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

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.

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.

Muslim Ingredients Market Outlook

The global Muslim ingredients market size is projected to grow from USD 1.9 billion in 2023 to USD 3.5 billion by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The burgeoning Muslim population, coupled with increasing awareness and demand for halal-certified products, is a key growth factor driving this market.

The rising Muslim population globally is one of the primary drivers of the Muslim ingredients market. As of 2023, Muslims constitute about 24% of the worldÂ’s population, and this demographic is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. This growth is predominantly seen in regions such as the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. The increasing Muslim population naturally leads to a higher demand for halal products, including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. A deeper understanding and adherence to religious dietary laws have further solidified the importance of incorporating halal ingredients in daily consumption.

The surge in disposable income among Muslim consumers has also played a pivotal role in the market's expansion. Improved economic conditions in countries with significant Muslim populations, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, have led to increased spending on premium halal-certified products. This trend is particularly evident in the food and beverage sector, where consumers are willing to pay a premium for assurance of quality and compliance with Islamic dietary laws. Consequently, manufacturers are increasingly investing in halal certification and aligning their products with Islamic principles to tap into this lucrative market.

Technological advancements and innovation in the processing and certification of halal products have further bolstered market growth. The introduction of blockchain technology for halal certification ensures transparency, traceability, and authenticity, thus gaining consumer trust. Additionally, advancements in food science have enabled the development of new halal-friendly ingredients, expanding the range of available products. Companies investing in research and development are better positioned to cater to the evolving preferences of Muslim consumers and gain a competitive edge in the market.

Halal Food plays a pivotal role in the Muslim ingredients market, as it aligns with the religious and cultural practices of Muslim consumers. The demand for halal food is not only limited to Muslim-majority countries but is also gaining traction in regions with growing Muslim populations, such as Europe and North America. This trend is driven by the increasing awareness of halal food as a symbol of quality and ethical production, appealing to both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers. The assurance of halal certification provides consumers with confidence that the food products adhere to strict Islamic dietary laws, which is crucial for maintaining religious observance. As a result, food manufacturers are increasingly investing in halal certification to cater to this expanding market segment and capitalize on the growing demand for halal food products globally.

Regionally, the Asia-Pacific holds the largest market share, driven by countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, where the majority of the population adheres to Islamic dietary laws. North America and Europe are also witnessing increased demand for halal products, fueled by the growing Muslim immigrant population and rising awareness among non-Muslim consumers about the benefits of halal-certified products. The Middle East and Africa region, with its predominantly Muslim population, remains a critical market, contributing significantly to the global revenue.

Product Type Analysis

The product type segment of the Muslim ingredients market comprises halal meat, halal dairy products, halal beverages, halal confectionery, halal nutraceuticals, and others. Halal meat holds a significant share in this segment due to the stringent religious guidelines governing meat consumption in Islam. The demand for halal meat is particularly high in regions with large Muslim populations, such as the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. Companies are increasingly focusing on ensuring that their meat products are certified halal to cater to this growing demand. The advent of online meat delivery services has further propelled the growth of this segment.

Halal dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt, are another crucial segment that has see

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.

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.

The average for 2013 based on 11 countries was 0 percent. The highest value was in Argentina: 0 percent and the lowest value was in Argentina: 0 percent. The indicator is available from 1960 to 2013. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Religion and Bangladesh

Religion in Bangladesh is a sensitive issue, mostly because Bangladesh is officially a secular state but recognizes Islam as an official, state religion. Historically and doctrinally, Islamic scholars don’t accept nations that are secular because they think that religion, society and private life are all part of the great community they like to call ‘umma’.

The main religion in Bangladesh is Islam because it is practiced by almost 90 percent of the country’s population. The rest of 10 percent adhere to Hinduism. The type of Islam that is practiced in Bangladesh is Sunni Islam with a lot of Sufi influences. Sunni is the most numerous branch of Islam in the world. Countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia have Sunni majority populations. The Sufi practices that influence the Islamic religion in Bangladesh are commonly known as mysticism. Sufi followers are poor men that don’t eat, don’t drink and spend their days in deep prayer in order to achieve spiritual connection with God.

Bangladesh has the fourth largest Muslim population in the world, with over 130 million followers, right after Indonesia, Pakistan and India. In its constitution, Bangladesh is recognized as a secular state. For a short period of time, when Bangladesh was under Pakistani rule, Islam was made the state’s official religion. But the Supreme Court or High Court of Bangladesh ruled that Bangladesh must return to the principles of the 1972 constitution, meaning that it mustn’t have an official religion.

The problem with Islam gaining too much power in Bangladesh is that it unbalances the genders issues. Islamic edicts or fatwas have been issued mostly against women by religious courts as punishments for their nonreligious behavior. Global NGO’s are fighting such edicts in order to maintain a fair judgment when it comes to men and women. Bangladesh is a country where gender issues, as well as religious issues are very sensitive subjects.

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 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.

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.

In 2016, it was estimated that Birmingham had the largest Muslim population of any local authority in England and Wales at approximately 280 thousand people. Newham and Tower Hamlets, both boroughs of London, had the second and third-largest Muslim populations at 135 and 128 thousand respectively.

India Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Urban data was reported at 68,740,419.000 Person in 2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 49,393,496.000 Person for 2001. India Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Urban data is updated yearly, averaging 59,066,957.500 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 68,740,419.000 Person in 2011 and a record low of 49,393,496.000 Person in 2001. India Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Urban data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Census of India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Demographic – Table IN.GAE001: Census: Population: by Religion.

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...

Halal Food & Beverages Market Outlook

The global halal food and beverages market size is projected to rise significantly from $2 trillion in 2023 to approximately $3 trillion by 2032, growing at a robust CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. This growth is driven primarily by the increasing demand for halal-certified products among Muslim populations worldwide, as well as the rising awareness and acceptance of halal standards among non-Muslim consumers. The expansion of this market is further accelerated by a surge in disposable incomes in developing countries, coupled with an increasing inclination towards ethical consumerism and sustainable food production practices.

The primary growth factor propelling the halal food and beverages market is the burgeoning Muslim population globally. Representing nearly 25% of the world’s population, Muslims are increasingly seeking halal-certified options, driven by religious obligations and personal choices that emphasize purity, hygiene, and ethical treatment of animals. In addition, halal products have begun to attract non-Muslim consumers seeking products perceived as cleaner and safer, thus further expanding the market base. This trend is particularly noted in regions like North America and Europe, where the halal lifestyle is gaining traction not just as a religious requirement but as a lifestyle choice that resonates with health-conscious consumers.

Another significant growth driver is the enhanced regulatory support and certification processes that ensure the authenticity of halal products. Many countries with significant Muslim populations have established robust infrastructure for halal certification, which assures consumers of adherence to Islamic dietary laws. This certification not only increases consumer trust but also opens doors to international trade, as more countries recognize and respect these certifications. The harmonization of standards across countries, facilitated by organizations such as the Halal Development Corporation, has made it easier for producers to enter new markets and expand their reach, thus driving market growth.

The proliferation of e-commerce platforms has also played a pivotal role in the growth of the halal food and beverages market. Online retail channels have made it easier for consumers to access a wide array of halal-certified products, regardless of geographical limitations. This convenience, coupled with increasing internet penetration and smartphone usage, particularly in developing regions, has made online shopping a preferred choice for many consumers. For halal producers, e-commerce provides a cost-effective way to reach a broader audience, diversify their offerings, and enhance customer engagement through tailored marketing strategies and promotions.

Regionally, the Middle East and Asia Pacific are anticipated to dominate the halal food and beverages market, driven by large Muslim populations and established halal certification bodies. These regions are expected to witness substantial growth, with the Asia Pacific projected to register the highest CAGR over the forecast period. The growth in these regions can be attributed to rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and a strong cultural affinity towards halal-certified products. In contrast, North America and Europe are witnessing a gradual increase in halal product consumption, driven by an increasingly diverse population and a growing interest in ethical consumerism.

Product Type Analysis

The halal food and beverages market is segmented into several product types, including meat & alternatives, dairy products, beverages, bakery products, confectionery, and others. Among these, halal meat and alternatives hold a significant share due to the religious significance of halal meat consumption among Muslims. The demand for halal meat is not only prevalent in Muslim-majority countries but is also rising in Western nations where the Muslim population is growing. Halal meat and alternatives are preferred not only for religious adherence but also for the perceived higher standards of animal welfare and hygiene that halal certification demands.

Dairy products are another significant segment within the halal food and beverages market. The demand for halal-certified dairy products is driven by the need for products that comply with Islamic dietary laws, which prohibit certain animal-derived ingredients and additives commonly found in conventional dairy products. As a result, there is a growing focus on innovation in the halal dairy sector, with companies offering a range of products including milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice

Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Uttarakhand data was reported at 1,406,825.000 Person in 03-01-2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,012,141.000 Person for 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Uttarakhand data is updated decadal, averaging 1,209,483.000 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,406,825.000 Person in 03-01-2011 and a record low of 1,012,141.000 Person in 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Uttarakhand data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Demographic – Table IN.GAE003: Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim.