Shia Population Iran Iraq Middle East Map
Explore the worldwide distribution of Shia Muslim populations, highlighting the countries and regions where Shia communities form majorities, significant minorities, or historically important religious populations.
About This Shia Population Iran Iraq Middle East Map
A worldwide overview of the geographic distribution of Shia Muslim communities and their major population centers.
This Global Shia Population Map illustrates the worldwide distribution of Shia Muslim communities. Shia Islam is one of the two largest branches of Islam, and Shia Muslims are estimated to represent roughly 10–15% of the global Muslim population. The largest concentrations are found in the Middle East and South Asia, although Shia communities are present on every inhabited continent.
Iran is the world’s largest predominantly Shia country, while Iraq also has a Shia Muslim majority. Azerbaijan and Bahrain have large Shia populations, and important Shia communities are found in Lebanon, Yemen, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Syria, and several other countries.
Outside traditional population centers, Shia Muslim communities can also be found across Europe, North America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Oceania as a result of migration and diaspora communities. Population estimates vary by source, and religious identity within individual countries can be more diverse than a national-level map may suggest.
How to Read the Shia Population Iran Iraq Middle East Map
The map highlights countries and regions according to the relative presence and concentration of Shia Muslim populations.
Global Shia Muslim Population by Region
Open each region to explore the major geographic concentrations of Shia Muslim communities around the world.
Middle East
South Asia
Central Asia and the Caucasus
Africa
Europe and North America
Southeast Asia and Oceania
Which Countries Have the Largest Shia Muslim Populations?
The largest Shia Muslim communities are concentrated mainly in the Middle East and South Asia.
Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait are among the countries with the most significant Shia Muslim populations. Iran contains the world’s largest Shia population, while Iraq is another major center of Shia religious and cultural life. Pakistan and India also contain very large Shia communities in absolute numbers.
Shia Islam Historical Timeline
Key events that shaped the development and geographic expansion of Shia Islam through history.
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.
