Did you know: Six countries home to 53% of all Muslims

Published September 5, 2014
Map of countries that are home to more than 50% of the Muslim population - Courtesy PEW
Map of countries that are home to more than 50% of the Muslim population - Courtesy PEW

A recent analysis of PEW survey data provides a visual look at how the world’s major religions are heavily concentrated in a few geographical areas, "with half or more of their followers living in one or a handful of countries."

Interesting findings:

  • Egypt is the only Middle Eastern-North African country that ranks among the six largest Muslim populations (Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Egypt).

  • The six countries with large Muslim populations comprise 30% of the world’s population.

  • No major religion is more concentrated in one country than Hinduism, which has remained close to its geographic origins.

  • India and China have the largest shares (a combined 63%) of the 58 million people in the “other religions” category

  • Christians and Muslims, the world’s two largest religious groups, have spread well beyond their origins in the Middle East.

  • Christians are the group whose distribution is most closely proportionate to the global population pattern.

  • While 81% of all Jews live in the United States and Israel

Opinion

Editorial

After the deluge
Updated 16 Jun, 2024

After the deluge

There was a lack of mental fortitude in the loss against India while against US, the team lost all control and displayed a lack of cohesion and synergy.
Fugue state
16 Jun, 2024

Fugue state

WITH its founder in jail these days, it seems nearly impossible to figure out what the PTI actually wants. On one...
Sindh budget
16 Jun, 2024

Sindh budget

SINDH’S Rs3.06tr budget for the upcoming financial year is a combination of populist interventions, attempts to...
Slow start
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Slow start

Despite high attendance, the NA managed to pass only a single money bill during this period.
Sindh lawlessness
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Sindh lawlessness

A recently released report describes the law and order situation in Karachi as “worryingly poor”.
Punjab budget
15 Jun, 2024

Punjab budget

PUNJAB’S budget for 2024-25 provides much fodder to those who believe that the increased provincial share from the...