In this article, we look at 10 countries where Muslim population will increase the most by 2050. You can read about the economic potential of the Islamic world and contributions of Muslims to the United States by heading over to our article, 25 Countries where Muslim Population will Increase the Most By 2050.
10. Indonesia
Muslim Population in 2050: 256.82 million
Estimated Increase in Population between 2020 and 2050: 27.20 million
Percentage Increase: 12%
Indonesia is the most populous Muslim-majority country in the world, with about 229 million Muslims currently who make up 87.2% of the country’s population. Indonesia is an economic powerhouse and by 2050 it is projected to be among the five largest economies in the world. Much of that growth will be driven by a steady rise in its population, which already is a massive, lucrative market for investors to invest in.
9. Yemen
Muslim Population in 2050: 61.05 million
Estimated Increase in Population between 2020 and 2050: 28.99 million
Percentage Increase: 90%
More than 99% of Yemen’s population is Muslim. This share is likely to hold over the coming decades as well with the Muslim population set to expand 90% by 2050. The country borders Saudi Arabia and has been ravaged by war since 2014.
8. Egypt
Muslim Population in 2050: 119.53 million
Estimated Increase in Population between 2020 and 2050: 29.11 million
Percentage Increase: 32%
Egypt is one of the most powerful countries in the Middle East and North Africa region, and is known for its rich tradition and history. 95% of Egypt’s population is Muslim, while 4% are Christians. By 2050, the Christian population is likely to drop by one percentage point and the share of Muslims is likely to increase by the same level.
7. Bangladesh
Muslim Population in 2050: 182.36 million
Estimated Increase in Population between 2020 and 2050: 29.35 million
Percentage Increase: 19%
Bangladesh has the fourth highest Muslim population in the world. It is also home to a sizable Hindu minority that makes up 8.2% of the country’s overall population. The government of Dhaka has taken steps to control birth rates over the last few decades and therefore the population growth rate has slowed. Despite that, it is among countries where Muslim population will increase the most by 2050.
6. Afghanistan
Muslim Population in 2050: 72.19 million
Estimated Increase in Population between 2020 and 2050: 31.58 million
Percentage Increase: 78%
Islam is the state religion in Afghanistan, where 99.6% of the population is Muslim. The country has had a theocratic government since 2021 after the collapse of Ashraf Ghani’s government. Muslim population in the country is likely to rise 78% by 2050.
5. Niger
Muslim Population in 2050: 53.66 million
Estimated Increase in Population between 2020 and 2050: 32 million
Percentage Increase: 148%
Niger has 21 million Muslims, which accounts for more than 98% of the country’s overall population. The size of the Muslim community is forecasted to expand exponentially over the next three decades.
4. Iraq
Muslim Population in 2050: 80.19 million
Estimated Increase in Population between 2020 and 2050: 38.76 million
Percentage Increase: 94%
Iraq’s Muslim population is projected to nearly double between 2020 and 2050, due to high birth rates in the country of 3.55 births per woman. 99% of the country’s population is Muslim, of which three-fifths belong to the Shia sect of Islam.
3. Pakistan
Muslim Population in 2050: 273.11 million
Estimated Increase in Population between 2020 and 2050: 72.62 million
Percentage Increase: 36%
96.5% of Pakistan’s population is Muslim. It is among the most powerful Islamic countries in the world due to its large population, strong military, and economic potential that stems from its huge market size. Hindus make up 1.9%, while Christians 1.6% of the country’s population. These shares are likely to remain unchanged by 2050.
2. India
Muslim Population in 2050: 310.66 million
Estimated Increase in Population between 2020 and 2050: 97.32 million
Percentage Increase: 46%
India’s Muslim population will grow by over 97 million by 2050, because of which, it will bypass Indonesia to have the largest Muslim population anywhere in the world. Muslims today make up 15.4% of the population, and by 2050, this figure will rise to 18.4%. Despite the growth in Muslim population, Hinduism will remain the dominant religion, with more than 75% of Indians adhering to the religion.
1. Nigeria
Muslim Population in 2050: 230.7 million
Estimated Increase in Population between 2020 and 2050: 126.05 million
Percentage Increase: 120%
Nigeria has the fifth highest Muslim population in the world, as of now, with over 100 million of its citizens identifying as Muslim. Among all countries in the world, the Muslim population will have the highest increase in number in Nigeria by 2050 – growing by 126 million, or 120%.
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