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.

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.

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.

Islamic Financing Market Outlook

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

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

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

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

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

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

Financial Instrument Analysis

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

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

Halal Food Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global halal food market size in 2024 stands at USD 2.3 trillion, reflecting robust demand across diverse consumer segments worldwide. The market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2025 to 2033, reaching a forecasted value of USD 5.1 trillion by the end of 2033. This impressive growth is primarily driven by increasing Muslim populations, heightened consumer awareness regarding halal certification, and expanding international trade of halal-certified products. As per the latest research, the market’s upward trajectory is underpinned by supportive regulatory frameworks and the rising influence of ethical consumerism.

One of the most significant growth factors for the halal food market is the rapid demographic expansion of the global Muslim population, which is expected to surpass 2.2 billion by 2030. This burgeoning consumer base is translating into a sustained and growing demand for halal-certified food and beverages, not only in Muslim-majority countries but also in regions with substantial Muslim minorities such as Europe and North America. Furthermore, the increasing migration and mobility of Muslim populations have contributed to the globalization of halal food standards and the proliferation of halal-certified products in mainstream retail channels. As a result, food manufacturers and distributors are increasingly recognizing the commercial potential of meeting halal requirements, leading to greater product innovation and diversification in the market.

Another critical factor propelling the halal food market is the rising trend of ethical and health-conscious consumption among both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers. Halal food is often perceived as cleaner, safer, and more wholesome due to stringent production and certification processes. This perception has broadened the appeal of halal products beyond religious obligations, attracting health-oriented consumers seeking food safety, traceability, and ethical sourcing. Furthermore, the growing prevalence of foodborne illnesses and contamination scandals has heightened consumer scrutiny of food labels and certifications, further amplifying demand for halal-certified offerings. This trend is particularly evident in developed markets, where halal certification is increasingly viewed as a mark of quality and assurance.

The halal food market’s expansion is also facilitated by proactive governmental policies, international collaborations, and the standardization of certification processes. Countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates have established comprehensive halal regulatory frameworks and are actively promoting their halal industries through strategic investments and trade agreements. Additionally, the harmonization of halal standards across regions is reducing trade barriers and fostering cross-border collaborations, enabling multinational food companies to tap into new markets more efficiently. The proliferation of halal certification bodies and global halal expos is further catalyzing industry growth by enhancing transparency and consumer confidence in halal food products.

From a regional perspective, the Asia Pacific region dominates the halal food market, accounting for the largest share due to the presence of populous Muslim-majority countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan. The Middle East & Africa follows closely, leveraging its strong cultural and religious affinity towards halal products, as well as robust governmental support for the halal economy. Europe and North America are emerging as high-potential markets, driven by increasing Muslim immigration, rising consumer awareness, and the integration of halal products into mainstream retail channels. Latin America, while currently a smaller market, is witnessing rapid growth as local producers and exporters increasingly cater to global halal demand, particularly in meat and poultry segments.

Product Type Analysis

The halal food market by product type is segmented into Meat & Poultry, Dairy Products, Grain Products, Fruits & Vegetables, Beverages, and Others. Among these, Meat & Poultry represents the dominant category, capturing a substantial share of the overall market. This is largely attributable to the centrality of meat and poultry in traditional Muslim diets and the stringent religious requirements governing slaughter and pro

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.

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.

In 2024, around *** million Muslims lived in Italy. More than a quarter were ******** citizens, at ******* people, ahead of ******* Albanians and ******* Bangladeshis. ***** is the first most common religion of foreigners nationwide. The second-largest religion among immigrants living in Italy is the Christian Orthodox one, considering the large Romanian community residing in the country.

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.

In 2023, over ** percent of Indonesians declared themselves to be Muslim, followed by *** percent who were Christians. Indonesia has the largest Islamic population in the world and for this reason is often recognized as a Muslim nation. However, Indonesia is not a Muslim nation according to its constitution. The archipelago is a multifaith country and officially recognizes six religions – Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism. Not all provinces in Indonesia are Muslim majority The spread of Islam in Indonesia began on the west side of the archipelago, where the main maritime trade routes were located. Until today, most of the Indonesian Muslim population are residing in Western and Central Indonesia, while the majority religion of several provinces in Eastern Indonesia, such as East Nusa Tenggara and Bali, is Christian and Hindu, respectively. Discrimination towards other beliefs in Indonesia The Indonesian constitution provides for freedom of religion. However, the Government Restrictions Index Score on religion in Indonesia is relatively high. Indonesians who practice unrecognized religions, including Indonesia’s indigenous or traditional belief systems, such as animism, dynamism, and totemism, face legal restrictions and discrimination. Indonesian law requires its citizens to put one of the recognized religions on their national identity cards, with some exceptions for indigenous religions. Although legally citizens may leave the section blank, atheism or agnosticism is considered uncommon in Indonesia.

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.

In 2020, Mexico had a Muslim population of ***** people. Mexico City, with *****, was the state with the biggest Muslim community in the country. Mexico State was the only other federal entity with more than 1,000 Muslims.

In 2022, the Islamic banking assets in Iran amounted to ***** billion U.S. dollars. In the same year, the total Islamic banking assets amounted to ***** trillion U.S. dollars worldwide.

In 2021, Muslims around the world spent a total of *** trillion U.S. dollars across the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, fashion, travel, and media/recreation sectors. The global Muslim market has the potential to grow to about *** trillion dollars by 2025. The largest market for Muslim consumers is the halal food and beverage sector.

This statistic displays the distribution of Muslim tourists in South Korea in 2016, by country of origin. During the examined period, there were approximately ***** thousand Muslim visitors from Indonesia in South Korea.

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