Muslims Shia Sunni Middle East Map
Explore the geographic distribution of Shia and Sunni Muslim communities across the Middle East, highlighting countries and regions where each of Islam’s two largest branches has significant populations.
About This Muslims Shia Sunni Middle East Map
A geographic overview of Shia and Sunni Muslim population patterns across the Middle East.
This Muslims Shia Sunni Middle East Map illustrates the broad geographic distribution of the two largest branches of Islam across the region. Sunni Muslims form the majority of the Muslim population in most Middle Eastern countries, while Shia Muslims represent majorities or substantial communities in several important areas.
Iran and Iraq contain some of the world’s largest Shia Muslim populations, while significant Shia communities are also found in Bahrain, Lebanon, Yemen, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and other parts of the region. Sunni populations are widespread throughout countries such as Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and much of North Africa.
Population maps such as this one provide a useful regional overview, but religious identity is often more complex than national borders suggest. Many countries contain both Sunni and Shia communities, alongside other Islamic traditions and religious minorities, and population estimates can vary depending on the source and methodology used.
How to Read the Map
The map uses different colors and patterns to distinguish areas with significant Shia and Sunni Muslim populations across the Middle East.
Shia and Sunni Muslim Populations by Region
Open each region to explore the major Shia and Sunni Muslim population patterns represented across the Middle East.
Iran and Iraq
Arabian Peninsula
Levant
Türkiye and Eastern Mediterranean
North Africa
Which Countries Have Significant Shia Muslim Populations?
Shia Muslim communities are concentrated primarily in the Middle East and parts of South and Central Asia.
Some of the largest Shia Muslim populations are found in Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Lebanon, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and several neighboring countries. The proportion of Shia Muslims varies significantly from country to country, ranging from national majorities to smaller regional communities.
Shia and Sunni Islam Historical Timeline
Key historical events that contributed to the development of Sunni and Shia traditions within Islam.
Related Shia Islam Maps
Explore more maps of Shia Islam, including Shia Muslim population distribution, regional demographics, and Shia communities across the Middle East and around the world.
