Islamic Countries in Africa
The following table outlines the Islamic countries in Africa, ranked by the percentage of Muslims residing within them:
| Country | Percentage of Muslims |
| Mauritania | 99.9% |
| Somalia | 99.8% |
| Algeria | 99% |
| Morocco | 99% |
| Tunisia | 98% |
| Comoros | 98% |
| Mayotte – French Island | 97% |
| Sudan | 97% |
| Libya | 96.6% |
| Senegal | 94% |
| Djibouti | 94% |
| Mali | 90% |
| The Gambia | 90% |
| Egypt | 90% |
| Guinea | 90% |
| Niger | 80% |
| Burkina Faso | 61% |
| Sierra Leone | 60% |
| Chad | 52.1% |
Distribution of Muslims in African Regions
The Muslim population in Africa is substantial and distributed across various regions, as follows:
- North African countries: Approximately 197,101,919 million Muslims.
- Central African countries: Approximately 17,395,823 million Muslims.
- West African countries: Approximately 65,292,195 million Muslims.
- Southern African countries: Approximately 11,395,947 million Muslims.
Notable Islamic Countries in Africa
Below are some prominent Islamic countries in Africa:
Islamic Republic of Mauritania
Mauritania is predominantly Islamic, with 99.9% of its population adhering to the faith. The majority are Sunni Muslims following the Maliki school of thought. The Mauritian constitution recognizes Islam as the state religion, and Sharia law is the legal framework. The spread of Islam in this republic was largely due to Muslim artisans who propagated Islamic teachings.
Algeria
Approximately 99.9% of Algeria’s population are Muslims, primarily Sunni, with a small minority following the Ibadite tradition, predominantly found in the M’zab valley. Islam was introduced during the conquest of Uqba ibn Nafi alongside the Umayyad dynasty, leading to significant conversions among the Berber tribes. During French colonial rule, Muslim resistance movements gained prominence.
Republic of Sudan
About 97% of Sudan’s population identifies as Muslim, present in all regions except for the Nuba Mountains. Sunni Islam in Sudan is significantly influenced by Sufism and has notable interactions with some Shiite communities in Khartoum. There are considerable divisions among Sufi groups, with the exception of the Darfur region.
Libya
In Libya, 96.6% of the population practices Islam, predominantly Sunni, with a minor presence of Shiites and Ahmadis among Pakistani immigrants. Islam became established in urban areas of Libya by the 7th century, while the nomadic population largely embraced the faith only by the 11th century following several invasions. Islamic beliefs in Libya often blend with indigenous Berber traditions.
Senegal
Around 94% of Senegal’s population are Sunni Muslims, following the Maliki school of thought. Islam was introduced in the 11th century, with Sufi brotherhoods playing a significant role during French colonial rule. Senegalese Muslims sought to establish religious authority independent of colonial administration, with approximately 95% engaging with Sufi practices, leading to the establishment of numerous mosques and community centers.
Muslim Demographics in Africa
In East Africa, Muslims represent a minority in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. Conversely, in South Sudan, Muslims form a significant majority when compared to Christians. In the central regions of Africa, Muslims are often considered a minority, whereas in West Africa, they typically comprise the majority population. Southern African nations primarily have Muslim minorities.