Global Shia Population – Shia Islam Growth
Country-Wise Shia Muslim Population and Demographic Trends
How Many Shia Muslims Are There in the World
Shia Islam : Top 5 Countries With Highest Population By Percentage
Iran
90 – 95%
Azerbaijan
65 – 75%
Bahrain
65 – 75%
Iraq
65 – 70%
Lebanon
45 – 55%
| S.no | Shia 2009 | Flag | Shia Muslim | Percentage % Shia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iran | | 66 – 70 million | 90 – 95% |
| 2 | Pakistan |  | 17 – 26 million | 10 – 15% |
| 3 | India |  | 16 – 24 million | 10 – 15% |
| 4 | Iraq | | 19 -22 million | 65 – 70% |
| 5 | Turkey |  | 7 – 11 million | 10 – 15% |
| 6 | Yemen |  | 8 – 10 million | 35 – 40% |
| 7 | Azerbaijan | | 5 – 7 million | 65 – 75% |
| 8 | Afghanistan |  | 3 – 4 million | 10 – 15% |
| 9 | Syria |  | 3 – 4 million | 15 – 20% |
| 10 | Saudi Arabia |  | 2 – 4 million | 10 – 15% |
| 11 | Nigeria |  | <4 million | <5% |
| 12 | Lebanon | | 1 – 2 million | 45 – 55%% |
| 13 | Tanzania |  | <2 million | <10% |
| 14 | Kuwait |  | 500,000 – 700,000 | 20 – 25% |
| 15 | Germany |  | 400,000 – 600,000 | 10 – 15% |
| 16 | Bahrain | | 400,000 – 500,000 | 65 – 75% |
| 17 | Tajikistan |  | ~400,000 | ~7% |
| 18 | United Arab Emirates |  | 300,000 – 400,000 | ~10% |
| 19 | United States |  | 200,000 – 400,000 | 10 – 15% |
| 20 | Oman |  | 100,000 – 300,000 | 5 – 10% |
| 21 | United Kingdom |  | 100,000 – 300,000 | 10 – 15% |
| 22 | Bulgaria |  | ~100,000 | 10 – 15% |
| 23 | Qatar |  | ~100,000 | ~10% |
| S.no | Shia Population - 2009 | Flag | Approximate Percentage Shia |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iran | | 90 – 95% |
| 2 | Azerbaijan | | 65 – 75% |
| 3 | Bahrain | | 65 – 75% |
| 4 | Iraq | | 65 – 70% |
| 5 | Lebanon | | 45 – 55% |
| 6 | Yemen | | 35 – 40% |
| 7 | Kuwait | | 20 – 25% |
| 8 | Syria | | 15 – 20% |
| 9 | Pakistan | | 10 – 15% |
| 10 | India | | 10 – 15% |
| 11 | Turkey | | 10 – 15% |
| 12 | Afghanistan | | 10 – 15% |
| 13 | Saudi Arabia | | 10 – 15% |
| 14 | Germany | | 10 – 15% |
| 15 | United States | | 10 – 15% |
| 16 | United Kingdom | | 10 – 15% |
| 17 | Bulgaria | | 10 – 15% |
| 18 | Oman | | 5 – 10% |
| 19 | Nigeria | | <5% |
| 20 | Tanzania | | <10% |
| 21 | Tajikistan | | ~7% |
| 22 | United Arab Emirates | | ~10% |
| 23 | Qatar | | ~10% |
| Source : https://www.pewresearch.org/ | |||
| S.no | Country | Flag | Shia Populaation | Sunni Populaation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iran | | 90% | 9% |
| 2 | Bahrain | | 72% | 28% |
| 3 | Iraq | | 63% | 34% |
| 4 | Azerbaijan | | 59% | 29% |
| 5 | Lebanon | | 40% | 26% |
| 6 | Saudi Arabia | | 16% | 84% |
| 7 | United Arab Emirates | | 16% | 79% |
| 8 | Syria | | 11% | 76% |
| 9 | Tajikistan | | 5% | 85% |
| 10 | India | | 3% | 10% |
| 11 | Bulgaria | | 1% | 11% |
Highest Shia Population By Country - Top 5 Ranking
Iran
65+ million
Iraq
19+ million
Pakistan
17+ million
India
16+ million
Turkey
7+ million
The global Shia Muslim population is estimated to be between 180 and 200 million as of 2025, accounting for roughly 10–15% of the world’s Muslim population. The largest Shia populations are found in Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Yemen. Shia Islam, one of the two main branches of Islam, has a deep historical, cultural, and theological identity distinct from Sunni Islam. The Shia community includes various sects such as Twelvers (Ithna Ashari), Ismailis, and Zaidis. Their global presence has grown through migration, religious outreach, and political significance in countries with large Shia majorities or minorities. This guide provides verified and authentic data for accurate understanding without misinformation.
List of Key Facts:
Estimated 180–200 million Shia Muslims globally in 2025
Iran is home to the largest Shia population in the world
Pakistan and India host major Shia communities in South Asia
Iraq, Bahrain, and Lebanon have significant Shia influence in the Middle East
Shia Islam consists of Twelvers, Ismailis, and Zaidis
Future Muslim Population Countries - Top 5 In 2050 Estimated
India
310,660,000
Pakistan
273,110,000
Indonesia
256,820,000
Nigeria
230,700,000
Bangladesh
182,360,000
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