Are There Muslims In Russia? Exploring Religious Diversity In The Nation

Is the Muslim population in Russia on the rise? Russia boasts the highest absolute number of Muslims among all European countries. Projections indicate that the Muslim population in Russia is set to grow significantly, from approximately 16.4 million in 2010 to an estimated 18.6 million by 2030. This expected increase means that the Muslim community’s proportion within Russia’s total population is predicted to rise from 11.7% in 2010 to 14.4% in 2030, signifying a substantial demographic shift. (Note: The date “27th January 2011” is not directly related to this information and has been omitted for clarity.)

Russia’s primary religion is Russian Orthodoxy, which is the largest religious denomination in the country, with over half of the population adhering to it. It’s important to note that organized religion faced severe repression by Soviet authorities throughout most of the 20th century. As a result, a significant portion of the population, approximately one-fourth, identifies as nonreligious. This historical context helps to understand the religious landscape in Russia today.