SHAFAQNA – World Atlas : There are 1.6 billion Muslims around the world with Shia Muslims accounting for almost 20%. While most global Muslims are Sunni, a handful of countries have Shia majorities or pluralities.
These countries are outlined below.
Iran – 90-95%
In Iran, Shia Muslims make up the majority, with 92.2% of all Muslim population in the country belonging to this sect. Currently, only about 5% of Muslims in Iran are Sunni. Other religious groups in the country are Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians. The constitution of Iran recognizes Shia as the official religion in the country.
Azerbaijan – 65-75%
Azerbaijan has the second highest Shia Muslim population in the world accounting for 83.6% of the total population while the sect accounts for 85% of the Muslim population in the country. Sunni accounts for only 15% of the country’s total population.
Iraq – 65-70%
63.7% of the Iraq’s national population is made up of Shia Muslims. The sect accounts for 63% of all Muslims in Iraq. The country is home to some of the Shia common pilgrimage sites and holy cities including Najaf, the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad’s successor and Karbala, the tomb of Husayn ibn Ali, Muhammad’s grandson.
Other Countries With Shia Majority
Bahrain and Lebanon also have a notable number of Shia Muslims forming a majority of their population. 65-70% of Bahrain’s population identify with Shia Islam. In Lebanon, 45-55% of the national population is Shia.
Read more from Shafaqna:
World Shia Muslims Population
Shias subjected to strains, abuses in Azerbaijan