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.

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.

The average for 2013 based on 46 countries was 43.9 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 accounted for 7.08 percent of the global Muslim population, the highest share among African countries. Egypt and Algeria followed, with shares of 6.12 percent and 2.67 percent, respectively. Islam has 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 later continued through Islamic scholars and missionaries.

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.

Islam and Christianity form the two dominant religions in Nigeria. The basis of traditional religions was systematically exterminated in the religio-cultural life of the Nigerian people after their contact with colonialism. Approximately 90 percent of the Nigerian people have since preferred to be identified with either Islam or Christianity.Nigeria’s contact with Islam predated that of Christianity and European colonialism; its spread was facilitated into Sub-Saharan Africa through trade and commerce. The northern part of Nigeria is symbolic to the history of Islam, as it penetrated the area through the Kanem-Borno Empire in the 11th century before spreading to the other predominately Hausa states. Islam was then introduced into the traditional societies of the Yoruba-speaking people of south-west Nigeria through their established commercial relationship with people of the North, particularly the Nupe and Fulani.Christianity reached Nigeria in the 15th century with the visitation of the Roman and Catholic missionaries to the coastal areas of the Niger-Delta region, although there were few recorded converts and churches built during this period. Christianity soon recorded a boost in the southern region given its opposition to the slave trade and its promotion of Western education. In contrast to the smooth process Christian evangelization underwent in the South, its process in the North was difficult because Islam had already become well-established.Given the philosophy of Islam as a complete way of life for a Muslim, Islam has always been closely attached to politics in Nigeria. The emergence of particular Islamic groups was significantly influenced by international events, particularly the 1979 Iranian revolution and the corresponding disenchantment from the West. These developments shaped Nigerian national politics of the period as Muslims radically redefined their political interests in line with religion and began to clamor for the incorporation of the Sharia legal system into the country’s judicial system. Nigeria then tried to harness opportunities accruable from other Muslim countries by becoming a registered member with the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in 1985. This inflamed Christians and nurtured the fear of domination by their Muslim counterparts and the possibility of a gradual extinction of their religio-political strength in the national political structure. The distinct religious separation has also instigated violence in present-day Nigeria, including the Sharia riot in Kaduna in 2000, ongoing ethno-religious violence in Jos since 2001, and the 2011 post-election violence that erupted in some northern states. Nigerians’ continued loyalty to religion compared to that of the country continues to sustain major political debate, conflict, and violent outbreaks between populations of the two faiths.

ISO3 - International Organization for Standardization 3-digit country code

AREA_AFF - Geographic area affected by disease

DT_START - Date health event started

DT_END - Date health event ended

TYPE - Type of disease group

DISEASE - Name of disease

NUM_DTH - Number of people reported dead from disease

NUM_AFF - Number of people affected from disease

SOURCE_DT - Source creation date

SOURCE - Primary source

Collection

This HGIS was created using information collected from several websites. EM-DAT, the World Health Organization, and news reports provided information about the outbreaks.

The data included herein have not been derived from a registered survey and should be considered approximate unless otherwise defined. While rigorous steps have been taken to ensure the quality of each dataset, DigitalGlobe Analytics is not responsible for the accuracy and completeness of data compiled from outside sources.

Sources (HGIS)

Egunganga, Vincent, Ami Sadiq, and Hir Joseph. All AfricaHIR JOSEPH, "Nigeria: Lassa Fever Returns Vicio." Last modified March 09, 2013. Accessed April 16, 2013. http://allafrica.com/.

EM DAT, "Country Database; Nigeria." Last modified March 2013. Accessed April 16, 2013. http://www.emdat.be/.

World Health Organization, "Global Health Observatory; Nigeria." Last modified 2012. Accessed April 16, 2013. http://www.who.int/en/.

Sources (Metadata)

Encyclopedia of the Nations, "Nigeria Country Specific Information." Last modified 2013. Accessed March 28, 2013. http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com.

Kates, Jennifer, and Alyssa Wilson Leggoe. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, "HIV/AIDS; The HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria." Last modified October 2005. Accessed April 16, 2013. http://www.kff.org/.

United States Embassy in Nigeria, "Nigeria Malaria Fact Sheet." Last modified December 2011. Accessed April 16, 2013. http://nigeria.usembassy.gov.

World Health Organization, "Global Task Force on Cholera Control." Last modified January 18, 2012. Accessed April 16, 2013. http://www.who.int/.

World Health Organization, "Meningococcal disease: situation in the African Meningitis Belt." Last modified 2012. Accessed March 14, 2013. http://www.who.int/csr/don/2012_05_24/en/index.html.

In 2022, a survey conducted in the selected African countries found that the vast majority of respondents would be fasting during Ramadan. The regional average was was 99 percent. Furthermore, the country with the highest share of people fasting was Algeria with 99.7 percent. Ramadan is the biggest religious season for Muslims, during the month communities unite on a journey of spirituality. Fasting is one of the most important parts of the Ramadan celebration. The fast is broken every evening with a communal evening meal or Iftar.

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.

This paper explores the question of what explains public opinion of women empowerment in the Middle East and North Africa. Muslim societies have often been accused of conservatism toward empowerment, stripping women of equal access to education and opportunities. However, many predominantly Muslim societies in the MENA region seem to be on the way to implement change to provide women with more rights. Prior research points to exposure to diversity as a contributor to the acceptance of a more egalitarian role of women in society. This article analyzes different mechanisms of the exposure hypothesis and whether they contribute to predicting positive public perceptions of women empowerment in the region. The empirical analyses rely on public opinion data collected by the Arab Barometer in 2018–19. The descriptive findings suggest attitudinal differences across countries, but also significant gender gaps and divergences across core explanatory factors found under the umbrella of the exposure hypothesis, such as diverse urban living, keeping religion a private matter, and connecting with the world via social media. These factors seem important to shift people's minds and to pave women's long way to liberalization.

We created an original dataset of women’s reforms in 129 constitutions that were passed or amended throughout seventy years in 54 African countries. In doing so, we drew on such sources as Constitute, UN Women’s Global Database of Constitutions, and other websites with archived texts of old constitutions, and then coded them for twelve issue areas related to women’s rights. In our dataset, we also include independent variables such as whether each African country experienced conflict, Freedom House democratic rating, region, former colonial power, whether a country is predominantly Muslim, and regional associations or unions in which countries hold membership. We grouped provisions that especially affect women and girls under the four broad themes of economic rights, political and legal rights including customary and family law, social rights and violence against women, and international treaties. These are selected based on how women’s rights activists in Africa have generally defined women’s rights. We recognize that this categorization may blur the many differences and nuances among those who identify as women. We also looked for gender-inclusive language. We searched the text of constitutions for relevant keywords in specific areas of provisions that fell into these categories and coded for the presence or absence of each type of provision (see codebook for elaboration of coding rules). We then analyzed the data for patterns of when and which African countries were incorporating what types of provisions relating to women’s rights.

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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.

Get a glance at the market report of the share of various segments Request Free Sample

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 trends and dri

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.

Pew Research Center surveyed 13,122 adults across six countries in Asia about religious identity, beliefs, and practices, using nationally representative methods. Interviews were conducted face-to-face in Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. They were conducted on mobile phones in Malaysia and Singapore. Local interviewers administered the survey from June to September 2022, in eight languages.

This survey is part of the Pew-Templeton Global Religious Futures project, a broader effort by Pew Research Center to study religious change and its impact on societies around the world. The Center previously has conducted religion-focused surveys across sub-Saharan Africa; the Middle East-North Africa region and many countries with large Muslim populations; Latin America; Israel; Central and Eastern Europe; Western Europe; India; and the United States.

This survey includes three countries in which Buddhists make up a majority of the population (Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand); two countries with Muslim majorities (Malaysia and Indonesia); and one country that is religiously diverse, with no single group forming a majority (Singapore). We also are surveying five additional countries and territories in Asia, to be covered in a future report.

Pew Research Center has produced a supplemental syntax file containing SPSS code to generate common analytic variables in the survey's corresponding report and toplines. The ARDA has provided this syntax in a copyable PDF document as an additional download.

Nigeria has hundreds of ethnic groups that are usually divided and defined primarily by language. The country hosts more ethnic groups than any other African nation, ranking among the most ethnically-complex states in the world. Most of these ethnic groups are small and localized, with only a few playing a central role in Nigerian society. The major people groups of Nigeria are: Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo (Ibo).The advent of colonial rule in Nigeria brought the various ethnic groups increasingly into contact with one another. This integrative process was facilitated by the construction of connective infrastructure. This increasing development set in motion a process that led to greater contact and competition among the various ethnic groups for dominance and economic advantage. The Nigerian government has worked out tentative power-sharing arrangements to help ensure that its many ethnic groups have some say in society. However, cities remain largely segregated along ethno-religious lines and confrontation between ethnic groups is common. Often, ethnic clashes in one part of the country can set off a chain of reprisal riots and attacks in other parts of the country.Most major ethnic groups have seen the formation of ethnic-exclusive militias to protect alleged group interests and perpetrate violence against other ethnic groups. These vigilante groups continue to act with impunity for lack of stringent law enforcement in much of the state. These continued attacks and tensions among ethnic groups threaten to destabilize an already unsteady country.Hausa - Northern Nigeria is dominated by this ethnic group and is often considered unified with the Fulani through intermarriage of acculturation, generating the Hausa-Fulani as a single ethnic entity. The Hausa were predominately traders throughout the Sahara and Sahel regions but have become more concentrated in rural areas as farmers and herders. They are predominately Muslim with some of the smaller sub-groups such as the Maguzawa practicing indigenous faiths. Their religion is a key component to ethnic identity and continues to shape their role in modern Nigerian society and politics. The Hausa and Fulani were instrumental in establishing and maintaining Sharia in 11 of the country’s northern states.Fulani –The Fulani are an ethnic group of Muslims located in northern Nigeria that have often assimilated into the Hausa culture. At one point nomadic herders, they arrived in the Hausa states sometime in the early 13th century. Many have intermarried with the Hausa and have mostly adopted those customs and language, although some Fulani choose to stay "pure" by retaining a nomadic lifestyle, their own language, and cultural autonomy. The Fulani are most distinctively known for a dispute that developed between them and the local King of Gobir, which developed into a jihad ending with a Fulani conquest of the Hausa states in the early 1800s.Yoruba – The Yoruba are Christian/Muslims living in southwestern Nigeria united by their common belief that Ife is their place of origin and the Oni of Ife is their spiritual leader. Their mythology holds that "Oduduwa" created the earth and that royal houses of the Yoruba kingdoms can trace their ancestry back to "Oduduwa.” Yoruba society is organized into kingdoms, the greatest of which was called Oyo. The Oyo Empire collapsed in 1830, when Afonja, broke away from the rest of the Yoruba culture and lost his empire to the Fulani. This event occurred in close temporal proximity to the Fulani Jihad, but was not associated with it. As Islam and Christianity spread to Yorubaland over the past few centuries, the group embraced both faiths alongside its many traditional and animist beliefs. This blend and acceptance of religion survives in modern society and has mitigated some religious conflict in places where Yoruba form the majority.Igbo (Ibo) – The Igbo are the main ethnic group living in southeastern Nigeria. They have represented some of the staunchest opponents to the establishment of Sharia in the North where some minority Igbo populations exist. As opposed to Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba cultures, the Igbo were traditionally decentralized and non-hierarchical, making them more receptive to European conversion efforts.Under British colonial rule, many Igbo served in government and military roles and were later key players in the 1960 Nigerian independence movement. In January 1966, Igbo leader General Ironsi established a military coup in Nigeria to try and unify a fragmented, newly-independent Nigeria. The northern section of the country believed there was an Igbo conspiracy with the establishment of the new government. In July 1966, a counter-attack was staged by northern military officers in response to the constitution of another new government. Chaos ensued and about 50,000 Igbo were killed in northern Nigeria. To put an end to chaos and upheaval, groups in eastern Nigeria declared themselves as an independent sovereign state known as “Biafra" on 30 May 1967. The Igbo secessionist movement in Biafra led to a 30-month war (Biafran War) with the Nigerian government, in which hundreds of thousands of Igbo starved to death. After the war, Igbo were reintegrated into Nigerian society, but in a more marginalized role. Despite lingering ethnic tension, they now play an important part in southeastern Nigeria's oil trade.

ISO3 - International Organization for Standardization 3-digit country code

PEOPLEGP_1 - People group level one

PEOPLEGP_2 - People group level two

PEOPLEGP_3 - People group level three

ALT_NAME - Alternate names or spellings for people groups

SOURCE_DT - Primary source creation date

SOURCE - Primary source

Collection

This shapefile created by using Anthromapper consists of ethnic layers that have been primarily based on the 1959 Murdock map of Africa with an addition of the Anaang people group based on a general location provided by Ethnologue. Geographical terrain features, combined with a watershed model, were also used to predict the likely extent of ethnic and linguistic influence. The HGIS data and metadata were supplemented with anthropological information from peer-reviewed journals and published books. The interpretation of ethnic names often produces multiple spellings of the same people groups; therefore similarly spelled or phonetic titles may be referencing the same group.

The data included herein have not been derived from a registered survey and should be considered approximate unless otherwise defined. While rigorous steps have been taken to ensure the quality of each dataset, DigitalGlobe Analytics is not responsible for the accuracy and completeness of data compiled from outside sources.

Sources (HGIS)

Anthromapper. DigitalGlobe Analytics, March 2013.

Murdock, George Peter. Tribal Map of Africa from Africa: Its Peoples and Their Culture History. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., January 1959.

Interactive Murdock Map available at - http://worldmap.harvard.edu/africamap.

Ethnologue, “Anaang.” Last modified April 2013. Accessed April 2013. http://www.ethnologue.com

People Groups, “Nigeria.” Last modified April 2013. Accessed April 2013. http://peoplegroups.org.

Joshua Project, “Nigeria”. Last modified March 2013. Accessed April 2013. http://www.joshuaproject.net.

Sources (Metadata)

Walker, Andrew. United States Institute of Peace, "What is Boko Haram?." Last modified 2012. Accessed April 9, 2013. http://www.usip.org.

Buhayar, Noah. PBS, "Oil and Politics in Nigeria." Last modified 2007. Accessed April 8, 2013. www.pbs.org.

Bascom, William. Urbanization Among the Yoruba. Culture and Societies of Africa. Edited by Simon and Phoebe Ottenberg. New York: Random House, 1960.

Greenberg, Joseph H. Some Aspects of Negro-Mohammedan Culture Contact Among the Hausa. Culture and Societies of Africa. Edited by Simon and Phoebe Ottenberg. New York: Random House, 1960.

Levinson, David. Ethnic Groups Worldwide: A Ready Reference Handbook. Santa Barbara: Greenwood, 1998.

Ehwarieme, William. "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: The Displacement of Ethnicity by Corruption in Nigeria's Electoral Politics." Journal of Third World Studies. 26. no. 2 (2011): 181-206.

Paden, John. Religion and Political Culture in Kano. University of California Press: Berkeley and Los Angeles, 1973.

Suberu, Rotimi. Federalism and Ethnic Conflict in Nigeria. Washington D.C.: United States Institute of Peace, 2001.

Joshua Project, “Nigeria”. Last modified April 2013. Accessed April 2013. http://www.joshuaproject.net.

Islamic Insurance (Takaful) Market Outlook

As per our latest research, the Islamic Insurance (Takaful) market size reached USD 35.7 billion in 2024, demonstrating robust momentum driven by increasing demand for Sharia-compliant financial services globally. The market is set to expand at a CAGR of 13.2% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated USD 104.3 billion by 2033. This impressive growth trajectory is fueled by the rising awareness of Islamic finance principles, regulatory support, and the increasing penetration of Islamic financial products in both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim regions. As the global Islamic finance ecosystem matures, the Takaful sector is poised for substantial expansion and innovation.

The primary growth driver for the Islamic Insurance (Takaful) market is the increasing demand for ethical and Sharia-compliant insurance products. With a growing Muslim population worldwide, particularly in Asia Pacific and the Middle East, there is a significant shift towards financial solutions aligned with Islamic values. Takaful, which operates on the principles of mutual cooperation and risk-sharing, appeals to consumers seeking alternatives to conventional insurance, which may involve elements prohibited under Sharia law such as interest (riba) and uncertainty (gharar). This demand is further amplified by the rising financial literacy among consumers and the proactive efforts of governments and financial institutions to promote Islamic finance as a viable and competitive alternative to traditional financial products.

Another key factor propelling the growth of the Takaful market is the supportive regulatory environment in several core markets. Countries such as Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have implemented comprehensive frameworks and guidelines that foster the development of Islamic insurance. These regulations ensure transparency, consumer protection, and Sharia compliance, thereby boosting consumer confidence and facilitating market entry for new players. Furthermore, cross-border collaborations and harmonization of standards are enabling Takaful operators to scale their offerings and tap into new markets, including regions with emerging interest in Islamic finance such as Africa and Southeast Asia. The proliferation of digital platforms and InsurTech innovations is also making Takaful more accessible and appealing, particularly to younger, tech-savvy consumers.

The increasing integration of technology within the Takaful sector is a significant catalyst for market expansion. Digital transformation, including the adoption of online distribution channels, mobile applications, and AI-driven customer engagement tools, is revolutionizing how Takaful services are delivered and consumed. These advancements not only enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs but also improve customer experience and broaden market reach. The use of big data analytics, blockchain, and smart contracts is streamlining underwriting, claims processing, and compliance monitoring, which is critical in maintaining the integrity and trust inherent in Takaful operations. As digital infrastructure continues to evolve, Takaful operators are better positioned to meet the diverse needs of individuals, SMEs, and large enterprises, further accelerating market growth.

Regionally, the Middle East & Africa and Asia Pacific remain the powerhouses of the global Takaful market, accounting for a significant share of the total premium volume. The Middle East, led by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, benefits from a strong Islamic banking ecosystem and supportive government initiatives. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia, is witnessing rapid growth due to proactive regulatory measures and a large, underserved Muslim population. Emerging markets in Africa and South Asia are also showing promising potential, driven by increasing awareness, economic development, and regulatory reforms. In contrast, Europe and North America are experiencing gradual adoption, primarily among diaspora communities and through niche product offerings. Overall, the global outlook for the Islamic Insurance (Takaful) market is highly optimistic, with significant opportunities for innovation, expansion, and cross-border collaboration.

Type Analysis

The Takaful market is segmented by type into Family Takaful and General Takaful, each catering to distinct consumer needs and risk pr

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.

In 2022, a survey conducted in the selected African countries found that 60 percent of respondents claimed they would travel to visit friends and family during Ramadan. The country with the highest share of people claiming they would travel for the above-mentioned purpose was Egypt, with 67 percent. Furthermore, Ramadan is on the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon.

In 2020, around **** percent of the Iranian population identified as Muslim. Around ** percent identified as Shia Muslims in the same year, while a much smaller share followed the Sunni Muslim religion. In Iran, most Sunni Muslims belong to ethnic minority groups. Iran’s demographics The total population in Iran has grown steadily and is expected to surpass ** million in 2028. The vast majority of the population in the country was between 15 and 64 years of age. At the same time, the share of people aged above 64 increased in recent years and constituted over ***** percent of the total population. Muslim population worldwide In Europe, it was estimated that the Muslim population could triple by the middle of the century. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia had the largest share of Muslims as a proportion of its population. On the African continent, the highest number of Muslims was estimated in Nigeria, with close to a hundred million Islam followers. In the United States, less than one percent of the population identified as Muslims.

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.

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.