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.
Top 10 Countries with the Largest Muslim Populations (2025)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% Key Observations: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 Population in Non-Muslim Majority CountriesMuslim 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% Regional OverviewMiddle 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.
Future ProjectionsAccording 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.