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.

In 2023, over 87 percent of Indonesians declared themselves to be Muslim, followed by 7.4 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.

Sikhism is a religion that originated on the Indian subcontinent during the fifteenth century. Sikhs follow the teachings of 'gurus', who descend from the first guru Guru Naruk who established the faith. Followers of Sikhism are monotheists, believing in only one god, and other core beliefs include the need to meditate, the importance of community and communal living, and the need to serve humanity selflessly (or 'seva'). Sikhism and the British Empire In total, there are around 26 million Sikhs worldwide, and over 24 million of these live in India. Outside of India, the largest Sikh populations are mostly found in former territories of the British Empire - the UK and Canada both have Sikh populations of over half a million people. Migration from India to other parts of the British Empire was high in the 19th century, due to the labor demands of relatively newer colonies, as well as those where slavery had been abolished. These countries also remain popular destinations for Sikh migrants today, as many are highly trained and English-speaking. Other regions with significant Sikh populations Italy also has a sizeable Sikh population, as many migrated there after serving there in the British Army during WWI, and they are now heavily represented in Italy's dairy industry. The Sikh population of Saudi Arabia is also reflective of the fact that the largest Indian diaspora in the world can now be found in the Middle East - this is due to the labor demands of the fossil fuel industries and their associated secondary industries, although a large share of Indians in this part of the world are there on a temporary basis.

Bible Study Software Market Outlook

The global Bible Study Software market size was valued at approximately USD 600 million in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 1 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is primarily driven by the increasing digitization and the growing popularity of digital religious materials among various user groups.

A significant factor contributing to the growth of the Bible Study Software market is the widespread adoption of digital tools for religious education and personal study. As technology becomes more integrated into daily life, religious communities are increasingly turning to software solutions to facilitate Bible study, making these tools indispensable. Digital platforms offer a variety of features such as search functionalities, cross-referencing, and multimedia integration, which enhance the overall study experience and make the text more accessible to users of all ages and backgrounds.

Additionally, the surge in remote learning and virtual gatherings, spurred by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has further accelerated the demand for Bible study software. Churches and educational institutions have had to adapt to new modes of teaching and community building, which has led to an increased reliance on digital solutions. This transition not only supports regular study but also fosters a sense of community among users who may be geographically dispersed, thus driving market growth.

Increasing smartphone penetration and internet accessibility are also crucial drivers for the Bible Study Software market. With a significant portion of the global population now owning smartphones and having consistent internet access, mobile and web-based applications for Bible study have seen a steep rise in usage. These platforms offer convenience and flexibility, allowing users to engage with religious texts anytime and anywhere, which is particularly appealing to younger demographics who are accustomed to digital media consumption.

Regionally, North America holds the largest share of the Bible Study Software market, driven by a high rate of technological adoption and a strong Christian demographic. Europe follows closely, with a growing interest in digital religious resources. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, owing to the increasing Christian population and rapid digitization in countries such as South Korea, India, and the Philippines. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America are also showing promising signs of growth, albeit at a slower pace compared to other regions.

Platform Analysis

The Bible Study Software market is segmented by platform into Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Web-based. The Windows segment currently dominates the market, largely due to the widespread use of personal computers running on Windows OS in homes, churches, and academic institutions. Windows-based software offers robust functionalities, including advanced search options, complex note-taking abilities, and seamless integration with other software, making it a preferred choice for serious Bible scholars and educators.

Mac users, although a smaller segment, represent a growing market share. The appeal of Mac-based Bible study software lies in its user-friendly interface and the seamless integration with other Apple products. The increasing popularity of Mac computers in academic and professional settings contributes to the growth of this segment. Developers are increasingly focusing on creating high-quality, Mac-compatible Bible study tools to cater to this niche but growing user base.

The iOS and Android segments are witnessing significant growth, driven by the proliferation of smartphones and tablets. Mobile-based Bible study applications offer unparalleled convenience, enabling users to study on the go. These apps often include features such as verse-of-the-day notifications, audio Bibles, and social sharing capabilities, which enhance user engagement and retention. Given the global trend toward mobile internet usage, the iOS and Android segments are expected to continue growing rapidly.

Web-based platforms are also gaining traction, particularly among users who prefer not to download software. These platforms offer flexibility and accessibility from any device with internet connectivity, making them an attractive option for occasional users and those who prioritize cross-device compatibility. Web-based

Middlesbrough’s current population was estimated to be 140,398 in 2016 by the Office of National Statistics (Mid-year population estimates 2016). With a total area of 5,387 hectares, Middlesbrough is the smallest and second most densely-populated local authority area in the north east. Significant changes in the population demographics of Middlesbrough since the 2001 Census highlight an increasingly diverse and ageing population in the town.Age[1]Middlesbrough has a younger population than both the national and regional averages, however there has been significant growth in the ageing population since Census 2001.20.58% of Middlesbrough’s resident population are Children and Young People aged 0 to 15 years. This is higher than the England rate of 19.05% and the north east rate of 17.74%.63.56% are ‘working age’ between 16 and 64 years. This is higher than both the England rate of 63.07% and the north east rate of 63.01%.15.90% are ‘older people’ aged over 65 years. This is lower than both the England rate of 17.88% and the north east rate of 19.25%.Gender [2]50.85% of Middlesbrough’s population were estimated to be female. This is in line with both the England rate of 50.60% and the north east rate of 50.92%49.15% of Middlesbrough’s population were estimated to be male. This is in line with the England rate of 49.40% and the north east rate of 49.08%.Women in Middlesbrough live longer than men, with 17.62% of women are aged over 65 years. This is lower than both the England rate of 19.75% and the north east rate of 21.43%The gender breakdown of Council employment figures is 70.57% women and 29.42% men. This is not reflective of the wider labour market figures of 47% and 53% respectively[3] though it is broadly comparable with the employment levels in other local authorities.[4]Sexual Orientation[5]Office for National Statistics has estimated that 94.6% of Middlesbrough’s population identify as heterosexual or straight, with 1.2% identifying as gay or lesbian, 0.4% identify as bisexual, as a result of the Annual Population Survey 2016. This is higher than the north east region and England.Ethnic Diversity[6]Middlesbrough is the most ethnically diverse local authority area in the Tees Valley, with a British Minority Ethnic population of 11.7% identified at Census 2011, an increase of 86% since 2001 and which is projected to grow further.88.18% of Middlesbrough’s resident population were classed as White (with various sub-groups) this was lower than the north east rate of 93.63% but higher than the England rate of 79.75%. Middlesbrough is the second most ethnically diverse local authority in the north east, behind Newcastle upon Tyne with 81.92% classed as White.7.78% were classed as Asian/Asian British (with sub-groups), this is higher than the north east rate of 2.87% but slightly lower albeit in lien with the England rate of 7.82%. Again, Middlesbrough is only behind Newcastle upon Tyne on this measure (9.67%), however has the highest percentage in the Tees Valley.1.71% of the population were identified as Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups (with sub-groups), this was higher than the north east rate of 0.86% but slower than the national rate of 2.25%. Middlesbrough had the highest percentage of this group in the north east.1.25% of the population were identified as Black/Africa/Caribbean/Black British, this was higher than the north east rate of 0.51% but lower than the England rate of 3.48%. Middlesbrough is only behind Newcastle upon Tyne on this measure (1.84%), however has the highest percentage in the Tees Valley.1.08% of the population were identified as Other Ethnic Group, this was higher than both the England rate of 1.03% and the north east rate of 0.43%. Middlesbrough is only behind Newcastle upon Tyne with 1.46%, however has the highest percentage in the Tees Valley.8.2% of Middlesbrough’s total population were born outside of the UK as at census 2011, this was lower than the England rate of 8.21% but almost double the north east rate of 4.95%. Middlesbrough has the highest percentage of residents born outside of the UK in the Tees Valley, however it is second behind Newcastle upon Tyne in the north east.15.74% of Asylum seekers in the north east were reported to be resident in Middlesbrough in the period October to December 2017 (Q4). Newcastle upon Tyne has the highest rate with 23.66%, followed by Stockton-on-Tees with 19.73%, this places Middlesbrough third in the north east and second in the Tees Valley.ONS reports a rise in the number of Non-British nationals per 1,000 of the resident population, with 51.1 in 2011 and 72.5 in 2015. This is higher than the north east with 27.7 rising to 34.3 and lower than England at 83.5 rising to 93.2Gender Identity[7]The Gender Identity Research & Education Society (GIRES) estimates that about 1% of the British population are gender nonconforming to some degree. The numbers of Trans boys and Trans girls are about equal. The number of people seeking treatment is growing every year.Based on GIRES estimate, around 1,400 members of Middlesbrough’s population could be gender nonconforming, however this is an estimate.Whilst there is a requirement for data on gender identity, there are currently no means for recording it. The Office for National Statistics is currently considering the addition of a question on Gender Identity for the 2021 Census, however at this time it is under consultation as to how it will be added and worded to best suit this group of the population.Religion and Belief71.59% of Middlesbrough’s resident population were identified as having religion in the 2011 census. This is higher than both England with 68.09% and the north east with 70.52%22.25% of the population were identified as having no religion, this was lower than both England with 24.74% and the north east with 23.40%.6.16% of the population did not state their religion, this was lower than England with 7.18%, but higher than the north east with 6.08%.63.23% of the population were identified as Christian, this was higher than England with 59.38% but lower than the north east with 67.52%.7.05% of the population were identified as Muslim, this was higher than both England with 5.02% and the north east with 1.80%. Middlesbrough has the highest Muslim population in the north east and the Tees Valley.The remaining proportion of the population were identified as Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Sikh and ‘Other religion’ each accounting for less than 1% of the population. This trend is seen in the England and north east averages.

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.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Islamic Financing market size will be 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 mo...

Guatemala was the most Christian country among those selected in the Latin America and Caribbean region, with 97.3 percent of its population following Christianity in 2023. The Baháʼí faith, which originates from the Middle East, and preaches the unity of all religions and all people, was present in both Bolivia and Panama. As for agnosticism, it had the most practitioners in Uruguay and Cuba.

The two countries with the greatest shares of the world's Jewish population are the United States and Israel. The United States had been a hub of Jewish immigration since the nineteenth century, as Jewish people sought to escape persecution in Europe by emigrating across the Atlantic. The Jewish population in the U.S. is largely congregated in major urban areas, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, with the New York metropolitan area being the city with the second largest Jewish population worldwide, after Tel Aviv, Israel. Israel is the world's only officially Jewish state, having been founded in 1948 following the first Arab-Israeli War. While Jews had been emigrating to the holy lands since the nineteenth century, when they were controlled by the Ottoman Empire, immigration increased rapidly following the establishment of the state of Israel. Jewish communities in Eastern Europe who had survived the Holocaust saw Israel as a haven from persecution, while the state encouraged immigration from Jewish communities in other regions, notably the Middle East & North Africa. Smaller Jewish communities remain in Europe in countries such as France, the UK, and Germany, and in other countries which were hotspots for Jewish migration in the twentieth century, such as Canada and Argentina.

The world's Jewish population has had a complex and tumultuous history over the past millennia, regularly dealing with persecution, pogroms, and even genocide. The legacy of expulsion and persecution of Jews, including bans on land ownership, meant that Jewish communities disproportionately lived in urban areas, working as artisans or traders, and often lived in their own settlements separate to the rest of the urban population. This separation contributed to the impression that events such as pandemics, famines, or economic shocks did not affect Jews as much as other populations, and such factors came to form the basis of the mistrust and stereotypes of wealth (characterized as greed) that have made up anti-Semitic rhetoric for centuries. Development since the Middle Ages The concentration of Jewish populations across the world has shifted across different centuries. In the Middle Ages, the largest Jewish populations were found in Palestine and the wider Levant region, with other sizeable populations in present-day France, Italy, and Spain. Later, however, the Jewish disapora became increasingly concentrated in Eastern Europe after waves of pogroms in the west saw Jewish communities move eastward. Poland in particular was often considered a refuge for Jews from the late-Middle Ages until the 18th century, when it was then partitioned between Austria, Prussia, and Russia, and persecution increased. Push factors such as major pogroms in the Russian Empire in the 19th century and growing oppression in the west during the interwar period then saw many Jews migrate to the United States in search of opportunity.

In the United Kingdom in 2020, a majority of respondents across all age groups believed in the existence of Jesus Christ, however most of these did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God. Additionally, 15 percent of respondents believe that Jesus was a fictional character. When responses are broken down by age, almost the same share of respondents aged 16-24 believed that Jesus was the Son of God as those who believed he was fictional, whereas older respondents were much more likely to believe Jesus was the Son of God. Belief in Jesus and his role varies widely, even across Abrahamic religions, however the modern scholarly consensus is that a Jewish religious leader named Jesus did exist in the Middle East around 2,000 years ago.