While the Islamic world is predominantly of the Sunni sect, the Muslims who live in the Middle East, and particularly those in the Persian Gulf region, are often Shiite. Globally, the Shia account for an estimated 10 or 15 percent of the Muslim population, but in the Middle East their numbers are much higher: they dominate the population of Iran, compose a majority in Iraq, and are significant minorities in other nations, including Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Pakistan, and Syria. Outside of the region, Shia generally constitute only tiny minorities in other Muslim countries, including Algeria, Sudan, and Egypt in Northern Africa.
Map Data Sources: CIA World Factbook; Adherents.com |
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Afghanistan Population: 28,513,677 Percent Shia Muslim: 19% Percent Sunni Muslim: 80% Algeria Azerbaijan Bahrain Egypt Iran Iraq Israel Jordan Kuwiat Lebanon Libya |
Morocco Population: 32,209,801 Percent Shia Muslim: — Percent Sunni Muslim: 99% Oman Pakistan Palestinian Territory Qatar Saudi Arabia Sudan Syria Tunisia Turkey U.A.E. Yemen |
