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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

Officially Taiwan has only 60,000 Muslim population, which constitutes only 0.2 % of the total population of Taiwan but many Muslims from countries like Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Turkey, Pakistan, India, and countries from Africa and the Middle East are part of the workforce which was estimated up to 254,000 in 2015. Interestingly, the number of local Muslims is less than those who came here to work or to study. There are about 7 mosques in Taiwan but it also has many other places where people can perform daily prayers.

"Between October 2011 and November 2012, Pew Research Center, with generous funding from The Pew Charitable Trusts and the John Templeton Foundation, conducted a public opinion survey involving more than 30,000 face-to-face interviews in 26 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The survey asked people to describe their religious beliefs and practices, and sought to gauge respondents; knowledge of and attitudes toward other faiths. It aimed to assess levels of political and economic satisfaction, concerns about crime, corruption and extremism, positions on issues such as abortion and polygamy, and views of democracy, religious law and the place of women in society.

"Although the surveys were nationally representative in most countries, the primary goal of the survey was to gauge and compare beliefs and attitudes of Muslims. The findings for Muslim respondents are summarized in the Religion & Public Life Project's reports The World's Muslims: Unity and Diversity and The World's Muslims: Religion, Politics and Society, which are available at www.pewresearch.org. [...] This dataset only contains data for Muslim respondents in the countries surveyed. Please note that this codebook is meant as a guide to the dataset, and is not the survey questionnaire." (2012 Pew Religion Worlds Muslims Codebook)

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.

The graph shows the changes in the impact factor of ^ and its corresponding percentile for the sake of comparison with the entire literature. Impact Factor is the most common scientometric index, which is defined by the number of citations of papers in two preceding years divided by the number of papers published in those years.

This dataset contains a collection of images showcasing some of the world's most popular mosques. With a total of six folders, each dedicated to a specific mosque, this dataset provides a diverse visual exploration of these architectural wonders.

Data Collection I scraped the data from different websites using Selenium and Beautiful Soup then I filtered them to select suitable images. You can look at the scraping codes here.

Folders: - Al-Haram Mosque, Mecca 🇸🇦 - Prophet's Mosque, Madinah 🇸🇦 - Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem 🇵🇸 - Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo 🇪🇬 - Umayyad Mosque, Damascus 🇸🇾 - Qolsharif, Kazan 🇷🇺

Contents: - High-resolution images capturing the intricate details and grandeur of each mosque. - Diverse angles and perspectives showcasing the architecture, interiors, and surroundings. - Aesthetic shots capturing the spiritual essence and cultural significance of these landmarks.

Potential Use Cases: - Research and analysis in the fields of architecture, art, and cultural studies. - Educational materials for students learning about Islamic architecture and history. - Visual content for travel guides, tourism promotions, and cultural exhibitions. - Explore the beauty and diversity of these iconic mosques through this comprehensive image dataset. - Implement ML algorithms to classify the mosques.

This statistic displays the projected Muslim population proportions in selected European countries in 2050, by scenario. In 2010 the proportion of Muslims in the population of Germany was *** percent, compared with *** percent in the UK and *** percent in France. Depending on the different migration scenarios estimated here, Germany's share of Muslims in the population could rise up to **** percent of it's population by 2050, higher than both the UK and France, with projected Muslim populations of **** and ** percent respectively.

Religious Populations Worldwide

Religious Populations Worldwide by Year and Category

By Throwback Thursday [source]

About this dataset

The dataset includes data on Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Shintoism, Baha'i Faith, Taoism, Confucianism, Jainism and various other syncretic and animist religions. For each religion or denomination category, it provides both the total population count and the percentage representation in relation to the overall population.

Additionally, - Columns labeled with Population provide numeric values representing the total number of individuals belonging to a particular religion or denomination. - Columns labeled with Percent represent numerical values indicating the percentage of individuals belonging to a specific religion or denomination within a given population. - Columns that begin with ** indicate primary categories (e.g., Christianity), while columns that do not have this prefix refer to subcategories (e.g., Christianity - Roman Catholics).

In addition to providing precise data about specific religions or denominations globally throughout multiple years,this dataset also records information about geographical locations by including state or country names under StateNme.

This comprehensive dataset is valuable for researchers seeking information on global religious trends and can be used for analysis in fields such as sociology, anthropology studies cultural studies among others

How to use the dataset

Introduction:

• Understanding the Columns:

• Year: Represents the year in which the data was recorded.

• StateNme: Represents the name of the state or country for which data is recorded.

• Population: Represents the total population of individuals.

• Total Religious: Represents the total percentage and population of individuals who identify as religious, regardless of specific religion.

• Non Religious: Represents the percentage and population of individuals who identify as non-religious or atheists.

• Identifying Specific Religions: The dataset includes columns for different religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. Each religion is further categorized into specific denominations or types within that religion (e.g., Roman Catholics within Christianity). You can find relevant information about these religions by focusing on specific columns related to each one.

• Analyzing Percentages vs. Population: Some columns provide percentages while others provide actual population numbers for each category. Depending on your analysis requirement, you can choose either column type for your calculations and comparisons.

• Accessing Historical Data: The dataset includes records from multiple years allowing you to analyze trends in religious populations over time. You can filter data based on specific years using Excel filters or programming languages like Python.

• Filtering Data by State/Country: If you are interested in understanding religious populations in a particular state or country, use filters to focus on that region's data only.

Example - Extracting Information:

Let's say you want to analyze Hinduism's growth globally from 2000 onwards:

• Identify Relevant Columns:
• Year: to filter data from 2000 onwards.

• Hindu - Total (Percent): to analyze the percentage of individuals identifying as Hindus globally.

• Filter Data:

• Set a filter on the Year column and select values greater than or equal to 2000.

• Look for rows where Hindu - Total (Percent) has values.

• Analyze Results: You can now visualize and calculate the growth of Hinduism worldwide after filtering out irrelevant data. Use statistical methods or graphical representations like line charts to understand trends over time.

Conclusion: This guide has provided you with an overview of how to use the Rel

Research Ideas

• Comparing religious populations across different countries: With data available for different states and countries, this dataset allows for comparisons of religious populations across regions. Researchers can analyze how different religions are distributed geographically and compare their percentages or total populations across various locations.
• Studying the impact of historical events on religious demographics: Since the dataset includes records categorized by year, it can be used to study how historical events such as wars, migration, or political changes have influenced religious demographics over time. By comparing population numbers before and after specific events, resea...

Halal Tourism Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global halal tourism market size reached USD 255.4 billion in 2024, demonstrating robust expansion driven by increasing demand for travel experiences that accommodate Islamic principles. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2025 to 2033, with the market size expected to reach USD 548.2 billion by 2033. This growth is primarily fueled by the rising disposable incomes of Muslim travelers, the proliferation of halal-friendly travel services, and growing awareness among travel operators about the unique needs of this demographic.

One of the most significant growth factors for the halal tourism market is the expanding Muslim population worldwide, which is estimated to surpass 2.2 billion by 2030. This burgeoning demographic not only represents a substantial segment of the global travel market but also exhibits a strong preference for travel experiences that align with their religious values. The demand for halal-compliant services, such as prayer facilities, halal food options, and gender-segregated recreational amenities, is prompting travel operators and destinations to adapt their offerings. Furthermore, the increasing number of Muslim-majority countries investing in tourism infrastructure, coupled with government-led initiatives to promote halal tourism, is accelerating market growth.

Another key driver is the digital transformation within the travel industry, which has made it significantly easier for Muslim travelers to access and book halal-friendly services. Online travel agencies (OTAs) and specialized booking platforms now offer detailed information on halal amenities, making the travel planning process more transparent and convenient. The proliferation of travel blogs, social media influencers, and review platforms that cater specifically to halal tourism has also played a pivotal role in raising awareness about destinations and services that cater to Islamic requirements. This digital shift not only enhances customer experience but also enables service providers to reach a broader, tech-savvy audience.

The evolving preferences of younger travelers, particularly millennials and Generation Z, are also shaping the future of the halal tourism market. These cohorts are more adventurous, digitally connected, and open to exploring new destinations, provided their religious needs are met. Their influence is prompting the tourism industry to innovate and diversify its offerings, from halal adventure tourism to wellness retreats and eco-friendly travel options. Moreover, the growing emphasis on personalized travel experiences, coupled with a strong focus on authenticity and cultural immersion, is driving demand for unique halal travel packages that go beyond traditional pilgrimage or family vacations.

From a regional perspective, Asia Pacific continues to dominate the halal tourism market, accounting for the largest share in 2024. This leadership is underpinned by the presence of major Muslim-majority countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia, both of which have invested heavily in positioning themselves as premier halal-friendly destinations. The Middle East, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, remains a key market due to its religious significance and luxury tourism offerings. Meanwhile, Europe and North America are witnessing steady growth, driven by increasing awareness and the rising number of Muslim travelers from both local and international communities. Latin America and Africa are emerging as new frontiers, with governments and private players recognizing the untapped potential of halal tourism in these regions.

Service Type Analysis

The service type segment in the halal tourism market encompasses accommodation, transportation, food & beverage, travel packages, and others, each playing a vital role in shaping the overall travel experience for Muslim tourists. Accommodation remains the cornerstone of halal tourism, with hotels and resorts increasingly adopting halal certification, offering prayer facilities, and ensuring the availability of halal food within their premises. The demand for halal-compliant accommodation has led to the emergence of exclusive halal hotel brands and the adaptation of mainstream hotel chains to cater to this segment. These establishments are not only focusing on religious requirements but also on providing luxury, comfort, and family-friendly environments, thereby broadening their ap

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Islamic Financing market size was USD 2514.2 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.50% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market of more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1005.68 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a share of over 30% of the global market size of USD 754.26 million.
Asia Pacific held the market of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 578.27 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5% from 2024 to 2031.
The Latin American market will account for more than 5% of global revenue and have a market size of USD 125.71 million in 2024. It will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9% from 2024 to 2031.
The Middle East and Africa held the major markets, accounting for around 2% of the global revenue. The market was USD 50.28 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2% from 2024 to 2031.
The Individual held the highest Islamic Financing market revenue share in 2024.

Market Dynamics of Islamic Financing Market

Key Drivers of Islamic Financing Market

Growing Muslim Population to Increase the Demand Globally

The growing Muslim population globally is expected to significantly increase the demand for Islamic financial products and services in the coming years. With Muslims comprising a substantial portion of the world's population, estimated to reach nearly 30% by 2050 according to demographic projections, there is a natural market for Sharia-compliant banking and investment solutions. As incomes rise and financial literacy improves in Muslim-majority countries and beyond, more individuals and businesses are seeking financial services that align with their religious beliefs and ethical values. Moreover, the increasing affluence and urbanization among Muslim populations contribute to a greater demand for sophisticated financial products, including Islamic mortgages, savings accounts, and investment funds. This growing demand is wider than in Muslim-majority countries. Still, it extends to Muslim communities and individuals residing in non-Muslim-majority countries, as well as non-Muslims who are attracted to the ethical principles and risk-sharing mechanisms inherent in Islamic finance.

Economic Development in Muslim-majority Countries to Propel Market Growth

Economic development in Muslim-majority countries is poised to propel significant growth within the Islamic finance market. As these countries experience robust economic growth, driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and natural resource wealth, a corresponding demand for sophisticated financial services that comply with Islamic principles emerges. This demand stems from both individuals and businesses seeking ethical and Sharia-compliant financial solutions to meet their diverse needs. Moreover, the expanding middle class within these countries signifies an increasing appetite for diverse banking and investment products, including Islamic mortgages, savings accounts, and investment funds. As disposable incomes rise and financial literacy improves, more people are turning towards Islamic finance as a viable alternative to conventional banking, recognizing its alignment with their religious beliefs and ethical values.

Restraint Factors Of Islamic Financing Market

Limited Product Offering to Limit the Sales

The limited product offering within the Islamic finance market poses a significant challenge, potentially constraining sales and market growth. Compared to conventional banking, Islamic finance products and services are often more specialized and may only cover part of the spectrum of financial needs for individuals and businesses. This limited range of options can deter potential customers who require a broader array of financial solutions. One of the primary reasons for the limited product offering is the adherence to Sharia principles, which prohibit certain financial activities such as interest (riba) and speculative transactions (gharar). While Islamic finance emphasizes ethical and socially responsible investing, it also imposes constraints on product innovation and development, particularly in areas where conventional finance has more f...

This Religion and State-Minorities (RASM) dataset is supplemental to the Religion and State Round 2 (RAS2) dataset. It codes the RAS religious discrimination variable using the minority as the unit of analysis (RAS2 uses a country as the unit of analysis and, is a general measure of all discrimination in the country). RASM codes religious discrimination by governments against all 566 minorities in 175 countries which make a minimum population cut off. Any religious minority which is at least 0.25 percent of the population or has a population of at least 500,000 (in countries with populations of 200 million or more) are included. The dataset also includes all Christian minorities in Muslim countries and all Muslim minorities in Christian countries for a total of 597 minorities. The data cover 1990 to 2008 with yearly codings.

These religious discrimination variables are designed to examine restrictions the government places on the practice of religion by minority religious groups. It is important to clarify two points. First, these variables focus on restrictions on minority religions. Restrictions that apply to all religions are not coded in this set of variables. This is because the act of restricting or regulating the religious practices of minorities is qualitatively different from restricting or regulating all religions. Second, this set of variables focuses only on restrictions of the practice of religion itself or on religious institutions and does not include other types of restrictions on religious minorities. The reasoning behind this is that there is much more likely to be a religious motivation for restrictions on the practice of religion than there is for political, economic, or cultural restrictions on a religious minority. These secular types of restrictions, while potentially motivated by religion, also can be due to other reasons. That political, economic, and cultural restrictions are often placed on ethnic minorities who share the same religion and the majority group in their state is proof of this.

This set of variables is essentially a list of specific types of religious restrictions which a government may place on some or all minority religions. These variables are identical to those included in the RAS2 dataset, save that one is not included because it focuses on foreign missionaries and this set of variables focuses on minorities living in the country. Each of the items in this category is coded on the following scale:

0. The activity is not restricted or the government does not engage in this practice.
1. The activity is restricted slightly or sporadically or the government engages in a mild form of this practice or a severe form sporadically.
2. The activity is significantly restricted or the government engages in this activity often and on a large scale.

A composite version combining the variables to create a measure of religious discrimination against minority religions which ranges from 0 to 48 also is included.

ARDA Note: This file was revised on October 6, 2017. At the PIs request, we removed the variable reporting on the minority's percentage of a country's population after finding inconsistencies with the reported values. For detailed data on religious demographics, see the "/data-archive?fid=RCSREG2" Target="_blank">Religious Characteristics of States Dataset Project.