How many Muslim majority countries are there in the world?

In a Nutshell: Currently, there are 48 countries around the world where Muslims make up the majority of the population, emerging after the destruction of the Islamic civilisations like the Ottomans, Mughals and Safavids by Western colonial powers. These countries vary widely in terms of geography, culture, and socio-political dynamics. List of Muslim Majority Countries Here is a list of countries with a Muslim-majority population or countries where Islam is the dominant religion: 1. Afghanistan 2. Albania 3. Algeria 4. Azerbaijan 5. Bahrain 6. Bangladesh 7. Brunei 8. Burkina Faso 9. Chad 10. Comoros 11. Djibouti 12. Egypt 13. Gambia 14. Guinea 15. Guinea-Bissau 16. Indonesia 17. Iran 18. Iraq 19. Jordan 20. Kazakhstan 21. Kuwait 22. Kyrgyzstan 23. Lebanon 24. Libya 25. Malaysia 26. Maldives 27. Mali 28. Mauritania 29. Morocco 30. Niger 31. Nigeria 32. Oman 33. Pakistan 34. Palestine 35. Qatar 36. Saudi Arabia 37. Senegal 38. Sierra Leone 39. Somalia 40. Sudan 41. Syria 42. Tajikistan 43. Tunisia 44. Turkey 45. Turkmenistan 46. United Arab Emirates 47. Uzbekistan 48. Yemen Backdrop The emergence of Muslim-majority countries is rooted in various historical and cultural contexts. Many of these nations were formed as a result of decolonization movements in the 20th century, following the decline of European colonial empires. Prior to colonial rule, several regions were part of Islamic empires or governed by Muslim rulers. The process of decolonization led to the establishment of independent states, with Islam often playing a significant role in shaping national identity and governance structures. Colonial history has had a profound impact on the development of Muslim-majority countries. Countries like Algeria, Indonesia and Pakistan for example, were formerly colonized by European powers and underwent struggles for independence. The legacies of colonialism, including borders drawn without regard for ethnic or religious divisions, continue to influence politics and social dynamics in these nations. The post-World War II era saw a shift in the global order, with the emergence of new power dynamics dominated by the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Muslim-majority countries found themselves navigating this new geopolitical landscape, often aligning with one of the superpowers or pursuing non-aligned positions. The Cold War rivalry had significant implications for the internal politics and external relations of these nations. Contemporary Muslim States Today, Muslim-majority countries face a range of economic, military, security, and political challenges. Economically, some countries have experienced rapid development and growth, fueled by natural resources, while others grapple with poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment. Militarily, several nations have modernized their armed forces and play important roles in regional security dynamics, while others face internal conflicts and security threats. Politically, Muslim-majority countries exhibit a diverse range of governance systems, from democratic to authoritarian regimes. Issues such as human rights, political stability, and religious freedom often feature prominently in domestic and international discourse. Additionally, geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and the influence of external actors further shape the political landscapes of these nations.