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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	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	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	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

Source : Pew Research

Source : World Population Review

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