How Many Muslim Countries Are There in the World?

 

How Many Muslim Countries Are There in the World? A Complete Guide with Names

Islam shapes daily life for over a billion people worldwide. The presence of Muslim-majority countries illustrates the deep roots and influence of Islam across continents. From Southeast Asia’s bustling cities to Africa’s vast deserts, these countries showcase an incredible range of cultures and histories. This article will answer a common question: How many Muslim-majority countries are there? We’ll break down their locations, unique traits, and provide the complete list you’re looking for.

Muslim-Majority Countries: Definition and Global Overview

A Muslim-majority country means over 50% of its population follows Islam. Most of these apply Islamic traditions in daily affairs—some go further, stating Islam as the official religion in their constitutions.

The global reach of Islam is difficult to overstate. With around 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, according to recent estimates, Islam is the second-largest religion on Earth. Muslim-majority countries can be found across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe.

About 50 countries are classified as Muslim-majority, with the greatest concentrations found in Asia and Africa. For a deeper look at these numbers, see the comprehensive listing at Muslim Majority Countries 2025.

List of Muslim-Majority Countries by Region

Muslim-majority countries span several continents. Here, we organize them by regions to highlight not just their numbers, but also the diversity within the Muslim world.

Photo by Lara Jameson

Asia and the Pacific

Asia is home to the largest Muslim populations in the world. Several countries have Muslim populations far above 50%.

Key Muslim-majority countries in Asia and the Pacific:

Indonesia: The largest Muslim population globally, with Muslims making up nearly 87% of its over 270 million citizens. Despite its size, Indonesia remains ethnically and culturally varied.

Pakistan: Over 96% Muslim, and Islam is the state religion. Pakistan combines a rich history of tradition, language, and religious practice.

Bangladesh: Around 90% of the population is Muslim. Bangladesh is notable for its dense population and unique blend of Bengali and Islamic traditions.

Afghanistan: Officially Islamic, with around 99% of citizens following Islam.

Malaysia: Muslims make up about 63%, with Islam as the official religion. Malaysia is marked by its cultural diversity and harmonization of Islamic values with modern life.

Additional Muslim-majority Asian countries include the Maldives, Brunei, and Azerbaijan.

For more details, the Wikipedia overview on Islam by country gives helpful demographic breakdowns.

Middle East and North Africa

The Middle East is called the heartland of Islam, with many of the world’s most iconic Muslim sites. North Africa shares deep Islamic roots, as well.

Key countries in the region include:

1.Saudi Arabia: Islam’s birthplace; nearly 100% Muslim. The country strictly follows Islamic law (Sharia).

2.Iran: Roughly 99.5% Muslim; the Islamic Republic formally incorporates Shia Islam into its government.

3.Egypt: Over 90% Muslim, Egypt combines Pharaonic history with a vibrant modern Islamic culture.

4.Turkey: About 99% Muslim; secular laws blend with longstanding Islamic traditions.

Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya: Each has well over 95% Muslim population, with Islam as a key part of identity.

Many of these countries have Islam as their official state religion, reflected in law and daily customs.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Muslims form the majority in several Sub-Saharan African countries, where local traditions blend with Islamic customs.

Main Muslim-majority countries:

1.Nigeria: Africa’s most populous country has a Muslim majority in the north, making up a little over 50% nationally.

2.Senegal: Around 95% Muslim; Sufi brotherhoods play an important social and spiritual role.

3.Somalia: Nearly 100% Muslim; religious traditions influence both law and community life.

4.Mali, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Djibouti, Gambia, Guinea, Mauritania: These states have significant or overwhelming Muslim populations, with Islam often acting as a foundational part of social structure.

Islam spread in this region centuries ago through trade and scholarship, a process you can learn about in the Spread of Islam.

Europe and Other Regions

A handful of European countries have Muslim majorities, rooted in centuries of history.

Muslim-majority countries in Europe:

1.Albania: About 58% Muslim, with a long tradition of religious tolerance.

2.Bosnia and Herzegovina: Over 50% of the population is Muslim, from a mix of Ottoman influence and local tradition.

3Kosovo: Roughly 95% Muslim, reflecting centuries of Islamic influence in the Balkans.

Elsewhere, the Comoros Islands in the Indian Ocean and Brunei in Southeast Asia are standout smaller states with Muslim majorities.

For further context on historical and current distribution, see Islamic world | History, Population, & Map.

Conclusion

More than fifty countries form the diverse patchwork of Muslim-majority nations in today’s world. They cover vast parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and even parts of Europe, each blending faith with local culture and histories.

Islam’s global presence goes far beyond borders, weaving into daily life, identity, and traditions. As the second-largest religion worldwide, Islam’s influence continues to shape cultures, values, and societies from the busiest cities to the quietest villages. The diversity among these countries stands as a testament to how faith can unite yet celebrate difference across the world.