In 2020, around 28.8 percent of the global population were identified as Christian. Around 25.6 percent of the global population identify as Muslims, followed by 14.9 percent of global populations as Hindu. The number of Muslims increased by 347 million, when compared to 2010 data, more than all other religions combined.

Christianity was the largest religion in a high number of the countries included in the survey. Of the countries, Peru, South Africa, and Poland had the highest share of Christians at around 75 percent. Moreover, around 90 percent in India and Thailand stated that they believed in another religion, with Hinduism and Buddhism being the major religion in the two countries respectively. Sweden and South Korea were the only two countries where 50 percent or more of the respondents stated that they did not have any religious beliefs.

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.

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.

In 2023, approximately ***** million people in Indonesia identified as Muslims. Indonesia has the largest Islamic population in the world. However, it is a multi-faith country and officially recognizes six religions: Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism.

Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Karnataka: Female data was reported at 3,885,194.000 Person in 03-01-2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 3,160,545.000 Person for 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Karnataka: Female data is updated decadal, averaging 3,522,869.500 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,885,194.000 Person in 03-01-2011 and a record low of 3,160,545.000 Person in 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Karnataka: Female 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.

GDP per Capita: Represents a country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) divided by its population, reflecting the average economic output per person. It serves as an indicator of a nation's wealth and standard of living. The GDP per capita is measured in USD and later log scaled for better representation.

Social Support:Considers factors like family support, community involvement, and access to supportive relationships or simply having someone to count on in times of trouble.

Life Expectancy: Represents the average number of years a person is expected to live at birth in a specific country or region. It's a fundamental indicator of the overall health and well-being of a population.

Freedom: Assesses the degree of political and individual freedom within a society. It includes factors such as civil liberties, political rights, and the absence of oppressive conditions.

Generosity: Reflects the willingness of individuals within a society to engage in charitable acts, donate money, or help others without expecting anything in return.

Corruption:Measures the perceived levels of corruption within a country, considering factors like bribery, the integrity of public institutions, and the trustworthiness of governmental bodies.

A detailed report about this dataset is available at: https://happiness-report.s3.amazonaws.com/2023/WHR+23_Statistical_Appendix.pdf

According to a survey conducted in South Korea in 2023, over ** percent of respondents reported no religious affiliation, while approximately ** percent identified as Christians and ** percent as Buddhists. Religious population South Korea is a multi-religious society where Christianity, Buddhism, and various other religions coexist with shamanism. According to a previous study, the domestic religious population appeared to decline over time after reaching its peak in 2005, at nearly ** million people. In contrast, the share of people who are religiously unaffiliated has increased in recent years. Within the last two decades, the religiously unaffiliated population has increased from about ** percent to more than ** percent. Shamanism Shamanism has continued to significantly influence the daily lives of many South Koreans. According to a survey conducted in 2023, about ** percent of respondents reported having consulted a fortune-teller within the past year. Roughly ** percent of those respondents were already affiliated with a religion.

In Brazil, 70 percent of the respondents believed in God as described in the holy scriptures, and another 19 percent believed in a higher power or spirit. In South Africa, the figures were 73 and 16 percent respectively. By contrast, less than one in five in Japan and only one in three in South Korea believed in God or some form of spirit or higher power.

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.

According to Cognitive Market Research, The Global Islamic Clothing market size is USD 62.5 billion in 2023 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50% from 2023 to 2030.

The demand for Islamic clothing is rising due to the rising popularity of Islamic clothing in the sports industry.
Demand for ethnic wear remains higher in the Islamic clothing market.
The abayas & hijabs category held the highest Islamic clothing market revenue share in 2023.
MEA will continue to lead, whereas the North American Islamic clothing market will experience the most substantial growth until 2030.

Growing Muslim Population Globally to Provide Viable Market Output

The global Muslim population is rising, driving increased demand for Islamic clothing. Modest fashion, like hijabs, abayas, and modest dresses, caters to Muslim dress codes. This trend reflects a diverse market, with designs blending tradition and modernity. Islamic clothing empowers individuals to express their faith while embracing contemporary style, with fashion brands worldwide recognizing this lucrative niche. As the Muslim population grows, the market for Islamic clothing is expected to expand, fostering cultural diversity and religious expression.

For instance, according to recent population projections by the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life, the globe's Muslim population is predicted to expand by about 35% in the next 20 years, increasing from 1.6 billion in 2010 to 2.2 billion by 2030.

Increasing Popularity of Islamic Clothing in the Sports Industry to Expand their Business to Propel Market Growth

Islamic clothing has gained prominence in the sports industry, reflecting a growing cultural diversity. Athletes worldwide are embracing modest yet stylish Islamic sportswear, with specialized brands offering a range of options like hijabs, long-sleeve shirts, and loose-fitting pants. This trend not only accommodates the needs of Muslim athletes but also promotes inclusivity and respect for various cultural preferences. It underscores the importance of diversity in sports, allowing athletes to perform comfortably while upholding their religious and cultural values.

For instance, in June 2022, Lululemon made a significant effort towards inclusion in its athletic wear by presenting a new line of interpretation hijabs prepared for working out and playing sports. Two sports hijabs have already been released.

Increasing Demand of Modest Fashion Fuels the Market Growth

Market Dynamics of Islamic Clothing

Lack of Awareness about Islamic Clothing Brands to Hinder Market Growth

The Islamic clothing market faces a significant challenge due to a lack of awareness about Islamic clothing brands. Many potential consumers are unaware of the existence of specialized Islamic sportswear brands or the range of products they offer. This limited awareness inhibits market growth, hindering potential customers from making informed choices and embracing these products. Raising awareness through marketing and education is crucial to bridging this gap and expanding the reach of Islamic clothing in the sports industry.

Impact of COVID–19 on the Islamic Clothing Market

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the Islamic clothing market. Due to restrictions and safety concerns, traditional brick-and-mortar stores faced reduced foot traffic, affecting sales. However, online sales of Islamic clothing saw a surge as people sought to purchase items from the safety of their homes. Moreover, the demand for modest and comfortable attire increased as remote work became more common. The market adapted by offering a more comprehensive range of online shopping options, making it easier for consumers to access Islamic clothing while adhering to pandemic restrictions, ultimately reshaping the industry's landscape. Introduction of Islamic Clothing Market

In the dynamic Islamic clothing market, key players are orchestrating strategic launches to tap into the burgeoning demand for modest apparel. Renowned brands are introducing innovative lines of Islamic clothing, such as abayas, modest activewear, and stylish hijabs. These strategic launches often collaborate with influential Muslim fashion influencers and celebrities to enhance visibility and credibility. By doing so, these industry leaders are expanding their market share and catalyzing a positive shift in fashion i...

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.

Sri Lanka LK: Sex Ratio at Birth: Male Births per Female Births data was reported at 1.043 Ratio in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.042 Ratio for 2016. Sri Lanka LK: Sex Ratio at Birth: Male Births per Female Births data is updated yearly, averaging 1.042 Ratio from Dec 1962 (Median) to 2017, with 21 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.046 Ratio in 1987 and a record low of 1.035 Ratio in 1967. Sri Lanka LK: Sex Ratio at Birth: Male Births per Female Births data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Sri Lanka – Table LK.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Sex ratio at birth refers to male births per female births. The data are 5 year averages.; ; United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Weighted average;

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, 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.

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.

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.

As of May 2025, 81 percent of the world's internet population lived in countries where individuals were arrested or imprisoned for posting content on political, social, or religious issues. Around 70 percent of the internet population lived in countries where authorities deployed pro-government commentators to manipulate discussions on online platforms. A further 70 percent lived in countries where individuals have been attacked or killed for their online activities since June 2024.

In 2025, North Korea was the country with the strongest suppression of Christians with an index value of 98. Somalia followed behind with 94, with Yemen in third. The World Watch List The index ranges from 0 (complete freedom) to 100 (total suppression). The survey for the World Watch List included various aspects of religious freedom: the legal and official status of Christians, the actual situation of Christians living in the country, regulations from the state as well as factors that can undermine the freedom of religion in a country. Christianity worldwideEven though Christianity is the largest religion worldwide, there are many areas of the world where Christians are persecuted. As the list shows, this is especially the case in countries with larger Muslim populations. Moreover, these countries are characterized by their authoritarian nature. The global distribution of religions varies strongly; whereas almost 100 percent of Hindus and Buddhists are found in the Asia-Pacific, Christians are spread around most world regions except the Middle East and North Africa.

More than *** million people of the Hindu faith gather every 12 years in India for the Maha Kumbh Mela festival. In contrast, the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia gathered about ***** million Muslims in 2018.