Islam by country

Islam percent population in each nation World Map Muslim data by Pew Research

Islam by Country refers to the geographical distribution and prevalence of Islam, a major world religion, across different nations and regions. Islam, founded in the 7th century in Mecca by the Prophet Muhammad, is a monotheistic faith that has grown to become one of the largest religions in the world. Its followers, known as Muslims, adhere to the Qur'an as the word of God (Allah in Arabic) and the teachings of Muhammad as recorded in the Hadith.

Overview

Islam is characterized by the practice of five pillars: the declaration of faith (Shahada), daily prayers (Salah), almsgiving (Zakat), fasting during the month of Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) at least once in a lifetime if able. The religion is divided into two major sects: Sunni and Shia, with several other minor sects and schools of thought.

Distribution

The global Muslim population is diverse, spanning over 200 countries. The largest populations of Muslims are found in Asia and Africa, with significant numbers in the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Indonesia is the country with the largest number of Muslims, followed by Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. In the Middle East, countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Egypt have predominantly Muslim populations. Islam also has a significant presence in Europe, North America, and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.

Asia

Asia is home to the majority of the world's Muslim population, with significant numbers in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh have the largest Muslim populations in terms of sheer numbers.

Africa

Africa has a large and diverse Muslim population, with the majority of African Muslims living in North Africa, West Africa, and parts of East Africa. Countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, and Algeria have significant Muslim majorities.

Europe

In Europe, Islam is the second-largest religion after Christianity. The presence of Islam in Europe dates back to the 8th century with the Umayyad conquest of Hispania and has grown in recent years due to immigration and conversion. Countries with significant Muslim populations include France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Americas

The Muslim population in the Americas is relatively small compared to other regions. However, countries like the United States and Canada have seen growing Muslim communities, primarily due to immigration and conversion.

Oceania

In Oceania, the Muslim population is also relatively small, with the majority residing in Australia and New Zealand.

Challenges and Issues

Muslims around the world face various challenges, including issues of religious freedom, discrimination, and integration into non-Muslim societies. In some countries, Muslims are a minority and may encounter prejudice and misunderstanding of their faith.

Conclusion

Islam's widespread adherence across the globe highlights its significance as a major religious and cultural force. Understanding the distribution of Islam and the diversity within the Muslim community is essential for fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation.