By India is projected to surpass Indonesia as the country with the largest Muslim population by 2050, according to a 2015 report by the Pew Research Center. This projection is based on factors such as fertility rates, age distributions, and religious conversion patterns.
As of 2010, Indonesia had the largest Muslim population, with approximately 202 million Muslims, accounting for about 13% of the global Muslim population. India’s Muslim population was around 176 million, representing 11% of the world’s Muslims. By 2050, India’s Muslim population is projected to reach 311 million, making up 11% of the global Muslim population, while Indonesia’s Muslim population is expected to be 273 million, accounting for 9% of the global Muslim population.
This shift is attributed to India’s higher fertility rates among Muslims compared to Hindus, as well as a younger median age within the Muslim community. In 2010, the median age of Indian Muslims was 22, compared to 26 for Hindus. Additionally, Muslim women in India had an average of 3.2 children per woman, compared to 2.5 for Hindus.
It’s important to note that while India is projected to have the largest Muslim population by 2050, it will continue to have a Hindu majority. Hindus are expected to make up 76.7% of India’s population in 2050, with Muslims comprising 18.4%.
These projections highlight the dynamic nature of religious demographics and underscore the importance of understanding the factors influencing religious composition in different regions.
