JAKARTA – With over 2 billion adherents worldwide, Islam stands as the world’s second-largest religion, comprising approximately 25% of the global population as of 2025. This remarkable growth stems from various factors including youthful population structures, higher birth rates, and strong community bonds that influence everything from daily life to international commerce. The principles of Halal—Islamic dietary and lifestyle laws—extend far beyond simple food restrictions, encompassing ethical sourcing, animal welfare, and sustainable practices that appeal to diverse global markets.

In nations where Muslims constitute the overwhelming majority, Islamic principles aren’t merely personal choices but fundamental aspects of national identity, shaping everything from local culinary traditions to export economies and tourism industries. Based on data from authoritative sources including World Population Review and Pew Research Center, this analysis examines the ten countries with the highest Muslim population percentages, utilizing the most recent demographic projections through 2025.

Leading Nations by Muslim Population Percentage

These countries demonstrate how Islamic faith integrates with national culture, economic systems, and daily practices, contributing significantly to the global Halal market, which analysts project will reach $2.6 trillion by 2028.

1. Maldives – 100% Muslim Population

The Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago of over 1,000 coral islands, houses approximately 375,000 residents, all of whom practice Islam. The religion arrived through Arab merchants in the 12th century and is now constitutionally designated as the state religion. While the nation is renowned for its luxury tourism and pristine beaches, its Halal culinary scene is equally remarkable.

The cuisine centers on fresh seafood, particularly tuna and reef fish, prepared in coconut-based curries that strictly adhere to Islamic dietary laws. The tourism sector’s expansion has significantly increased demand for certified Halal products, creating opportunities for international suppliers. Climate change poses threats to traditional fishing practices, but innovative aquaculture initiatives are developing sustainable Halal-compliant alternatives.

2. Mauritania – 99.89% Muslim Population

Located in West Africa, Mauritania’s 4.2 million inhabitants occupy a predominantly desert landscape where Islam has served as a unifying cultural force since the 8th century. With approximately 4.16 million Muslims, the country reflects a unique blend of Arab-Berber and sub-Saharan African influences.

Local cuisine showcases this cultural fusion through dishes like camel milk tea, thieboudienne (a traditional rice and fish preparation), and dates harvested from desert oases—all prepared according to Halal standards. Mauritania plays an increasingly important role in the Halal industry, particularly through livestock exports to Middle Eastern markets. However, recurring droughts and food security challenges emphasize the need for resilient, Halal-compliant agricultural practices.

3. Somalia – 99.8% Muslim Population

Somalia, positioned on the Horn of Africa, has approximately 11 million residents, with about 10.98 million Muslims. Despite experiencing decades of conflict, Islam remains a fundamental pillar of society, having been introduced in the 7th century as one of the earliest regions outside Arabia to embrace the faith.

Somali cuisine reflects nomadic traditions through hearty dishes including camel meat stews, injera flatbread, and spiced teas—all naturally compliant with Halal requirements. The global Somali diaspora has helped internationalize these flavors, expanding Halal markets in the United States and Europe. Current reconstruction efforts focus on agricultural development, and the country’s organic livestock sector shows tremendous potential for Halal markets once political stability improves.

4. Afghanistan – 99.7% Muslim Population

Afghanistan’s 37.1 million people include approximately 37 million Muslims, maintaining a strong Islamic heritage established in the 7th century despite the country’s challenging mountainous terrain. Afghan cuisine features rice pilafs, grilled kebabs, and steamed mantu dumplings, utilizing local lamb and fruits like pomegranates—all inherently Halal.

The nation’s pistachio and saffron exports represent valuable Halal commodities, though ongoing conflicts continue to disrupt supply chains. Investment in Afghan Halal agribusiness could potentially contribute to both peace-building efforts and economic prosperity while meeting global demand for ethically sourced products.

5. Yemen – 99.07% Muslim Population

Yemen’s ancient history includes early Islamic conversions, with 26.78 million Muslims among its 27 million residents. The country’s culinary heritage shines through dishes like mandi (slow-cooked meat and rice) and honey-sweetened pastries, deeply rooted in Halal traditions.

Yemen produces premium coffee and honey that serve as valuable Halal exports, though civil unrest has significantly hampered economic growth. Supporting Yemen’s Halal food sector could help revitalize its economy and provide much-needed stability.

6. Iran – 99.4% Muslim Population

Iran’s population of 83 million includes 82.5 million Muslims, predominantly Shia, following the 7th-century Islamic conquest. Persian cuisine represents a masterpiece of Halal cooking through saffron-infused rice dishes, kebabs, and complex stews like ghormeh sabzi.

Iran maintains a largely self-sufficient food industry, exporting pistachios and dates globally. Despite facing international sanctions, the country continues innovating in Halal biotechnology and food production, demonstrating remarkable resilience and creativity.

7. Western Sahara – 99.4% Muslim Population

This disputed territory houses 603,000 people, including 599,633 Muslims. Influenced by Sahrawi nomadic culture, Islam has been practiced here for centuries. The cuisine includes couscous and camel-based products, all prepared according to Halal principles.

While phosphate mining dominates the economy, the fishing industry offers potential for Halal market development, despite ongoing political uncertainties.

8. Algeria – 99% Muslim Population

Algeria boasts 43.74 million Muslims within its 44.2 million population, with Islam having arrived in the 7th century. The cuisine features North African staples like couscous and tagines, all adhering to Halal standards.

The country’s olive oil and date exports fuel international Halal markets, while young entrepreneurs are modernizing traditional recipes for global appeal, blending authenticity with contemporary market demands.

9. Morocco – 99% Muslim Population

Morocco’s 36.74 million residents include 36.37 million Muslims, reflecting a rich blend of Berber and Arab cultural roots established since the 8th century. The country’s iconic cuisine—featuring tagines, pastillas, and mint tea—defines modern Halal dining.

Morocco’s robust tourism industry and agricultural exports have established it as a major Halal hub, with authentic culinary experiences in traditional medinas attracting international visitors and businesses alike.

10. Iraq – 98% Muslim Population

Completing this list, Iraq has 39.65 million Muslims among its 40.5 million residents, with ancient Mesopotamian connections to early Islamic history. Traditional foods like dolma and various kebab preparations represent beloved Halal favorites.

While oil wealth supports food imports, local production of dates and grains holds significant promise for Halal market expansion, despite ongoing regional instability.

Economic and Cultural Significance

These nations serve as more than demographic statistics—they represent innovation centers for the global Halal industry. In an era where consumers increasingly prioritize ethical and traceable food sources, these markets offer substantial opportunities, from organic dates in Mauritania to premium seafood in the Maldives.

However, significant challenges persist, including political instability, climate change impacts, and economic disparities. Addressing these issues through sustainable trade partnerships and ethical business practices can benefit global communities while promoting cultural exchange and economic development.

For businesses in the food industry, these countries represent valuable opportunities for sourcing and market expansion. For travelers and cultural enthusiasts, they offer authentic experiences and insights into how Islamic principles shape daily life, cuisine, and community values.

Conclusion

The ten countries with the highest Muslim population percentages represent vibrant societies where faith, culture, and commerce intersect in meaningful ways. Understanding these demographics provides crucial insights into a global community that significantly influences our interconnected world. Whether approached from business, academic, or cultural perspectives, exploring these nations enriches our understanding of global Islamic culture and its contributions to international markets, sustainable practices, and cultural diversity.

These statistics reflect not just numbers but living communities where Islamic values continue to shape everything from local food systems to international trade relationships, offering valuable lessons in community building, ethical commerce, and cultural preservation in an increasingly globalized world.

Original article:

halaltines.com. (n.d.). Top 10 Countries with the Highest Percentage of Muslims. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://www.halaltimes.com/top-10-countries-with-the-highest-percentage-of-muslims/