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.

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.

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.

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

In 2023, it was estimated that approximately ** percent of the Indonesian population were Muslim, accounting for the highest share of Muslims in any Southeast Asian country. Indonesia also has the world's largest Muslim population, with an estimated *** million Muslims. Demographics of Indonesia The total population of Indonesia was estimated to reach around *** million in 2028. The median age of the population in the country was at an all-time high in 2020 and was projected to increase continuously until the end of the century. In 2020, the population density in Indonesia reached its highest value recorded at about ***** people per square kilometer. Shopping behavior during Ramadan in Indonesia Nearly all Muslims in Indonesia celebrated Ramadan in 2022. During the month of Ramadan, ** percent of Indonesian users utilized online applications to order food. Many Indonesians planned to shop online or offline during Ramadan, with around ** percent of online users planning to purchase fashion wear and accessories. Shopee was the most used app for shopping purposes during that period.

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.

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.

The average for 2013 based on 27 countries was 12.7 percent. The highest value was in Turkey: 99 percent and the lowest value was in Belarus: 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.

The average for 2013 based on 18 countries was 52.9 percent. The highest value was in Jordan: 96 percent and the lowest value was in Iran: 9 percent. The indicator is available from 1960 to 2013. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

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.

According to the latest census data, Lakshadweep, the island union territory had the highest share of Muslim population in the country, where ** percent of its population identified as followers of the Islamic faith. Jammu & Kashmir ranked second at ** percent during the same time period. With almost all major religions being practiced throughout the country, India is known for its religious diversity. Islam makes up the highest share among minority faiths in the country.

The average for 2013 based on 13 countries was 34.6 percent. The highest value was in Iran: 90 percent and the lowest value was in India: 3 percent. The indicator is available from 1960 to 2013. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Mali is a predominantly Muslim country with 94.84 percent of the population belonging to Islam. Of that 94.84 percent, only 0.8 percent is Shi’a versus the greater majority of Sunni Muslims in the country. While most of the population is Muslim, a small minority practice other religions as well; 2.37 percent Christianity, 2.02 percent Animist, 0.04 percent Other, 0.45 percent Atheist/Agnostic, and 0.28 percent Undeclared. Of the 2.37 percent of Christians in Mali, the majority of those are Roman Catholic. The Catholic Church has six dioceses that make up less than two percent of Mali’s population. Mali is typically defined as a secular state, with a constitution and code of laws that protect the public’s right for religious freedom and practice.

While the Malian government is officially secular, it frequently consults the moderate High Council of Islam (HCIM) and the Committee of Wise Men on controversial social issues of national scope. The HCIM is an umbrella organization with representatives from all significant Muslim organizations in-country as well as over 160 non-governmental organizations. The Committee of Wise Men includes the Catholic Archbishop and prominent Malian Protestant and Muslim leaders. In an effort to enshrine its commitment to multi-faith democracy, the Malian government has declared a diverse set of religious holidays as national holidays, including Mawloud, the Prophet’s Baptism, Easter Monday, Eid al- Fitf, Tabaski, and Christmas.

Religion is not taught in any public school in Mali. There are some private schools and madrasas that do offer both Christian and Islamic teachings in addition to the state-mandated secular curriculum. In Mali, most madrasas are located in the south in areas such as Sikasso (600), Segou (428), and Bamako (268). In the northern regions of Mali there are a little over 300 madrasas.

In recent months, a loose coalition of militant Tuareg and Islamist groups, including al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Ansar Dine, the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), and the Azawad National Liberation Movement (MNLA), has taken over northern Mali with the goal of forming an Islamic state in the Trans-Sahara region. Areas under militant control have seen the imposition of strict Sharia law, including bans on music and severe restrictions on women and practitioners of non-Islamic faiths. In Timbuktu and other northern urban centers, different Islamic groups have destroyed numerous ancient Sufi mosques, tombs, and other artifacts in an effort to purge the region of “heretical” faiths.

Halal Certification Services Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the Halal Certification Services market size reached USD 4.6 billion in 2024, demonstrating robust expansion driven by increasing global demand for halal-compliant products across diverse industries. The market is exhibiting a notable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% from 2025 to 2033. By the end of 2033, the market is projected to reach a value of USD 11.5 billion, propelled by the rising awareness of halal standards, expanding Muslim populations, and the globalization of food and non-food supply chains. As per our latest research, key growth drivers include stringent regulatory requirements, consumer preference for quality assurance, and the rapid expansion of halal-certified product portfolios across both developed and emerging markets.

One of the primary growth factors for the halal certification services market is the significant increase in the global Muslim population, which is expected to surpass 2.2 billion by 2030. This demographic shift is fueling demand for halal-certified products, not only in food and beverages but also in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care. As Muslim consumers become more conscious of their dietary and lifestyle choices, manufacturers and service providers are compelled to adhere to halal standards to capture this expanding market segment. This trend is further amplified by the growing middle class in Muslim-majority countries, leading to higher disposable incomes and increased spending on halal-certified goods and services.

Another key driver is the globalization of supply chains and the increasing complexity of international trade. As products cross borders, there is a heightened need for credible and recognized halal certification services to ensure compliance with diverse regulatory frameworks. Multinational corporations, exporters, and retailers are seeking reliable certification partners to facilitate market access and build consumer trust. The proliferation of halal certification bodies and the harmonization of standards across regions are also supporting market growth, enabling smoother trade and reducing barriers for halal-certified products in both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim-majority countries.

Technological advancements and digitization are also playing a pivotal role in shaping the growth trajectory of the halal certification services market. The adoption of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital traceability solutions is enhancing transparency, efficiency, and trust in the certification process. These innovations are helping to address common challenges such as fraud, mislabeling, and supply chain opacity. As regulatory authorities and consumers demand greater assurance regarding the authenticity of halal claims, technology-driven certification services are becoming increasingly attractive to businesses seeking to differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace.

From a regional perspective, the Asia Pacific region dominates the halal certification services market, accounting for over 45% of the global market share in 2024. This is primarily due to the large Muslim populations in Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Pakistan, as well as the proactive efforts of governments in these countries to promote halal industries. The Middle East & Africa region follows closely, driven by strong religious adherence and government mandates. North America and Europe are experiencing steady growth, fueled by increasing awareness among non-Muslim consumers and the diversification of halal-certified offerings beyond traditional food and beverage products. Each region presents unique opportunities and challenges, reflecting variations in consumer preferences, regulatory landscapes, and market maturity.

Service Type Analysis

The service type segment of the halal certification services market is categorized into product certification, process certification, system certification, and others. Product certification remains the most sought-after service, accounting for the largest share of the market in 2024. This dominance is attributed to the growing demand for halal-certified food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, as consumers and regulatory authorities emphasize the importance of product integrity and compliance. Product certification services ensure that each item meets the stringent requirements o

PurposeRanking of nations by medal tally is a popular feature of the Olympics, but such ranking is a poor measure of sporting prowess or engagement until the tallies are adjusted for major factors beyond the control of individual nations. Here we estimate and adjust for effects of total population, economy expressed as gross domestic product per capita, absolute latitude and Muslim population proportion on total medal counts in female, male, mixed and all events at the Pyeongchang winter and Tokyo summer Olympics and Paralympics.MethodsThe statistical model was multiple linear over-dispersed Poisson regression. Population and economy were log-transformed; their linear effects were expressed in percent per percent units and evaluated in magnitude as the factor effects of two between-nation standard deviations (SD). The linear effect of absolute latitude was expressed and evaluated as the factor effect of 30° (approximately 2 SD). The linear effect of Muslim proportion was expressed as the factor effect of 100% vs. 0% Muslim. Nations were ranked on the basis of actual vs. predicted all-events medal counts.ResultsAt the Pyeongchang Olympics, effects of population and economy were 0.7–0.8 %/% and 1.1–1.7 %/% (welldefined extremely large increases for 2 SD), factor effects of 30° of latitude were 11–17 (welldefined extremely large increases), and factor effects of 100% Muslim population were 0.08–0.69 (extremely large to moderate reductions, albeit indecisive). Effects at the Tokyo Olympics were similar in magnitude, including those of latitude, which were surprisingly still positive although diminished (large to very large increases). Effects at the Pyeongchang and Tokyo Paralympics were generally similar to those at the Olympics, but the effects of economy were diminished (large to very large increases). After adjustment of medal tallies for these effects, nations that reached the top-10 medalists in both winter games were Austria, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Slovakia and Ukraine, but only Azerbaijan reached the top-10 in both summer games.ConclusionAdjusting medal counts for demographic and geographic factors provides a comparison of nations' sporting prowess or engagement that is more in keeping with the Olympic ideal of fair play and more useful for nations' Olympic-funding decisions.

This study explores the nature and conceptualisation of mental health and well-being among Indonesians living in an urban environment. Little is known about the nature of mental health and well-being in the everyday living context in developing countries. In Indonesia, as one of the most populous countries and the largest Muslim population in the world, the incidence of mental health problems has increased immensely in the last decade. However, there is a very limited number of studies that incorporate relevant cultural contexts into the understanding of mental health and well-being in Indonesia. This study aims to elucidate the relationship of specific psychosocial factors, as protective and risk factors, to mental health and well-being in the everyday urban living contexts experienced by a growing middle class in Indonesia in the perspective of Keyes' model of mental well-being. The data for this study were collected through semi-structured interviews and were analysed using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological approach.

Halal Tourism Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Halal Tourism market size reached USD 255.6 billion in 2024, reflecting robust demand from Muslim and non-Muslim travelers seeking halal-compliant experiences. The market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2025 to 2033, reaching a projected value of USD 502.1 billion by 2033. This growth trajectory is driven by rising disposable incomes in Muslim-majority countries, increasing awareness of halal tourism offerings, and a growing focus on culturally sensitive travel experiences. As per our latest research, the expansion of digital booking platforms and enhanced halal-friendly infrastructure in key destinations are further propelling market growth.

One of the primary growth factors in the Halal Tourism market is the increasing population of Muslim travelers worldwide, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe. The global Muslim population, which is expected to surpass 2.2 billion by 2030, is driving demand for travel services that align with Islamic principles, such as halal-certified food, prayer facilities, and alcohol-free environments. Destinations and service providers are responding by investing in halal-friendly accommodations, transportation, and attractions, thereby attracting not only Muslim travelers but also non-Muslims seeking ethical and wellness-oriented travel. This demographic shift, coupled with rising purchasing power, is significantly enhancing the market’s growth prospects.

The proliferation of digital technologies and online travel platforms is another crucial driver for the Halal Tourism market. With the increasing use of smartphones and internet penetration in emerging economies, travelers now have easier access to information on halal-friendly destinations, services, and travel packages. Online travel agencies (OTAs) and direct booking platforms are leveraging advanced algorithms and AI-driven personalization to cater to the unique preferences of halal tourists, making the booking process seamless and more transparent. This digital shift is also enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to reach a global audience, thus democratizing access to halal tourism and fostering greater competition and innovation in the market.

Government initiatives and public-private partnerships are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Halal Tourism market. Several countries, particularly in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, are prioritizing halal tourism as part of their national tourism strategies. Investments in infrastructure, certification programs, and marketing campaigns are enhancing the visibility and credibility of halal-friendly destinations. For example, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates have established themselves as leading halal tourism hubs by offering comprehensive services and amenities tailored to Muslim travelers. These efforts are not only boosting international arrivals but also promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism development.

From a regional perspective, the Asia Pacific region dominates the Halal Tourism market, accounting for the largest share in 2024, followed by the Middle East & Africa and Europe. The robust growth in Asia Pacific is attributed to the presence of large Muslim populations, well-developed tourism infrastructure, and aggressive promotional activities by local governments. Meanwhile, the Middle East & Africa region is witnessing significant investments in luxury and religious tourism, further enhancing its appeal to halal travelers. Europe, with its rich cultural heritage and increasing focus on diversity and inclusion, is also emerging as a popular destination for halal tourism, particularly among millennial and Generation X travelers.

Service Type Analysis

Within the Halal Tourism market, the service type segment is a critical determinant of consumer preferences and market dynamics. Accommodation services, encompassing hotels, resorts, an

As of 2021, approximately **** percent of the population in Aceh, Indonesia were Muslims. Despite being the largest Muslim-majority country, Indonesia is a multi-faith country by the constitution and officially recognizes *** religions – Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism.

Islamic Insurance (Takaful) Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Islamic Insurance (Takaful) market size reached USD 32.7 billion in 2024, demonstrating robust expansion driven by increasing demand for Sharia-compliant financial products. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.2% during the forecast period, reaching approximately USD 89.6 billion by 2033. The primary growth factor for this market is the rising awareness and acceptance of ethical and interest-free insurance solutions across both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim-majority countries. This surge in demand is further supported by favorable regulatory reforms and the growing presence of Takaful operators globally.

One of the significant growth drivers for the Islamic Insurance (Takaful) market is the increasing consumer preference for ethical and Sharia-compliant financial solutions. As awareness of Islamic finance principles expands, more individuals and businesses are seeking insurance products that align with their religious and ethical beliefs. Takaful, based on the principles of mutual cooperation and shared responsibility, offers an attractive alternative to conventional insurance, which often involves elements of uncertainty (gharar) and interest (riba) prohibited under Islamic law. This shift in consumer behavior is particularly pronounced in regions with large Muslim populations, such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North Africa, but is also gaining traction in Western markets as financial inclusivity and ethical investing become more mainstream.

Another key factor fueling the growth of the Takaful market is the proactive stance of regulatory authorities in developing frameworks that support Islamic insurance operations. Governments in countries like Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have introduced comprehensive regulations to ensure the soundness and transparency of Takaful operations, thereby fostering investor confidence and encouraging market entry by new players. Additionally, global standard-setting bodies such as the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) and the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) are continuously working to harmonize standards, which is expected to further propel market growth by reducing operational uncertainties and facilitating cross-border expansion.

The integration of digital technologies and innovative distribution channels is also playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Islamic Insurance (Takaful) market. The rise of digital platforms, mobile applications, and online aggregators has made Takaful products more accessible to a broader customer base, especially among tech-savvy younger generations. Insurtech innovations are streamlining processes, enhancing customer experiences, and reducing administrative costs, thereby making Takaful solutions more competitive and appealing. The adoption of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data analytics is expected to further transform the market landscape, enabling Takaful operators to offer personalized products, improve risk assessment, and enhance claims management.

Regionally, the Middle East and Southeast Asia remain the largest and most dynamic markets for Islamic Insurance (Takaful), accounting for a significant share of global premiums. However, there is growing interest and market penetration in Africa, South Asia, and even parts of Europe and North America, driven by increasing Muslim populations and greater awareness of Sharia-compliant financial services. The expansion of Takaful into new geographies is being facilitated by strategic alliances, bancassurance partnerships, and the entry of multinational insurers seeking to diversify their portfolios. As a result, the global Takaful market is expected to witness accelerated growth, with emerging markets playing a crucial role in shaping its trajectory over the next decade.

Type Analysis

The Islamic Insurance (Takaful) market is broadly catego