According to the 2021 Australian census, 43.9 percent of Australians identified as Christian. By comparison, Islam and Buddhism both represented roughly five percent of the population respectively. Over a third of the population indicated that they had no religion, however this category also included secular and other spiritual beliefs.

When asked about their personal attitude towards various religions in Australia, 40 percent of Australians surveyed had a negative attitude towards Muslims. Buddhists appeared to be least likely to elicit negative responses and around 14 percent of respondents responded negatively to Christians.

 Islam in Australia

Muslims represent almost a quarter of the religious diversity in the Asia Pacific region and Australia’s neighbor, Indonesia, has the largest Muslim population in the world. In Australia, Islam is the second largest religious group but less than three percent of the population are Muslim, compared to over 50 percent of the population identifying as Christian. The Australian Muslim community is very diverse, consisting of migrants from Bangladesh, Lebanon, Turkey, as well as Australian-born Muslims of European heritage.

 Australians increasingly less religious

The 2016 Australian census revealed that an ever-increasing number of Australians are selecting “no religion” in the optional census question on religious affiliation. This drop in religious affiliation is a common trend in many economically developed countries, although some of Australia’s minority religions like Islam and Buddhism are still showing some growth. In contrast, Christianity appears to be declining, especially amongst people under the age of 35, an age group that also recorded higher numbers of people with no religion.

In 2021, there were around 150 thousand people aged 25 to 34 years old, who identified as Muslim in Australia. This is a rise of around 25 thousand people in that aged group who identified as Muslim from 2016.

In 2021, over 11 million people in Australia affiliated with Christianity, making it the leading religious affiliation among the Australian population that year. In the younger age groups, the number of people who affiliated with secular beliefs, other spiritual beliefs, and no religious affiliation was greater than those who affiliated with Christianity.

In the 2016 Australian census, women who identified with the Islamic faith had an average birth rate of 3.03 children by the age of 45 to 49 years. By comparison, Buddhist women had the lowest birth rate at 1.68.

The 1981 Census Local Government Area Summary File (LGASF) presents summary characteristics of persons and their dwellings for every Local Government Area (LGA) in Australia for 1981. The census information is made up of 34 tables giving data for both persons and dwellings.

This table contains data on religious denomination. Census counts were based on place of enumeration on census night which; includes overseas visitors; excludes Australians overseas; and excludes adjustment for under-enumeration. The data is by Local Government Area 1981 boundaries. Periodicity: 5-Yearly.

This data is ABS data (cat. no. 2103.0 & original geographic boundary cat. no. 1261.0.30.001) used with permission from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The tabular data was processed and supplied to AURIN by the Australian Data Archives. The cleaned, high resolution 1981 geographic boundaries are available from data.gov.au.

For more information please refer to "Making Sense of Census 1981".

Please note: Some LGAs were broken down into parts in the original LGA Summary File (e.g. CABONNE (S) (PART A), CABONNE (S) (PART B), CABONNE (S) (PART C)). AURIN has aggregated the data values for the LGA parts where this has occurred.

In 2023, 17 percent of those surveyed in Australia held a somewhat positive attitude towards Muslims. Eight percent of respondents had a very negative personal attitude towards Muslims, down from 17 percent in 2018.

The 1991 Census Basic Community profiles present 57 tables containing summary characteristics of persons and/or dwellings for Census Collection Districts (CD) in Australia.

This table contains data relating to religion by sex. Counts are of all persons, based on place of enumeration on census night which; includes overseas visitors; excludes Australians overseas; and excludes adjustment for under-enumeration. The data is by CD 1991 boundaries. Periodicity: 5-Yearly.

This data is ABS data (cat. no. 2101.0 & original geographic boundary cat. no. 1261.0.30.001) used with permission from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The tabular data was extracted from CDATA91 which was supplied to AURIN by the University of Melbourne. The cleaned, high resolution 1991 geographic boundaries are available from data.gov.au

For more information please refer to the 1991 Census Dictionary

Statistical Local Area (SLA) based data for Religion, 1986 census. Census counts were based on place of usual residence which; excludes overseas visitors; excludes Australians overseas; and excludes adjustment for under-enumeration. The data is by SLA 1986 boundaries. Periodicity: 5-Yearly.

This data is ABS data (original geographic boundary cat. no. 1261.0.30.001 & census dictionary cat. no. 2102.0) used with permission from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The tabular data was processed and supplied to AURIN by the Australian Data Archives. The cleaned, high resolution 1986 geographic boundaries are available from data.gov.au.

For more information please refer to the 1986 Census Dictionary.

The 1991 Census Basic Community profiles present 57 tables containing summary characteristics of persons and/or dwellings for Local Government Areas (LGA) in Australia.

This table contains data relating to religion by sex. Counts are of all persons, based on place of enumeration on census night which; includes overseas visitors; excludes Australians overseas; and excludes adjustment for under-enumeration. The data is by LGA 1991 boundaries. Periodicity: 5-Yearly.

This data is ABS data (cat. no. 2101.0 & original geographic boundary cat. no. 1261.0.30.001) used with permission from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The tabular data was processed and supplied to AURIN by the Australian Data Archives. The cleaned, high resolution 1991 geographic boundaries are available from data.gov.au.

For more information please refer to the 1991 Census Dictionary.

Please note:

• (a) Comprises 'Churches of Christ' and 'Churches of Christ Non-denominational'.

• (b) Comprises 'Presbyterian so described' and 'Reformed'.

• (c) Includes 'Humanist/Materialist'.

This document describes the background and methodology of four surveys under the general study title Issues in Multicultural Australia. The four surveys are: a general sample of the population; non-English speaking born immigrants in general (the NESB sample); persons born in Australia whose father or mother was born in a non-English speaking country (the second generation sample); and persons who migrated to Australia since July 1981 from non-English speaking countries (the new arrivals sample). The general of this study are: to examine multiculturalism as a policy, through the experience of Australians; as a set of beliefs, through their attitudes; and as an aspect of cultural maintenance, through their perceptions. The study concentrates on three broad themes. First, it examines the attitudes of the Australian and overseas born towards multiculturalism, focussing in particular on views about the maintenance of customs, ways of life and patterns of behaviour among immigrants. Second, the barriers which exist to providing full access and equity to overseas born groups are analysed, principally in the fields of education, jobs and in the provision of general health and welfare programmes and services. Third, the study looks at levels of participation in the social and political spheres in community, culture and work related organisations, and in the use of the political process to remedy problems and grievances. Separate sections of the questionnaire deal with the respondent's background - country of birth and parents' country of birth, father's occupation and educational level; language - English language ability, languages spoken, use of own language, ethnicity - identification with ethnic groups, government aid to such groups, religious observance; education - school leaving age, qualifications obtained, recognition of overseas qualifications, transition to employment; current job - job status, occupation , industry, working conditions, trade union membership, gross income, problems looking for work; spouse - country of birth, education and qualifications, occupation and industry, income and income sources; immigration - attitudes to immigration policy, opportunities for immigrants, social distance from various ethnic groups, and attitudes to authority; family and social networks - numbers of children, siblings in Australia, numbers of close friends in Australia, neighbours; citizenship - citizenship status, participation in political matters and interest in politics, trust in government; and multiculturalism - views on what multiculturalism means, and its importance to Australian society.

In 2021, almost 40 percent of Generation Z, or those aged 10 to 24 years at the time, were affiliated with Christianity in Australia. The largest share of Gen Z were not affiliated with any religion that year.

The 1981 Census Collection District Summary File (CDSF) presents summary characteristics of persons and their dwellings for every Collection District (CD) in Australia for 1981. The census information is made up of 34 tables giving data for both persons and dwellings. This table contains data on religious denomination. Census counts were based on place of enumeration on census night which; includes overseas visitors; excludes Australians overseas; and excludes adjustment for under-enumeration. The data is by Census Collection District 1981 boundaries. Periodicity: 5-Yearly. This data is ABS data (cat. no. 2103.0 & original geographic boundary cat. no. 1261.0.30.001) used with permission from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The tabular data was processed and supplied to AURIN by the Australian Data Archives. The cleaned, high resolution 1981 geographic boundaries are available from data.gov.au. For more information please refer to "Making Sense of Census 1981".

LGA based data for Religion by Sex, in Time Series Profile, 1996 Census. Count of all persons in 1986, 1991 and 1996 census years. T10 is broken up into two sections (T10A-T10B) this section covers ‘Census 1986 - anglican male’ - ‘Census 1996 - islam persons’. The data is by LGA 1996 boundaries. Periodicity: 5-Yearly. This data is ABS data (geographic boundary cat. no. 1261.0.30.001 & census dictionary cat. no. 2901.0) used with permission from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. For more information visit the ABS .

In 2021, just under 44 percent of people in Australia identified as belonging to a Christian faith. Almost 40 percent of people surveyed stated that they identified as having no religion.

The 1991 Census Expanded Community Profiles present 44 tables comprising more detailed information than that of the basic community profiles which provide characteristics of persons and/or dwellings for Local Government Areas (LGA) in Australia.

This table contains data relating to religion by age. Counts are of all persons, based on place of enumeration on census night which; includes overseas visitors; excludes Australians overseas; and excludes adjustment for under-enumeration. The data is by LGA 1991 boundaries. Periodicity: 5-Yearly.

This data is ABS data (cat. no. 2101.0 & original geographic boundary cat. no. 1261.0.30.001) used with permission from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The tabular data was processed and supplied to AURIN by the Australian Data Archives. The cleaned, high resolution 1991 geographic boundaries are available from data.gov.au.

For more information please refer to the 1991 Census Dictionary.

Please note:

• (a) Comprises 'Brethren' and 'Exclusive Brethren'.

• (b) Comprises 'Churches of Christ' and 'Churches of Christ Non-denominational'.

• (c) Comprises 'Latter Day Saints' and 'Latter Day Saints Reorganised'.

• (d) Comprises 'Presbyterian so described' and 'Reformed'.

• (e) Includes 'Humanist/Materialist'.

Regression model for trust in people with different religion in Australia.

In 2023, 22 percent of those surveyed in Australia held a very positive attitude towards Christians. Only seven percent had a very positive attitude towards Muslims in the same year.

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Halal Food Market Size 2025-2029

The halal food market size is forecast to increase by USD 355 billion, at a CAGR of 3.6% between 2024 and 2029.

The market exhibits significant growth, driven by increasing consumer expenditure on halal food and the expansion of the organized retail sector. However, challenges persist, including the threat of counterfeit halal food and food scams. This trend is particularly relevant to various sectors such as dairy food, pork-free alternatives, cosmetic products, waxes, seafood, fruits and vegetables, and confectionery. Consumers' growing awareness and demand for authentic halal products necessitate stringent regulations and certification processes. This market analysis report provides a comprehensive evaluation of these factors and their impact on the halal food industry.

What will be the Size of the Halal Food Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market, a significant segment of the global food industry, caters to consumers adhering to Islamic dietary laws. These laws prohibit the consumption of pork and alcohol, as well as foods contaminated with non-permissible substances. The market's growth is driven by the increasing global Muslim population and the rising demand for certified Halal products. Halal certification, ensuring compliance with Islamic law, is a critical factor influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Manufacturers produce a diverse range of products, including fruits and vegetables, dairy products, cereals and grains, confectionery, and meat. 
Traditional retailers, supermarkets and hypermarkets, and online retailers play crucial roles in the food supply chain, catering to the evolving preferences of Muslim buyers. The industry encompasses various sectors, including meat sales and grocery stores. Innovation continues to shape the market, with the introduction of plant-based alternatives, such as sunflower protein burgers, gaining popularity among consumers seeking ethical and sustainable food options. The market's future direction reflects the ongoing trend towards cleanliness, transparency, and convenience, as well as the growing demand for Halal-certified products in various food categories.

How is this Halal Food Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Halal MPS
  Halal BCC
  Halal FVN
  Halal beverages
  Others


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Type

  Organic
  Inorganic


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Middle East and Africa

    South Africa
    Egypt
    Nigeria


  Europe



  South America



  North America

By Product Insights

The halal MPS segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market encompasses a range of food products that adhere to Islamic dietary laws, primarily consisting of beef, lamb, goat, chicken, Turkey, and fish. This market can be segmented into fresh halal meat, poultry, and seafood (MPS); minimally processed halal MPS; and heavily processed halal MPS. Minimally processed halal MPS products maintain their natural characteristics, free from artificial additives or color. Heavily processed halal MPS include halal sausages, salami, corned beef, canned meat, poultry, and seafood, and frozen meat, poultry, and seafood. Halal certification ensures compliance with Islamic law, prohibiting the consumption of pork, alcohol, and non-permissible foods. Food manufacturers prioritize cleanliness, impurities, quality, and taste level to cater to Muslim buyers.

Halal certification is essential for meat, poultry, and seafood, as well as dairy products, cereals and grains, confectionery, and traditional retailers. Supermarkets and hypermarkets, online retailers, and food supply chain players offer a wide range of halal-certified products. Halal cuisine is a significant part of religious identity, emphasizing meals safety, hygiene, reliability, and nutritional benefits. Products include own-brand halal-ready meals, chicken arrabbiata, chicken hotpot, chicken jalfrezi, and chicken tikka masala, as well as meat and plant-based alternatives, such as sunflower protein, fava beans, and peas.

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The halal MPS segment was valued at USD 414.60 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 51% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

For more insights on the market size o

In 2021, there were around 1.7 million people aged between 25 and 34 years old who identified as having no religious affiliation. This included people with secular beliefs, other spiritual beliefs and no religious affliliation.