues to rise. Additionally, governments in Muslim-majority countries are implementing supportive regulations and policies to promote Islamic finance, further fueling its growth. This regulatory support creates a conducive environment for the development and expansion of Islamic financial institutions and products, attracting more investors and customers.

Another significant growth factor is the increasing Muslim population worldwide. As the number of Muslims continues to rise, so does the demand for financial services that comply with Islamic law. This demographic trend is particularly noticeable in regions such as Asia Pacific and the Middle East, where a significant portion of the population adheres to Islamic principles. Financial institutions in these regions are increasingly tailoring their products and services to meet the specific needs and preferences of Muslim consumers, thereby driving market growth.

Technological advancements are also playing a crucial role in the growth of the Islamic financing market. The integration of technology in financial services, known as fintech, is transforming the way Islamic financial products are delivered and consumed. Fintech solutions are making it easier for consumers to access Islamic financial services, reducing the cost of transactions, and increasing efficiency. This technological revolution is enabling Islamic financial institutions to reach a broader audience and provide more innovative and competitive products.

As the Islamic financing market continues to grow, there is an increasing focus on the use of Muslim Ingredients in various financial products and services. These ingredients, which adhere to Islamic principles, ensure that all financial transactions are conducted in a manner that is compliant with Sharia law. This includes the prohibition of interest (riba) and the requirement for risk-sharing and ethical investment practices. By incorporating Muslim Ingredients into their offerings, financial institutions can appeal to a broader audience seeking ethical and Sharia-compliant solutions. This approach not only aligns with the values of Muslim consumers but also attracts non-Muslims interested in ethical finance, thereby expanding the market reach and potential for growth.

Regionally, the Middle East & Africa is the largest market for Islamic financing, accounting for a significant share of the global market. The region is home to several Muslim-majority countries where Islamic finance is deeply rooted in the culture and financial system. Asia Pacific is another major market, driven by large Muslim populations in countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. North America and Europe are also witnessing growth in Islamic financing, albeit at a slower pace, as financial institutions in these regions recognize the potential of this market and begin to offer Sharia-compliant products.

Financial Instrument Analysis

The Islamic financing market is segmented by financial instruments, including Murabaha, Ijara, Mudarabah, Musharakah, Sukuk, and others. Murabaha is a cost-plus-profit financing structure where the seller discloses the cost and profit margin to the buyer. It is widely used due to its simplicity and compliance with Sharia law. In Murabaha transactions, the bank purchases an asset on behalf of the customer and then sells it to the customer at a predetermined profit margin. This structure is commonly used for trade financing, real estate, and personal financing.

Ijara is another popular Islamic financial instrument, akin to a lease agreement. In an Ijara transaction, the bank buys and leases out an asset to the customer for a fixed rental payment. The ownership of the asset remains with the bank, but the customer has the

Kenya had a Muslim population of roughly 5.6 million people, according to the last country census conducted in 2019. Nearly 50 percent of individuals adhering to Islam lived in the Northern-East counties of Mandera (856.5 thousand people), Garissa (815.8 thousand people), and Wajir (767.3 thousand people). Overall, around 10 percent of Kenya's population identified as Muslim.

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Islamic Clothing Market Size 2025-2029

The Islamic clothing market size is forecast to increase by USD 59.2 billion, at a CAGR of 9.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market, encompassing apparel, sports apparel, swimwear, and ethnic wear, is experiencing significant growth in the digital realm. Key drivers include the rise in product visibility and accessibility through e-commerce platforms, as well as the increasing adoption of omni-channel retailing. However, challenges persist, such as the availability of counterfeit Islamic clothing items online. Brands and retailers must prioritize logistics and security measures to ensure authenticity and customer satisfaction. In the US and North American markets, labels specializing in Islamic clothing continue to expand their online presence, catering to the needs of a growing consumer base seeking modest and culturally appropriate attire. The use of technology, including computers and mobile devices, facilitates seamless shopping experiences for this demographic.

What will be the Size of the Islamic Clothing Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market, also known as the Muslim consumer segment within the Islamic fashion industry, caters to the unique needs and preferences of the global Islamic population. This market encompasses a diverse range of apparel, including abayas, hijabs, prayer outfits, thobes, jubbas, and various forms of head coverings such as the burqa and niqab. The market's growth is driven by the increasing global Islamic population, which is projected to reach 2.2 billion by 2030, and the rising demand for modest fashion that adheres to Islamic dress codes. Online retail distribution channels have significantly influenced the market's expansion, providing convenience and accessibility to consumers.
The lifestyle apparel sector, which includes sportswear for both Islamic men and women, has also gained traction due to the growing interest in health and fitness. Multinational fashion brands have increasingly entered this market, recognizing the potential for consumer investments and product consumption. Despite the growth, challenges persist, including negative reviews and the need for improved product quality and authenticity. Overall, the market continues to evolve, reflecting the diverse needs and preferences of its global consumer base.

How is this Islamic Clothing Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The Islamic clothing industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Ethnic wear
  Sustainable fashion
  Sports wear


End-user

  Islamic women
  Islamic men


Distribution Channel

  Online
  Offline


Material Type

  Cotton
  Polyester
  Silk
  Blended Fabrics


Geography

  North America

    US


  Middle East and Africa

    Egypt
    Turkey


  APAC

    India
    Indonesia
    Pakistan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The ethnic wear segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market caters to the unique needs of Muslim consumers, offering apparel that adheres to Islamic principles. This market encompasses various segments, including abayas, hijabs, prayer outfits, burqas, and niqabs for women, and thobes, jubbas, and sports and fitness wear for men. The Muslim population, estimated at 1.8 billion, presents a significant potential customer base for this industry. Islamic fashion industry growth is driven by cultural and lifestyle factors, particularly in Muslim majority economies. Younger generations are increasingly embracing innovative clothing designs that blend traditional Islamic clothing with contemporary styles, creating a demand for modest fashion wear. Ethnic wear, a popular segment, is particularly sought after during cultural events and significant occasions.

The sports industry also presents opportunities for the market growth, with the increasing popularity of sports hijabs. Consumer investments in sustainable fashion are also influencing the industry. Multinational fashion brands and high street brands are increasingly catering to this market, offering a range of options from luxury to affordable prices. E-commerce platforms are facilitating online retail distribution, addressing logistical issues and expanding market reach.

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The ethnic wear segment was valued at USD 69.50 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 39% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trend

The Islamic finance market, encompassing Islamic banking, Takaful (Islamic insurance), Sukuk (Islamic bonds), and other Islamic financial institutions (OIFIs), is experiencing robust growth, projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 10% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. The increasing global Muslim population, coupled with a rising awareness and acceptance of Sharia-compliant financial products, fuels significant demand. Furthermore, supportive government policies in many Muslim-majority countries actively promote the development of their Islamic finance sectors, creating a favorable regulatory environment. Technological advancements, such as the growth of fintech solutions tailored to Islamic finance principles, are also contributing to market expansion by improving accessibility and efficiency. Diversification within the industry, particularly the growth of Islamic funds and the increasing complexity of Sukuk instruments, further broadens the market appeal. While the market faces challenges such as fluctuating oil prices ( impacting some key regional economies), and potential regulatory hurdles in certain jurisdictions, these are largely outweighed by the positive growth drivers. The geographical distribution reveals strong concentration in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, but significant opportunities exist for growth in Southeast Asia and other regions with substantial Muslim populations. Major players such as Dubai Islamic Bank, National Commercial Bank Saudi Arabia, and others are leading this expansion, both organically and through strategic mergers and acquisitions. The long-term outlook remains positive, suggesting continued expansion and diversification within the Islamic finance landscape over the next decade. Recent developments include: January 2023: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has increased its ownership in ADIB Egypt to more than 52%. The UAE-based bank has acquired 9.6 million shares from the National Investment Bank (NIB), representing 2.4% of ADIB Egypt's share capital, the bank told the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). The deal has raised ADIB UAE's ownership in the Egyptian unit to 52.607%., July 2022: The Islamic banking group Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has agreed to buy Bahrain-based peer Ahli United Bank (AUB) through a share swap deal. With 115 billion USD in assets, the new bank is expected to be the seventh largest in the Gulf region. According to the revised terms, the Kuwaiti lender will offer one share for every 2.695 shares of Ahli United, implying an offer price of USD 1.04 per share.. Notable trends are: Malaysia is the top Score Value for Islamic Finance Development Indicator.

The Hajj to Mecca in Saudi Arabia is considered among the world’s largest human gatherings, with over **** million pilgrims in 2025. The Saudi government restricted Hajj to residents in Saudi Arabia only during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The number of Hajj pilgrims dropped to about **** thousand in 2021. Like other religious pilgrimages, Hajj is considered an annual rite of passage to renew one's moral and spiritual connection. Approximately a quarter of the human population identify themselves as Muslims. According to their faith of Islam, it is one of their five religious duties to perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime. Who are the pilgrims? According to Islamic tradition, any Muslim who has reached maturity is due to perform the Hajj. During the last Hajj season before the COVID-19 pandemic, about two thirds of the pilgrims to Mecca came from outside of the Saudi Arabian Kingdom. The government of Saudi Arabia issues each years’ Hajj visas on a country quota system, based on the size of the Muslim population .     Financial aspects   One main condition for a mature Muslim to qualify to perform the Hajj is to be free of debt and other financial and social obligations. Many Muslims around the world spend a significant amount of their life-savings to be able to make this spiritual journey. As an example, the cost of performing Hajj for a Malaysian Muslim was calculated at about ***** thousand Malaysian ringgits. For first time Hajj pilgrims, the Malaysian government subsidizes more than half of that amount. Some Muslims who can’t afford the financial or physical challenges of the Hajj sometimes perform the smaller Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca called Umrah, which can be attempted all year round.

Spain has a long history of Islamic tradition under its belt. From cuisine to architecture, the southern European country has been linked to the North of Africa through many common elements. At the end of 2023, there were approximately 2.41 million Muslims in Spain, most of them of Spanish and Moroccan nationality, with upwards of eight hundred thousand believers in both cases. With a Muslim population of more than 660,000 people, Catalonia was home to the largest Muslim community in Spain as of the same date.

The not so Catholic Spain

Believers of a religion other than Catholicism accounted for approximately 3 percent of the Spanish population, according to the most recent data. Although traditionally a Catholic country, Spain saw a decline in the number of believers over the past years. Compared to previous years, when the share of believers accounted for slightly over 70 percent of the Spanish population, the Catholic community lost ground, while still being the major religion for the foreseable future.

A Catholic majority, a practicing minority

Going to mass is no longer a thing in Spain, or so it would seem when looking at the latest statistics about the matter: 50 percent of those who consider themselves Catholics almost never attend any religious service in 2024. The numbers increased until 2019, from 55.5 percent of the population never attending religious services in 2011 to 63.1 percent in 2019. The share of population that stated to be practicing believers and go to mass every Sunday and on the most important holidays accounted for only 15.5 percent.

Worldwide, the male population is slightly higher than the female population, although this varies by country. As of 2024, Hong Kong has the highest share of women worldwide with almost ** percent. Moldova followed behind with around ** percent. Among the countries with the largest share of women in the total population, several were former Soviet states or were located in Eastern Europe. By contrast, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman had some of the highest proportions of men in their populations.

Christianity is the major religion in numerous African countries. As of 2024, around 96 percent of the population of Zambia was Christian, representing the highest percentage on the continent. Seychelles and Rwanda followed with roughly 95 percent and 94 percent of the population being Christian, respectively. While these countries present the highest percentages, Christianity was also prevalent in many other African nations. For instance, in South Africa, Christianity was the religion of nearly 85 percent of the people, while the share corresponded to 71 percent in Ghana. Religious variations across Africa Christianity and Islam are the most practiced religions in Africa. Christian adherents are prevalent below the Sahara, while North Africa is predominantly Muslim. In 2020, Christians accounted for around 60 percent of the Sub-Saharan African population, followed by Muslims with a share of roughly 30 percent. In absolute terms, there were approximately 650 million Christians in the region, a number forecast to increase to over one billion by 2050. In contrast, Islam is most prevalent in North Africa, being the religion of over 90 percent of the population in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya. Christianity in the world As opposed to other religions, Christianity is widely spread across continents worldwide. In fact, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe each account for around 25 percent of the global Christian population. By comparison, Asia-Pacific and North America make up 13 percent and 12 percent of Christians worldwide, respectively. In several regions, Christians also suffer persecution on religious grounds. Somalia and Libya presented the most critical situation in Africa in 2021, reporting the strongest suppression of Christians worldwide just after North Korea and Afghanistan.

The two countries with the greatest shares of the world's Jewish population are the United States and Israel. The United States had been a hub of Jewish immigration since the nineteenth century, as Jewish people sought to escape persecution in Europe by emigrating across the Atlantic. The Jewish population in the U.S. is largely congregated in major urban areas, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, with the New York metropolitan area being the city with the second largest Jewish population worldwide, after Tel Aviv, Israel. Israel is the world's only officially Jewish state, having been founded in 1948 following the first Arab-Israeli War. While Jews had been emigrating to the holy lands since the nineteenth century, when they were controlled by the Ottoman Empire, immigration increased rapidly following the establishment of the state of Israel. Jewish communities in Eastern Europe who had survived the Holocaust saw Israel as a haven from persecution, while the state encouraged immigration from Jewish communities in other regions, notably the Middle East & North Africa. Smaller Jewish communities remain in Europe in countries such as France, the UK, and Germany, and in other countries which were hotspots for Jewish migration in the twentieth century, such as Canada and Argentina.

In 2024, Ethiopia had the largest Christian population in Africa, with around 77.5 million people who identified as Christian. The second highest Christian population was in Nigeria, with 74.4 million people. Christianity has a significant presence in Africa, with its history on the continent dating back to the fourth century in Ethiopia. Furthermore, Christianity has spread throughout Africa with different denominations and traditions, taking root in various regions. Some of the largest Christian denominations in Africa include the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, and the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.

The highest share of deaths from terrorism in 2024 occurred in Burkina Faso, accounting for 20 percent of all deaths. Terrorism worldwide Although terrorism is a worldwide problem, its victims are highly concentrated in certain areas of the world. The areas with the highest number of terrorist attacks in 2024 were the Middle East and North Africa. In 2014, the rise of Boko Haram alongside Islamic State heavily contributed to the number of terrorist attacks worldwide increasing considerably. However, the number decreased until 2018 before increasing again due to increased terrorist activity in West Africa. Terrorist activity in unstable countries Terror attacks such as the bombing of the World Trade Centre in New York on September 11, 2001, gain the most attention in global media and generally result in increased counter-terrorism efforts at home and abroad. However, the vast majority of attacks occur in the countries where the major terrorist organizations such as Al Qaeda and Islamic State are based. The lack of security and order present in places like Iraq and Afghanistan offers more opportunities for terrorist groups to commit more obvious acts of terrorism, including bombing, the second most common form of terrorist attack.

Niger has the highest child marriage rate in the world among girls. According to the most recent data, in this West African country, more than three-fourths of girls aged under 18 were married, with nearly 30 percent of them being younger than 15 years old. The Central African Republic, Chad, and Mali followed behind with rates ranging from 61 to 54 percent. This issue is globally spread, particularly in African countries. In many of these countries, the legal age to get married is lower for females than for males. In Niger and Chad, for instance, the legal age is 15 years for females and 18 for males. In Guinea, instead, the legal age for marriage is 17 for females and 18 for males. Child marriage is often related to poverty, with poor families choosing to marry away their girls, both to earn money as a wedding gift and as this means fewer mouths to feed.