Ranking of African Nations with Highest Muslim Populations

Islam, one of the oldest religions in Africa, continues to hold a prominent place across the continent. With deep roots dating back over a thousand years, the religion has become an integral part of many African societies.

In North Africa, countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt have a predominantly Muslim population. Morocco, with a population of approximately 36.3 million, is nearly 100% Muslim. Algeria, on the other hand, boasts a homogenous Muslim population of around 43.7 million, making up almost 99% of the total population. Egypt, the most populous Arab country in Africa, has about 90 million Muslims, or about 95% of its total population.

Moving towards the Sahel region, countries like Senegal, Mali, and Niger have a significant Muslim population. Senegal, for instance, has over 17.4 million of its 17.9 million people identifying as Muslim, which is about 97% of the population. Mali, with about 17.5 million of its 18.4 million people identifying with Islam, is not far behind. Niger, with around 21.1 million of its 21.5 million people identifying as Muslim, has the highest percentage of Muslim population in the region.

West Africa's Sahel nations are driving Africa's fastest growth in Islamic finance, and the region is witnessing a surge in modernizing Islamic education. The government of Mali, for instance, has implemented initiatives to modernize Islamic education in rural areas in order to reduce the illiteracy rate among children in the Sahel regions.

In East Africa, Tanzania has about 19.4 million of its 54.2 million people identifying as Muslim. Sudan, with a population of about 38.5 million Muslims, or about 94% of the total population, is another country with a significant Muslim population. Sudan's Muslim population follows mainly Sunni Islam under the Maliki and Shafi'i schools of jurisprudence, with Sufi orders like the Tijaniyya and Qadiriyya maintaining a strong influence.

While specific numbers are not provided in the given context, Ethiopia, home to Islam since the 7th century, also has a significant Muslim population. The religion is spread across several regions, including Oromia, Afar, Somali, and Harari. According to recent estimates, Ethiopia's Muslim population is approximately 34.7 million, or about 31% of the total population.

Islam, therefore, remains a significant part of Africa's cultural and religious landscape, with its presence felt in various regions across the continent. The religion's continued growth and modernization initiatives in many countries are a testament to its enduring significance in African societies.