Islam is the second largest religion in the world today and about 25% of the world’s population i.e. about 200 million people consider it. Muslims are not only limited to the Middle East, but also in large numbers in continents like Asia, Africa, Europe and America.
According to reports from the United Nations and Pew Research Center, the Muslim population will be the fastest growing population in the coming decades. Experts estimate that Islam can become the largest religious community in the world by 2050.
Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world. More than 24 crore Muslims live here, which is 88.25% of the total population. Islam came here through trade routes and gradually became in the local culture.
About 24 crore Muslims live in Pakistan. 96% of the total population here is Muslim. Pakistan is an Islamic Republic and its constitution considers Islam as state religion.
There are about 200 million Muslims in India, which makes it the third largest Muslim country in the world. Although India is a secular nation, Muslims play a deep role in the social, political and economic structure here.
There are about 150 million Muslims living in Bangladesh, which is 91% of the total population of the country. Here Islam has a deep cultural and traditional significance.
Nigeria is the largest Muslim country in Africa. About 9 crore Muslims live here. Although this number is only 48.5% of the total population, the Nigeria Muslim population is included in the top countries in the world.
Egypt is considered to be the center of Islamic history and education. There are about 9 crore Muslims living here, which is 94.74% of the total population. Religious institutions like Al-Azhar University give special importance to Egypt.
About 98.14% of the Turki’s population is Muslim. About 8 crore 40 lakh Muslims live here. This country has historically been the center of Khilafat regime.
Iran is a Shia -dominated country. There are about 8 crore 25 lakh Muslims living here, which is 99% of the total population. The Islamic Revolution and the Shia ideology have deeply influenced the history of Iran.
About 5 crore Muslims live in China. These are often called the Uygar community. Here the Muslims are only 3.6% of the total population and religious sanctions have also been imposed on them.
About 4 crore 37 lakh Muslims live in Algeria. This country is located in North Africa and Islam has constitutionally status of state religion.
Published at: 26 Sep 2025 09:03 AM (IST)