10 Countries with the Largest Muslim Population in the World 2024

Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam where Muslims worldwide observe fasting, prayers and an increase in charitable deeds. During Ramadan, Muslims in majority-Muslim countries fast from dawn till sunset every day for a full month.

Ramadan brings various social and religious activities in majority-Muslim countries, including communal iftar gatherings, Tarawih prayers, Quran recitations, as well as religious lectures and study sessions held in mosques. Thus, it's evident how countries with the largest Muslim population become more vibrant during Ramadan.

So, what are the countries with the largest Muslim population? According to the World Population Review, here are the 10 countries with the largest Muslim population in the world.

Islam is the dominant religion and an integral part of social, cultural, and political life in Pakistan. The majority of Pakistan's population identify themselves as Muslims, with most of them following Sunni Islam. As a Muslim-majority country, Pakistan has institutions and laws that reflect Islamic values in its legal system and national policies.

In Indonesia, with a population of over 270 million people, approximately 87-90% of its population are Muslims. As the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Islam plays a central role in Indonesia's social, cultural, and political life. Despite Indonesia's religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity, Islam has become an integral part of its history, identity, and daily life.

India has a significant Muslim population, making it one of the countries with the largest Muslim population in the world. Islam has been present in India since the 7th century AD, and the history of Islam in India is rich with significant cultural, political, and intellectual contributions. A large number of Indian Muslims reside in various regions across the country, with large communities, especially in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala.

Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country in South Asia. The history of Islam in the region now known as Bangladesh can be traced back to the 13th century AD when the area became a center for the spread of Islam under the Sultanate of Bengal. Since then, Islam has become an integral part of Bangladesh's social, cultural, and political life.

Nigeria is a country in West Africa with a highly diverse population in terms of religion and ethnicity. Islam in Nigeria has a long history, starting from the 11th century AD when trade with the Muslim world began. Since then, Islam has become an integral part of the social, cultural, and political life in the predominantly Muslim regions of Nigeria.

Egypt is a Muslim-majority country located in the Middle East, with Islam as the dominant religion and the majority of its population being Muslim. The majority of Muslims in Egypt are Sunni, although there are minority Shia, Sufi, and Ahmadiyya communities. Egypt is also known as an important center of Islamic scholarship throughout history, with universities such as Al-Azhar University renowned worldwide.

Turkey is a country with a Muslim-majority population, but it adheres to a secular system different from other Muslim-majority countries. Historically, Turkey has a rich Islamic heritage, with Islam being the dominant religion since the era of the Ottoman Caliphate, which ruled for centuries. Although the majority of its population is Muslim, Turkey has a secular political system where religion is separated from state affairs.

The majority of Iran's population is Muslim, with most of them identifying themselves as Shia Muslims. A small minority adhere to Sunni Islam and other minority religions. Islam has been the dominant religion in Iran since the 7th century AD when the region was introduced to Islam by Muslim conquerors.

There is a significant Muslim community in several regions of China, especially in Xinjiang and Ningxia. The largest Muslim community in China is the Uighur, the majority of whom follow Islam. Additionally, there are Hui communities, also Muslims, scattered across various provinces in China.

The majority of the population in Algeria are Muslims, with most of them being Sunni. Islam has been an integral part of the country's history, culture, and societal life since its introduction in the 7th century AD. After gaining independence from French colonization in 1962, Islam became one of the pillars of Algeria's national identity.

Ramadan brings various social and religious activities in countries with the largest Muslim population. Among the 10 countries with the largest Muslim population, each demonstrates significant influence of Islam in their social, cultural, and political landscape.