In 2020, around 28.8 percent of the global population were identified as Christian. Around 25.6 percent of the global population identify as Muslims, followed by 14.9 percent of global populations as Hindu. The number of Muslims increased by 347 million, when compared to 2010 data, more than all other religions combined.

Although traditionally a Catholic country, Spain saw a decline in the number of believers over the past years. Compared to 2011, when the share of believers accounted for slightly over 70 percent of the Spanish population, the Catholic community lost approximately 15 percentage points of their faithful by June 2025 with a share of 56.1 percent of the surveyed population. Believers of a religion other than Catholicism accounted for approximately 3.6 percent of the Spanish population in 2025 according to the most recent data. 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: over 47 percent of those who consider themselves Catholics almost never attend any religious service in June 2025. The not so Catholic Spain Around 37 percent of the surveyed population stated to be either non-believers or full atheists in 2025. Non-believers or people that do not have a religious faith fluctuated over the past years with the latest figures showing a 21 percent of people that categorize themselves as so. The share of Spanish atheists is on the rise according to the most recent surveys, taking up 13.3 percent of respondents in June 2025.

Faith Based Tourism Market Outlook

The global faith-based tourism market size is anticipated to grow significantly from $18.4 billion in 2023 to an estimated $35.9 billion by 2032, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. This growth is largely fueled by the increasing interest in spiritual journeys, religious celebrations, and cultural heritage explorations that transcend mere leisure travel. The market is witnessing substantial expansion as more travelers seek experiences that align with their spiritual beliefs and religious practices.

The faith-based tourism market is gaining momentum due to multiple growth factors. A significant driver is the rising disposable income and the increased ability of individuals to spend on travel to religious destinations. Many individuals from diverse religious backgrounds now prioritize spiritual journeys and pilgrimages as part of their travel plans. Moreover, the democratization of travel information through digital platforms has made it easier for people to learn about and plan trips to religious sites around the world, further boosting the market.

Another factor propelling the growth of faith-based tourism is the increasing elderly population, particularly in developed nations, who have both the time and resources to engage in religious travel. Senior citizens often view pilgrimages as an essential part of their religious duties, leading to a surge in demand for faith-based travel services catering specifically to this demographic. Furthermore, many religious organizations and tour operators have started offering specialized packages that include guided tours, accommodation, and other services tailored to the needs of senior travelers.

Technological advancements and the rise of social media also play a crucial role in the growth of this market. Social media platforms allow travelers to share their experiences, inspiring others to embark on similar journeys. Additionally, advancements in travel technology facilitate easier booking processes, more accessible information about destinations, and enhanced safety measures. This has made faith-based tourism more appealing and accessible to a broader audience, including younger generations who might be looking to explore their religious heritage.

Regionally, Asia Pacific is expected to witness the most significant growth in faith-based tourism. Countries like India, with its multitude of religious sites, and Japan, known for its historic temples and shrines, are becoming increasingly popular among faith-based tourists. Meanwhile, Europe, with its rich Christian heritage and numerous pilgrimage sites, remains a stronghold in this market. Growing interconnectivity and improved tourism infrastructure across these regions are facilitating easier access to these spiritual destinations, further stimulating market growth.

Type Analysis

The faith-based tourism market is segmented by type into several categories: pilgrimages, religious conventions, faith-based cruises, missionary travel, and others. Pilgrimages make up the largest segment, as they are integral to many religious traditions. Pilgrimages to destinations like Mecca for Muslims, the Vatican for Catholics, and the Ganges River for Hindus see millions of participants each year. This segment's growth is driven by the intrinsic value these journeys hold for believers, often seen as fulfilling religious obligations or aspirations, contributing significantly to the overall market size.

Religious conventions form another significant segment. These large gatherings, such as the World Youth Day for Catholics or the Hajj for Muslims, attract thousands of participants from around the globe. The growing frequency and scale of these events reflect the increasing organization within religious communities to foster communal worship and learning experiences. The logistics and travel services tailored to support such conventions are becoming more sophisticated, thereby enhancing the appeal and accessibility of these events to international attendees.

Faith-based cruises are a burgeoning segment within the market. These cruises offer a unique blend of leisure and religious education, where travelers can enjoy luxury amenities while participating in spiritual activities like prayer sessions, religious lectures, and communal worship. The convenience and comfort provided by cruises have made this segment particularly popular among families and older adults, contributing to its growing market share.

Missionary travel, though smaller in comparison to

Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Uttarakhand data was reported at 1,406,825.000 Person in 03-01-2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,012,141.000 Person for 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Uttarakhand data is updated decadal, averaging 1,209,483.000 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,406,825.000 Person in 03-01-2011 and a record low of 1,012,141.000 Person in 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Uttarakhand data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Demographic – Table IN.GAE003: Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim.

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.

As of January 2025, approximately 35 percent of people in Great Britain said that they believed in a God / Gods, compared with 32 percent who had no belief in God / Gods at all.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Halal Empty Capsules market size will be USD 1252.8 million in 2025. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.00% from 2025 to 2033.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 463.54 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% from 2025 to 2033.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 363.31 million.
APAC held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 300.67 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2025 to 2033.
South America has a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 47.61 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% from 2025 to 2033.
Middle East had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 50.11 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2025 to 2033.
Africa had a market share of around 1% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 27.56 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2025 to 2033.
Gelatin category is the fastest growing segment of the Halal Empty Capsules industry

Market Dynamics of Halal Empty Capsules Market

Key Drivers for Halal Empty Capsules Market

Rising Global Muslim Population and Demand for Halal-Certified Products to Boost Market Growth

The global Muslim population, which is projected to reach 2.2 billion by 2030, has significantly increased the demand for halal-certified products across various industries, including pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. As of 2025, it is estimated that 2.05 billion people worldwide identify as Muslims, representing over 25% of the global population of 8.18 billion. Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with its followers spread across 26 countries in regions such as Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa. This demographic shift, coupled with a rising global awareness of the demand for ethically sourced and processed products, is fueling the need for halal empty capsules in both the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets.

https://timesprayer.com/en/muslim-population/.//./

Shift Towards Plant-Based and Non-Gelatin Capsules to Boost Market Growth

The growing global shift toward plant-based products has also influenced the capsule manufacturing industry. According to insights from the Good Food Institute (GFI) and the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA), based on retail sales data from SPINS, the U.S. retail plant-based food market was valued at $8.1 billion in 2024. In the same year, 59% of U.S. households purchased plant-based foods, maintaining a steady trend from the previous year. As a result, non-gelatin capsules made from materials such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), starch, and pullulan are gaining popularity. These alternatives are especially sought after by consumers seeking halal, vegetarian, and vegan options, as traditional gelatin capsules, which are often derived from animal sources like bovine and porcine, may not adhere to halal standards unless sourced from animals slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines.

https://gfi.org/marketresearch/./

Restraint Factor for the Halal Empty Capsules Market

Limited Availability of Halal-Certified Raw Materials, Will Limit Market Growth

One of the major challenges in the halal empty capsules market is the limited availability of halal-certified raw materials, especially gelatin. Gelatin is typically derived from animal sources, and for it to be considered halal, it must come from animals slaughtered in accordance with Islamic guidelines. This requirement significantly reduces the number of eligible suppliers, causing supply chain issues and driving up production costs. Furthermore, the certification process for these raw materials is often costly and time-consuming, which adds complexity to the manufacturing process. The stringent quality control measures necessary to ensure halal compliance further restrict the supply of suitable gelatin, resulting in delays and increased costs. As a consequence, manufacturers are often forced to explore alternative raw materials, which can be more expensiv...

According to Cognitive Market Research, The Global Islamic Clothing market size is USD 62.5 billion in 2023 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50% from 2023 to 2030.

The demand for Islamic clothing is rising due to the rising popularity of Islamic clothing in the sports industry.
Demand for ethnic wear remains higher in the Islamic clothing market.
The abayas & hijabs category held the highest Islamic clothing market revenue share in 2023.
MEA will continue to lead, whereas the North American Islamic clothing market will experience the most substantial growth until 2030.

Growing Muslim Population Globally to Provide Viable Market Output

The global Muslim population is rising, driving increased demand for Islamic clothing. Modest fashion, like hijabs, abayas, and modest dresses, caters to Muslim dress codes. This trend reflects a diverse market, with designs blending tradition and modernity. Islamic clothing empowers individuals to express their faith while embracing contemporary style, with fashion brands worldwide recognizing this lucrative niche. As the Muslim population grows, the market for Islamic clothing is expected to expand, fostering cultural diversity and religious expression.

For instance, according to recent population projections by the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life, the globe's Muslim population is predicted to expand by about 35% in the next 20 years, increasing from 1.6 billion in 2010 to 2.2 billion by 2030.

Increasing Popularity of Islamic Clothing in the Sports Industry to Expand their Business to Propel Market Growth

Islamic clothing has gained prominence in the sports industry, reflecting a growing cultural diversity. Athletes worldwide are embracing modest yet stylish Islamic sportswear, with specialized brands offering a range of options like hijabs, long-sleeve shirts, and loose-fitting pants. This trend not only accommodates the needs of Muslim athletes but also promotes inclusivity and respect for various cultural preferences. It underscores the importance of diversity in sports, allowing athletes to perform comfortably while upholding their religious and cultural values.

For instance, in June 2022, Lululemon made a significant effort towards inclusion in its athletic wear by presenting a new line of interpretation hijabs prepared for working out and playing sports. Two sports hijabs have already been released.

Increasing Demand of Modest Fashion Fuels the Market Growth

Market Dynamics of Islamic Clothing

Lack of Awareness about Islamic Clothing Brands to Hinder Market Growth

The Islamic clothing market faces a significant challenge due to a lack of awareness about Islamic clothing brands. Many potential consumers are unaware of the existence of specialized Islamic sportswear brands or the range of products they offer. This limited awareness inhibits market growth, hindering potential customers from making informed choices and embracing these products. Raising awareness through marketing and education is crucial to bridging this gap and expanding the reach of Islamic clothing in the sports industry.

Impact of COVID–19 on the Islamic Clothing Market

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the Islamic clothing market. Due to restrictions and safety concerns, traditional brick-and-mortar stores faced reduced foot traffic, affecting sales. However, online sales of Islamic clothing saw a surge as people sought to purchase items from the safety of their homes. Moreover, the demand for modest and comfortable attire increased as remote work became more common. The market adapted by offering a more comprehensive range of online shopping options, making it easier for consumers to access Islamic clothing while adhering to pandemic restrictions, ultimately reshaping the industry's landscape. Introduction of Islamic Clothing Market

In the dynamic Islamic clothing market, key players are orchestrating strategic launches to tap into the burgeoning demand for modest apparel. Renowned brands are introducing innovative lines of Islamic clothing, such as abayas, modest activewear, and stylish hijabs. These strategic launches often collaborate with influential Muslim fashion influencers and celebrities to enhance visibility and credibility. By doing so, these industry leaders are expanding their market share and catalyzing a positive shift in fashion i...

In 2025, North Korea was the country with the strongest suppression of Christians with an index value of 98. Somalia followed behind with 94, with Yemen in third. The World Watch List The index ranges from 0 (complete freedom) to 100 (total suppression). The survey for the World Watch List included various aspects of religious freedom: the legal and official status of Christians, the actual situation of Christians living in the country, regulations from the state as well as factors that can undermine the freedom of religion in a country. Christianity worldwideEven though Christianity is the largest religion worldwide, there are many areas of the world where Christians are persecuted. As the list shows, this is especially the case in countries with larger Muslim populations. Moreover, these countries are characterized by their authoritarian nature. The global distribution of religions varies strongly; whereas almost 100 percent of Hindus and Buddhists are found in the Asia-Pacific, Christians are spread around most world regions except the Middle East and North Africa.

During the Holocaust, approximately six million Jews were killed. In France, the Jewish population had decreased by ******* individuals between 1939 and 1945. It then increased between the end of World War II and the 1970s, reaching ******* individuals in 1970. However, according to the source, the number of Jews in France has declined by more than 15 percent between that period and 2020, and is now estimated to be *******.

In Brazil, 70 percent of the respondents believed in God as described in the holy scriptures, and another 19 percent believed in a higher power or spirit. In South Africa, the figures were 73 and 16 percent respectively. By contrast, less than one in five in Japan and only one in three in South Korea believed in God or some form of spirit or higher power.

The majority of Japanese adhere to Shintoism, a traditional Japanese religion focusing on rituals and worship at shrines. In 2021, around 48.6 percent of the total population of Japan participated in Shinto practices. Closely behind is Buddhism, with more than 46 percent of the population adhering to its practices. Most Japanese thus practice both religions. The original ShintoShintoism adherents worship spirits or gods at shrines, often publicly, through rituals and traditions. Shintoism is deeply ingrained in the Japanese culture and way of life, but the number of followers has been decreasing over the past years, as has the number of Japanese who are adhering to any kind of religion. Tradition seems to have to make way for modern attitudes and choices – still the number of people who call themselves Shinto adherents is quite high, even if they do not actively practice it. Everything zen in BuddhismWhile Shintoism seems to become a thing of the past, the number of Buddhists, on the other hand, has been stable over the last decade, and if anything, has only slightly decreased. Japan is, in fact, among the countries with the largest Buddhist communities, right after China, of course, and Thailand. This might be due to Buddhism being able to adapt much easier to modern times and its adherents’ everyday lives, as well as a better PR machine – Buddhism is, after all, also quite popular in the Western world.

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 illustrates the projected growth of major religious groups from 2015 to 2060. In 2060, it is projected that there will be about *** billion Muslims worldwide, compared to *** billion Muslims in 2015.

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.

In 2021, 53.3 percent of the total population in Canada were Christian, 4.9 percent were Muslim, but almost more than a third are not religious at all – with the rest stating they adhere to Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, the Jewish faith, and other Christian denominations. Canada’s religious pluralismCanada is not a very religious country in general. Canadians adhere to a wide variety of beliefs and faiths, with the majority following Christianity, followed by those who do not believe in any deity or religion at all. As with many Western countries, the younger generations are less inclined to identify with faith, and Christianity in particular is not as popular as it is among the older generations. Alternative worship for the younger generations?Canadian teenagers are no less enthusiastic about religion than their parents, and they are just as grounded in their faith as the older generations. They are, however, also just as indecisive when it comes to whether they would call themselves religious or not. Interestingly, they seem much more interested in traditional aboriginal spirituality than in the Judeo-Christian model. They also seem quite interested in another alternative to Christianity: Buddhism is quite popular among the younger generations. Whether this signifies a general trend away from Christianity and towards religious alternatives remains to be seen.

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.

It was estimated that by 2050, India's Muslim population would grow by ** percent compared to 2010. For followers of the Hindu faith, this change stood at ** percent. According to this projection, the south Asian country would be home not just to the world's majority of Hindus, but also Muslims by this time period. Regardless, the latter would continue to remain a minority within the country at ** percent, with ** percent or *** billion Hindus at the forefront by 2050.

Muslims residing in Oslo, Norway will be fasting in the middle of the month of Ramadan for a total of ** hours and ** minutes, between the times of **** am and **** pm. During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, observing Muslims worldwide abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activities from sunrise to sunset.RamadanThe Islamic calendar is based on the lunar year; therefore, it is ten days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar. Thus, Ramadan will take place from the 1st to the 29th of March 2025. The fasting hours are calculated from dusk until dawn of each day for the whole of the month of Ramadan. Differing fasting times in different places result from the fact that the length of each day varies based on the latitude of each location and changes each day due to the Earth's orbit around the sun. However, there might be slight interpretational differences between different schools of thought and branches of Islam. Muslim worldAccording to the latest estimations there are over *** billion Muslims worldwide. It is estimated that that by 2026 the Muslim population will increase to over **** billion narrowing the gap with Christianity, whose community is projected to grow to just over ***** billion by then. The majority of Muslims worldwide are located in Asia, though it is only a quarter of the continent’s population.

The statistic shows the total population of India from 2019 to 2029. In 2023, the estimated total population in India amounted to approximately 1.43 billion people.

Total population in India

India currently has the second-largest population in the world and is projected to overtake top-ranking China within forty years. Its residents comprise more than one-seventh of the entire world’s population, and despite a slowly decreasing fertility rate (which still exceeds the replacement rate and keeps the median age of the population relatively low), an increasing life expectancy adds to an expanding population. In comparison with other countries whose populations are decreasing, such as Japan, India has a relatively small share of aged population, which indicates the probability of lower death rates and higher retention of the existing population.

With a land mass of less than half that of the United States and a population almost four times greater, India has recognized potential problems of its growing population. Government attempts to implement family planning programs have achieved varying degrees of success. Initiatives such as sterilization programs in the 1970s have been blamed for creating general antipathy to family planning, but the combined efforts of various family planning and contraception programs have helped halve fertility rates since the 1960s. The population growth rate has correspondingly shrunk as well, but has not yet reached less than one percent growth per year.

As home to thousands of ethnic groups, hundreds of languages, and numerous religions, a cohesive and broadly-supported effort to reduce population growth is difficult to create. Despite that, India is one country to watch in coming years. It is also a growing economic power; among other measures, its GDP per capita was expected to triple between 2003 and 2013 and was listed as the third-ranked country for its share of the global gross domestic product.