How Many Muslim Countries Are in the World?

Muslim-majority countries span several regions, including the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, North Africa and parts of Southern and Eastern Europe. The Islamic faith, centered on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, binds together a global Muslim population through shared beliefs, values and practices.

However, the countries where Muslims make up the majority of the population can vary greatly in their cultural, political and economic landscapes.These nations reflect the diversity of the Islamic world, with differences in how the religion is practiced and integrated into daily life.

While some Muslim-majority countries have a strong connection to Islamic law and tradition, others have adopted secular or more liberal approaches. Despite these variations, the Muslim community worldwide remains united in their reverence for the Quran and the teachings of Islam.

As of a 2020 Pew Research study and a 2022 study from the U.S. Department of State, Morocco is over 99 percent Sunni Muslim, and the remainder of its population is Shia.

The legal system in Morocco revolves around Sharia law — a set of legal codes endorsed via the Quran and other Islamic holy texts — as is the case for many Muslim majority countries.

Religious observance is intertwined with daily life, with the government ensuring that all citizens adhere to Islamic principles. Religious freedom is not encouraged in the country; while converting of one's own accord is merely frowned upon, proselytizing people to switch religions is punishable by law.

Muslim-majority and Christian-majority countries often exhibit differences in cultural norms, laws and everyday practices, reflecting their religious foundations.

Nonsecular Societies

In countries where the Islamic faith is more widespread, practices such as daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan and adherence to Islamic dietary laws like the prohibition of pork are commonplace. Religious principles play a starring role in daily routines, shaping everything from food consumption to family life.

Modesty in dress and behavior is emphasized, particularly for women, with some countries enforcing strict dress codes, such as the wearing of the hijab or other forms of Islamic clothing.

Secular Societies

In contrast, Christian-majority nations often have more secular legal frameworks, with religious practices like church attendance being important but generally less integrated into government or legal structures.

For example, in Christian-dominant nations, the separation of church and state tends to be more pronounced, whereas in many Muslim-majority countries, Islamic law (Sharia) plays a central role in governance and legal matters.

While both Muslim and Christian-dominated societies prioritize community and faith, the ways in which these are manifested can differ significantly, reflecting the unique religious traditions of each region.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.