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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

PurposeRanking of nations by medal tally is a popular feature of the Olympics, but such ranking is a poor measure of sporting prowess or engagement until the tallies are adjusted for major factors beyond the control of individual nations. Here we estimate and adjust for effects of total population, economy expressed as gross domestic product per capita, absolute latitude and Muslim population proportion on total medal counts in female, male, mixed and all events at the Pyeongchang winter and Tokyo summer Olympics and Paralympics.MethodsThe statistical model was multiple linear over-dispersed Poisson regression. Population and economy were log-transformed; their linear effects were expressed in percent per percent units and evaluated in magnitude as the factor effects of two between-nation standard deviations (SD). The linear effect of absolute latitude was expressed and evaluated as the factor effect of 30° (approximately 2 SD). The linear effect of Muslim proportion was expressed as the factor effect of 100% vs. 0% Muslim. Nations were ranked on the basis of actual vs. predicted all-events medal counts.ResultsAt the Pyeongchang Olympics, effects of population and economy were 0.7–0.8 %/% and 1.1–1.7 %/% (welldefined extremely large increases for 2 SD), factor effects of 30° of latitude were 11–17 (welldefined extremely large increases), and factor effects of 100% Muslim population were 0.08–0.69 (extremely large to moderate reductions, albeit indecisive). Effects at the Tokyo Olympics were similar in magnitude, including those of latitude, which were surprisingly still positive although diminished (large to very large increases). Effects at the Pyeongchang and Tokyo Paralympics were generally similar to those at the Olympics, but the effects of economy were diminished (large to very large increases). After adjustment of medal tallies for these effects, nations that reached the top-10 medalists in both winter games were Austria, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Slovakia and Ukraine, but only Azerbaijan reached the top-10 in both summer games.ConclusionAdjusting medal counts for demographic and geographic factors provides a comparison of nations' sporting prowess or engagement that is more in keeping with the Olympic ideal of fair play and more useful for nations' Olympic-funding decisions.

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.

Islamic Finance Market Size

The global Islamic Finance market is anticipated to expand rapidly, reaching an estimated value of USD 12.5 Trillion by 2033, up from USD 2.2 Trillion in 2023. This remarkable growth reflects a strong CAGR of 18.4% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2033. The expansion of the market is being driven by rising global interest in Sharia-compliant financial products, supported by growing populations in Muslim-majority countries and increased awareness of ethical finance principles.

In 2024, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region maintained a commanding lead in the Islamic Finance sector, capturing over 53.4% of the global market, with revenues reaching approximately USD 1.1 Trillion. This dominance is strongly supported by deep-rooted cultural alignment, well-established Islamic banking institutions, and supportive regulatory frameworks in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia.

As highlighted by Global Finance Magazine, the Islamic finance industry has reached a valuation of USD 3.9 trillion, with a presence in more than 80 countries, yet it remains highly concentrated, with nearly 95% of all Sharia-compliant assets held within just 10 markets. This geographic concentration underscores the pivotal role of a few economies in shaping the direction and growth of the global Islamic finance sector.

Saudi Arabia and Iran collectively dominate the industry, each accounting for an estimated 25% to 30% of total global assets. These two countries serve as anchors for Islamic financial activity, driven by longstanding institutional frameworks, deep-rooted religious practices, and government-backed Islamic banking systems. Malaysia, widely regarded as a global leader in Islamic capital markets, holds approximately 12% of total Sharia-compliant assets, supported by progressive regulation and innovation in sukuk issuance and halal investment products.

The United Arab Emirates maintains a strong foothold with around 10%, leveraging its position as a regional financial hub. Other key contributors include Kuwait and Qatar, each with about 5.5%, and Türkiye and Bahrain, with 3.5% apiece. Indonesia and Pakistan, despite their large Muslim populations, represent a smaller share - roughly 2% each - due to slower adoption and regulatory evolution.

Over the past decade, the Islamic finance sector has achieved an average annual growth rate of 10%, reflecting consistent demand for ethical, interest-free financial solutions. According to the 2023 State of Global Islamic Economy report, the total value of Islamic finance assets is projected to rise to approximately USD 5.95 trillion by 2026. However, this trajectory is highly dependent on the economic resilience and political stability of the aforementioned top 10 countries, which will remain central to the industry's global footprint in the coming years.

The project had two main dimensions: the first is theoretical and the second is empirical, focusing on three case studies (Moscow, Tatarstan and Dagestan). The theoretical aspect of the project examines two main sets of questions: First, how the general concepts of extremism and moderation, and the associated concept of radicalization, are understood in the Russian context. How is radicalization linked to identity politics(ethnicity, nationalism and religion) and radical ideological movements? Second, how these concepts - moderation, extremism, and radicalization- applied in discourses and policies towards Muslim communities in Russia? What are the presumed internal and external influences? What are the comparisons and links with elite discourse in other European countries with significant Muslim communities, such as UK and France? The empirical aspect of the project examines how these general concepts and approaches help to illuminate and explains developments in regions of Russian where there exist sizeable Muslim communities. The three case studies chosen include a) the city of Moscow, where it is estimated that there are 1-2 million Muslims, representing at least 10% of the population; b) Tatarstan, which has an ethnic Tatar Muslim plurality and which is often taken to be the best example of the influence of moderate Islam; c) Dagestan, which is regularly taken to be the region with the greatest potential danger, apart form Chechnya, of Islamic radicalization. The dataset was originally intended to include transcriptions of elite interviews which would have been in the format of elite interview-audio files. However, as we warned might be the case, it did not prove possible to gain consent to recording the interviews. This project investigates the causes of Islamic radicalisation within Russia and their consequences for Russia's relevant domestic policies (for example ethnic, regional, immigration policies, and domestic democratisation), as well as its foreign policy response towards the Muslim world in the context of the global 'War on Terror'. There are four principal research questions:(1) How Russian policy-making and academic elites conceptualise the idea of 'radicalisation' and political violence. (2) How these discourses are translated into state practice and policy. (3) How these state-driven practices feed or undermine underlying processes of radicalisation. (4) How Russia's domestic context of combating radicalisation drives its foreign policy. The project methodology includes a discourse analysis of academic and journalistic writings and three regional case studies of Russian state policy towards Islam (Moscow, Tatarstan and Dagestan). Each case study relies on discourse analysis of public and media approaches, content analysis of relevant legal and state policy documents, and semi-structured elite interviews. The project co-ordinators will work with local institutes in Russia and will invite scholars from these institutes to the UK as research fellows. The project findings will be disseminated by four journal articles, policy briefings and a co-authored monograph. The interviews were in semi-structured format. Unfortunately, consent was not obtained for audio recording of the interviews. There were 20 principal interviews with Russian elites in academia and politics and among Muslim communities in Russia; in Moscow, Tatarstan and Dagestan.

Islamic Clothing Market Outlook

The global Islamic clothing market size is projected to witness substantial growth from 2023 to 2032, with market figures standing at approximately USD 100 billion in 2023 and expected to reach USD 170 billion by 2032, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 6%. The increasing demand for modest fashion across the globe acts as a significant growth driver for the Islamic clothing market. This segment of the fashion industry has seen a surge in popularity, not only among Muslim populations but also among non-Muslims who appreciate the aesthetic and ethical aspects of modest fashion.

One of the primary growth factors for the Islamic clothing market is the rising preference for modest attire influenced by cultural and religious sentiments. This is particularly prevalent among Muslim-majority countries but is also gaining traction in Western countries where multiculturalism and diversity are celebrated. There is an increasing tendency among Muslim women to balance their religious traditions with modern fashion trends, leading to a higher demand for contemporary designs in Islamic clothing. The fashion industry has also seen a shift towards inclusivity and diversity, with many mainstream brands launching modest fashion lines, thereby reaching a broader audience.

The internet and social media platforms have played a crucial role in influencing the growth of the Islamic clothing market. With the increasing penetration of smartphones and the internet, consumers now have easier access to a variety of styles and trends from around the world. Influencers and fashion bloggers focusing on modest fashion have amplified the reach of Islamic clothing, encouraging a more expansive audience to explore this segment. This digital exposure helps bridge the gap between traditional and modern fashion, making Islamic clothing more mainstream and accessible.

Economic growth in key markets with significant Muslim populations is also contributing to the market's expansion. Countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa are experiencing higher disposable incomes, leading to increased spending on fashion and lifestyle products, including Islamic clothing. Additionally, tourism has also played a role, where travelers visiting Muslim-majority regions tend to purchase local attire as part of their cultural experience, further boosting the market.

From a regional perspective, the Middle East and Africa hold a prominent share of the Islamic clothing market, driven by a large Muslim population and strong cultural ties to traditional attire. However, North America and Europe are projected to witness significant growth due to the increasing acceptance and popularity of modest fashion among diverse populations. Asia Pacific, with its large Muslim demographic in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, continues to offer lucrative opportunities for market players. These regions are expected to exhibit varying growth rates, with regions such as Asia Pacific showcasing higher CAGR owing to its growing population and increasing urbanization.

Product Type Analysis

The Islamic clothing market encompasses a diverse range of product types, including abayas, hijabs, thobes, kaftans, and others. Abayas, primarily worn in the Middle East, have evolved from traditional wear to fashion statements, incorporating modern designs and fabrics. Fashion designers are innovating with abayas, integrating contemporary styles while maintaining their modest appeal. This ongoing evolution is making abayas popular not only in the Middle Eastern countries but also among Muslim women worldwide who seek modest yet stylish attire.

Hijabs, another significant segment, have seen a surge in demand due to the increasing number of women embracing this form of headscarf as a part of their daily attire. The hijab market has expanded with an array of styles, colors, and fabrics, catering to the diverse preferences of Muslim women. The growing awareness and acceptance of hijabs in non-Muslim countries have further propelled their demand. Brands are increasingly launching hijab lines, recognizing the economic potential and cultural significance of this product type.

Thobes, traditionally worn by men in Arab countries, are now gaining attention as lifestyle fashion. They are known for their comfort and simplicity, and recent trends have seen thobes being adapted for casual and formal occasions alike. The design innovations in thobes are making them appealing to younger generations who are keen on preserving cultural attire w

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 Islamic finance market, encompassing Islamic banking, Takaful (Islamic insurance), Sukuk (Islamic bonds), and other Islamic financial institutions (OIFIs), is experiencing robust growth, projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 10% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. The increasing global Muslim population, coupled with a rising awareness and acceptance of Sharia-compliant financial products, fuels significant demand. Furthermore, supportive government policies in many Muslim-majority countries actively promote the development of their Islamic finance sectors, creating a favorable regulatory environment. Technological advancements, such as the growth of fintech solutions tailored to Islamic finance principles, are also contributing to market expansion by improving accessibility and efficiency. Diversification within the industry, particularly the growth of Islamic funds and the increasing complexity of Sukuk instruments, further broadens the market appeal. While the market faces challenges such as fluctuating oil prices ( impacting some key regional economies), and potential regulatory hurdles in certain jurisdictions, these are largely outweighed by the positive growth drivers. The geographical distribution reveals strong concentration in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, but significant opportunities exist for growth in Southeast Asia and other regions with substantial Muslim populations. Major players such as Dubai Islamic Bank, National Commercial Bank Saudi Arabia, and others are leading this expansion, both organically and through strategic mergers and acquisitions. The long-term outlook remains positive, suggesting continued expansion and diversification within the Islamic finance landscape over the next decade. Recent developments include: January 2023: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has increased its ownership in ADIB Egypt to more than 52%. The UAE-based bank has acquired 9.6 million shares from the National Investment Bank (NIB), representing 2.4% of ADIB Egypt's share capital, the bank told the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). The deal has raised ADIB UAE's ownership in the Egyptian unit to 52.607%., July 2022: The Islamic banking group Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has agreed to buy Bahrain-based peer Ahli United Bank (AUB) through a share swap deal. With 115 billion USD in assets, the new bank is expected to be the seventh largest in the Gulf region. According to the revised terms, the Kuwaiti lender will offer one share for every 2.695 shares of Ahli United, implying an offer price of USD 1.04 per share.. Notable trends are: Malaysia is the top Score Value for Islamic Finance Development Indicator.

Snapshot img { margin: 10px !important; }

Sukuk market size

Market research analysts at Technavio have predicted that the global Sukuk market will grow steadily during the forecast period and will post a CAGR of more than 8% by 2020. This market research analysis identifies the diversification of investment pattern in emerging countries as one of the primary growth factors for this market.

Many Islamic banking institutions have already started seeking strategic partnerships with foreign financial institutions to step up expansions in foreign countries and also benefit from opportunities in untapped markets. The rising disposable incomes have also encouraged more people to invest in Shariah-compliant products. Moreover, the increasing competition, the growing demand with greater sophistication, and innovation in products and services will also add to the growth of the market.

Islamic finance products like Sukuk are considered unique in the financial sector. Mature and developing Islamic markets are facing shortages in technical expertise in terms of product innovation and in driving sales. The establishment of Islamic finance products in different geographies will help target both Muslim and non-Muslim populations, under the guidance of Muslim scholars. This will create a rise in the awareness for providing globally accepted qualifications that will help industry professionals to develop their professional careers. Also, the market will also witness a number of outsourcing and white labeling activities.

Sukuk market share: Competitive landscape and key vendors

The market is characterized by the presence of several well-established and regional vendors. Owing to their favorable demographics and strong macroeconomic fundamentals, the South East Asian countries hold the maximum potential for growth in Islamic products. To enhance the operating model, to attract large numbers of depositors, and to expand its credit services, vendors in the industry have the need to customize their products. Vendors will also start creating separate MSME (micro small and medium enterprises) business units to develop private equity and venture capital practices and will also deduce strategic moves to enhance the current clientele. Islamic banks will also start focusing on expanding their channel capabilities to offer customized products and services.

The leading vendors in the market

• Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
• Al Baraka Bank
• Al Rajhi Bank
• Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC
• HSBC
• Kuwait Finance House
• Maybank Islamic Berhad
• Qatar International Islamic Bank
• Samba

Sukuk market growth based on geographical segmentation

• South East Asia
• Middle East
• ROW

This market study estimates that in terms of geography South East Asia will account for more than 76% of the total share of the market by 2020 and will also dominate this market throughout the forecast period. Sukuk bonds are expected to perform well during the predicted period and will result in attracting foreign issuers from different regions. Also, Sukuk is based on asset-based securitization methods, and this will make it ideal to finance highway networks, new ports, and other infrastructure projects in the coming years.

Sukuk market growth drivers, challenges, and upcoming trends

Modern banking customers often transact online and also use the cyber domain to relate their user experience. This will induce Islamic banking and financial institutions to invest in analytics to offer their customers with better user experience and cust

This article examines portrayals of Muslim women in US news media. I test two hypotheses derived from theories of gendered orientalism. First, US news coverage of women abroad is driven by confirmation bias. Journalists are more likely to report on women living in Muslim and Middle Eastern countries if their rights are violated but report on women in other societies when their rights are respected. Second, stories about Muslim women emphasize the theme of women's rights violations and gender inequality, even for countries with relatively good records of women's rights. Stories about non-Muslim women, on the other hand, emphasize other topics. I test these hypotheses on data from thirty-five years of New York Times and Washington Post reporting using a structural topic model along with statistical analysis. The results suggest that US news media propagate the perception that Muslims are distinctly sexist. This, in turn, may shape public attitudes toward Muslims, as well as influence policies that involve Muslims at home and abroad.

Kenya had a Muslim population of roughly 5.6 million people, according to the last country census conducted in 2019. Nearly 50 percent of individuals adhering to Islam lived in the Northern-East counties of Mandera (856.5 thousand people), Garissa (815.8 thousand people), and Wajir (767.3 thousand people). Overall, around 10 percent of Kenya's population identified as Muslim.

According to the latest census data, Lakshadweep, the island union territory had the highest share of Muslim population in the country, where ** percent of its population identified as followers of the Islamic faith. Jammu & Kashmir ranked second at ** percent during the same time period. With almost all major religions being practiced throughout the country, India is known for its religious diversity. Islam makes up the highest share among minority faiths in the country.

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.