Muslims are a sizable and significant religious group in Europe. According to a Pew Research study in 2016, the Muslim population in Europe is just over 44 million people. Additionally, the number of Muslims in Europe has continued to grow at a steady rate in the last few years, exceeding the growth rate of any other religion in the region.
In this article, we explore the European countries with the most Muslims by looking at the estimated population of Muslims in each country. We examine what natural and socio-economic factors have made these countries a favorable home for Muslims throughout the years and discuss the importance of their presence in European society.
The Muslim Faith
Before exploring the European countries with the most Muslims, it is important to understand the Islamic faith and why it may be attractive to the people of Europe.
Islam is the second-largest religion in the world and is practiced by more than 1.8 billion people. Muslims view themselves as servants of Allah, the all-powerful and merciful god, and strive to practice the teachings of their faith as outlined in the Quran.
Muslims believe in six core beliefs:
- Belief in one god (Allah)
- Belief in the angels of god
- Belief in the holy books of god
- Belief in all of god’s prophets and messengers
- Belief in the Day of Judgment
- Belief in destiny
These core beliefs guide everyday life for Muslims and help to determine their moral code and values.
European Countries With the Most Muslims
As of 2020, there are 44 million Muslims living in Europe, accounting for about 6% of the continent’s total population. The European countries with the highest Muslim populations include Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Here is a look at the Muslim population estimates for these countries.
Russia
Muslims in Russia make up about 14.5% of the total population. This translates to nearly 19 million people. Most of the population lives in the Western and Central regions of the country, and the predominant branch of Islam practiced is Sunni.
The United Kingdom
The UK has an estimated Muslim population of just over 3.38 million people, representing 5.1% of the total UK population. Approximately 70% of UK Muslims identify as Sunni while the remaining 30% identify as Shia.
France
France has the highest Muslim population in Europe, estimated at around 5 million people. Muslims make up 8% of the population in France, with the majority identifying as Sunni.
Germany
Germany has an estimated 4.7 million Muslims, representing 5.7% of the total German population. Roughly 80% of Muslims in Germany are Sunnis and the majority of the population is concentrated in the major cities like Berlin and Hamburg.
The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Muslims make up 7.1% of the population, with roughly 1.1 million people. The majority of Dutch Muslims are Sunnis, making up around 89% of the Muslim population in the country.
It is important to note that not all of Europe is home to Muslims; the majority live in the aforementioned countries. In countries such as Italy, Ireland, Portugal, and Poland, Muslims make up less than 1% of the population.
What Factors Led to the Growth of the Muslim Population in Europe?
In recent years, Europe has seen a significant growth in its Muslim population due to a variety of factors, including migration, refugee resettlement, economic opportunity, and family formation.
Migration
Over the past few decades, migration from Muslim-majority countries to Europe has been a significant contributor to the rise in European Muslim population. Migration has been a favored option for those looking for better economic opportunities or for those escaping political unrest or persecution in their home countries.
Refugee Resettlement
The migration of refugees to European countries has also played a role in the growth of the Muslim population. Indonesia and Pakistan are two of the largest sources of refugees who have resettled in Europe. In addition, the European Union’s decision to accept Syrian refugees has also contributed to the refugee population in some European countries, with Germany and the UK being the two most affected countries.
Economic Opportunity
Economic opportunity is also an important factor in the growth of the Muslim population in Europe. With Europe’s higher wages and better employment opportunities, many Muslims have been drawn to the continent.
Family Formation
Once in Europe, some migrants have decided to stay and have started to form families and have children. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center shows that when it comes to Muslim population growth, family formation plays a significant role.
The Importance of the Muslim Population in Europe
While the Muslim population in Europe is significantly less than the Christian or non-religious populations, their presence has had far-reaching implications for the continent in a variety of areas. Here is a look at some of the most important contributions made by Muslims in Europe.
Cultural and Religious Diversity
The increase in the Muslim population in Europe has helped foster a more diverse and inclusive culture. The presence of Muslims has encouraged interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange, while their traditions and values have enriched European culture.
Political Representation
Muslim populations in Europe have also had an impact on politics, with more Muslims being elected to political offices in recent years, including the mayors of London and Paris and members of European parliament.
Business Opportunities
The Muslim population has had a positive impact on the economy, as well. Muslims are known to be highly entrepreneurial, leading to business opportunities and job creation in several European countries. Additionally, Muslim countries such as Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have become important trade partners with Europe.
As the Muslim population in Europe continues to grow, it will be important to recognize the important role they play in the continent’s social, cultural, and economic life. Their presence has brought about greater diversity and understanding of the Islamic faith, while their contributions in business, politics, and other areas have made Europe a stronger and more prosperous place.
