Muslim demographics and religious attitudes grow in Europe

Demographic data indicates a growing Muslim population in Europe, which currently accounts for approximately 7 percent of the continent's population. This is an increase from 4.1 percent in 1990 and 6 percent in 2010. In many Western European nations, this growth is occurring rapidly; for example, Sweden's Muslim population rose from 4.5 percent in 2010 to 8.1 percent in 2020.

France maintains one of the largest Muslim populations in Europe, excluding southeastern countries. According to INSEE, Muslims make up 10 percent of the French population aged 18 to 59, the second largest religious group after Catholicism. The data also highlights high rates of intergenerational religious transmission among Muslims, with 91 percent following the faith of their parents.

Research suggests growing polarization in attitudes, noting that 57 percent of young French Muslims express a preference for Sharia law. These demographic shifts and differing views on political organization compared to secular liberal democracies remain central to discussions regarding migration and assimilation in Europe.