Islam continues to be one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. As of 2025, Muslims make up approximately 24.1% of the global population, totaling an estimated 2 billion people.
This growth is driven by high fertility rates in Muslim-majority countries, a youthful demographic, and, in some regions, increased religious conversions and migration.
While Islam originated in the Arabian Peninsula, the largest Muslim populations today are found outside the Middle East, particularly in Asia and Africa. Here's a breakdown of the top countries by Muslim population:
| Rank | Country | Estimated Muslim Population | Percentage of National Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indonesia | 240 million | ~87% |
| 2 | Pakistan | 230 million | ~96% |
| 3 | India | 210 million | ~15% |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 160 million | ~90% |
| 5 | Nigeria | 120 million | ~55% |
| 6 | Egypt | 100 million | ~98% |
| 7 | Iran | 88 million | ~99% (mostly Shia) |
| 8 | Turkey | 85 million | ~99% |
| 9 | Algeria | 46 million | ~99% |
| 10 | Sudan | 44 million | ~92% |
Indonesia remains the country with the largest Muslim population despite not being in the Middle East.
India, though not a Muslim-majority country, has the third-largest Muslim population in the world.
Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria, continues to see rapid growth in Muslim populations due to high birth rates and urbanization.
Muslim communities are also growing in countries where they are a religious minority. Here's a glimpse into some of these nations:
| Country | Estimated Muslim Population (2025) | % of Total Population |
|---|---|---|
| France | 6 million | ~9% |
| Germany | 6 million | ~7% |
| United Kingdom | 4.5 million | ~6.5% |
| United States | 4 million | ~1.2% |
| Russia | 20 million | ~14% |
| China | 25 million | ~1.8% |
Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Predominantly Muslim, with Islam being the state religion in most countries.
Asia-Pacific: Hosts the majority of the world's Muslims, especially in South and Southeast Asia.
Europe: Increasing Muslim population due to migration and natural growth, with ongoing social and political discussions around integration and representation.
North America: Smaller but steadily growing communities, with increasing Muslim civic engagement and interfaith visibility.
According to Pew Research and other demographic studies, Islam is expected to surpass Christianity in terms of growth rate. By 2050, the Muslim population could nearly equal that of Christians globally, with continued increases in Africa and Asia, as well as growing representation in Europe and the Americas.
The global Muslim population in 2025 reflects the diversity and reach of Islam across continents and cultures. From the mosques of Jakarta to the communities in New York and Lagos, Muslims are shaping societies not only by numbers but also through cultural, political, and spiritual contributions to the global landscape.