Christianity is the major religion in numerous African countries. As of 2024, around 96 percent of the population of Zambia was Christian, representing the highest percentage on the continent. Seychelles and Rwanda followed with roughly 95 percent and 94 percent of the population being Christian, respectively. While these countries present the highest percentages, Christianity was also prevalent in many other African nations. For instance, in South Africa, Christianity was the religion of nearly 85 percent of the people, while the share corresponded to 71 percent in Ghana. Religious variations across Africa Christianity and Islam are the most practiced religions in Africa. Christian adherents are prevalent below the Sahara, while North Africa is predominantly Muslim. In 2020, Christians accounted for around 60 percent of the Sub-Saharan African population, followed by Muslims with a share of roughly 30 percent. In absolute terms, there were approximately 650 million Christians in the region, a number forecast to increase to over one billion by 2050. In contrast, Islam is most prevalent in North Africa, being the religion of over 90 percent of the population in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya. Christianity in the world As opposed to other religions, Christianity is widely spread across continents worldwide. In fact, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe each account for around 25 percent of the global Christian population. By comparison, Asia-Pacific and North America make up 13 percent and 12 percent of Christians worldwide, respectively. In several regions, Christians also suffer persecution on religious grounds. Somalia and Libya presented the most critical situation in Africa in 2021, reporting the strongest suppression of Christians worldwide just after North Korea and Afghanistan.

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.

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.

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Halal Food Market Size 2025-2029

The halal food market size is valued to increase USD 355 billion, at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2024 to 2029. Increasing consumer expenditure on halal food will drive the halal food market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 51% growth during the forecast period.
By Product - Halal MPS segment was valued at USD 414.60 billion in 2023
By Distribution Channel - Offline segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 38.88 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 355.00 billion
CAGR from 2024 to 2029 : 3.6%

Market Summary

The market, valued at USD 1.1 trillion in 2020, represents a significant and growing segment within the global food industry. Driven by the increasing global Muslim population and rising consumer awareness and preference for halal food, this market is poised for continued expansion. Organized retail, including supermarkets and hypermarkets, is a key growth area for the market. These channels offer convenience, variety, and reliability, addressing consumers' demand for authentic and certified halal food products. However, the market also faces challenges, such as the proliferation of fake halal food and food scams, which undermine trust and threaten the industry's reputation.
To meet the growing demand for halal food and combat the issue of counterfeit products, market players are investing in certification and traceability systems. These initiatives not only help ensure the authenticity and quality of halal food products but also provide consumers with peace of mind and confidence in their purchases. The market's future direction lies in innovation, sustainability, and digitalization. Companies are exploring new product categories, such as plant-based and organic halal food, to cater to evolving consumer preferences. Additionally, the adoption of technology, such as blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI), is enabling greater transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain, ensuring the integrity and safety of halal food products.
In conclusion, the market's growth is underpinned by demographic trends, consumer preferences, and the evolving retail landscape. While challenges, such as the prevalence of fake halal food, require attention, the market's future looks promising, with opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and digitalization.

What will be the Size of the Halal Food Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Halal Food Market Segmented ?

The halal food industry research 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

  Middle East and Africa

    Egypt
    South Africa
    UAE


  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

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

The market, a significant and continually evolving sector, encompasses a range of products derived from halal-certified sources, primarily including beef, lamb, goat, chicken, Turkey, and fish. This market is divided into three main categories: fresh halal meat, poultry, and seafood (Minimal Processed Shelf-Stable, or MPS); minimally processed halal MPS, which excludes artificial additives or colorings and preserves the product's natural characteristics; and heavily processed halal MPS, which includes halal sausages, salami, corned beef, minute steak, Canned Meat, poultry, and seafood, and frozen meat, poultry, and seafood. Strict adherence to Islamic dietary guidelines is ensured through rigorous ingredient authenticity testing, slaughterhouse hygiene protocols, and supply chain traceability.

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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.

Religious compliance audits, process control systems, and microbial contamination control measures are implemented to maintain consumer confidence. The market prioritizes cleanliness and sanitation, adhering to international halal standards and food safety regulations. Product labeling regulations, packaging material compliance, and consumer protection measures are also crucial. Animal welfare standards, quality control procedures, and product lifecycle management are essential aspects of the halal food industry, with Waste Management strategies and ethical meat production further enhancing its sustainability. Approx