Growth of Mosques in Western Countries (2000-2025)
In many Western countries, the number and prominence of mosques has increased significantly over the last two and a half decades. This growth reflects larger demographic changes—the increase in Muslim populations through immigration, birth-rates, conversion, and second/third generation settlement—as well as changing patterns in religiosity, civic presence and community infrastructure.
Below we examine how mosque infrastructure has developed, highlight key available statistics, and discuss factors driving the growth and evolving nature of mosques in the West.
Key Statistics from Selected Countries
United States
- According to the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) “American Mosque Survey 2020”, there were 2,769 mosques in the U.S. in 2020. (ISPU)
- This represents a 31% growth from the 2010 count of 2,106 mosques. (ISPU)
- By 2000 the count was estimated around 1,209 mosques in the U.S. (Wikipedia)
- Implication: Over the 2000–2020 period the U.S. mosque count more than doubled in two decades.
Western Europe
- In some Western European countries, research shows “the gradually increasing number of these mosques” as a result of growing Muslim populations. (Stefano Allievi)
- For example, in Denmark the number of mosques grew from about 115 in 2006 to about 161 in 2017 (an increase of ~40–50%). (Wikipedia)
- Data are scarce for every country, and in some places mosque growth is difficult to track precisely due to informal prayer spaces, lack of centralized registration, or churches/warehouses being converted into mosques.
Summary Table: Estimated Growth of Mosques (2000–2025)
| Country / Region | Estimated Mosque Count (2000) | Estimated Mosque Count (2020–2025) | Approximate Growth | Key Notes / Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States 🇺🇸 | ~1,200 | 2,769 (ISPU 2020) | +130% | ISPU American Mosque Survey 2020; Pew Research Center (2021). |
| Canada 🇨🇦 | ~300 | ~650–700 (2025) | +120% | Statistics Canada; National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM); mosque directories. |
| United Kingdom 🇬🇧 | ~900 | ~1,800+ (2025) | +100% | Muslim Council of Britain (MCB); ONS 2021 Census; BBC Reports. |
| France 🇫🇷 | ~1,550 | ~2,600 (2025) | +68% | French Ministry of the Interior; Pew Religion & Public Life; Le Monde. |
| Germany 🇩🇪 | ~2,000 | ~2,750 (2025) | +38% | Deutsche Islam Konferenz (DIK); BAMF; Pew Europe Report. |
| Netherlands 🇳🇱 | ~400 | ~500+ (2025) | +25% | Statistics Netherlands; Leiden University research. |
| Sweden 🇸🇪 | ~110 | ~230 (2025) | +109% | Uppsala University Religion & Society data; Pew Europe. |
| Australia 🇦🇺 | ~120 | ~300+ (2025) | +150% | ABS 2021 Census; MWRC; National Mosque Directory (AIC). |
| New Zealand 🇳🇿 | ~20 | ~60+ (2025) | +200% | Stats NZ; FIANZ records. |
| Denmark 🇩🇰 | 115 (2006) | 161 (2017) | +40% | Aarhus University; Wikipedia “Islam in Denmark.” |
Note:
These numbers are illustrative estimates compiled from publicly available reports, census data, and academic surveys.
Because definitions of a “mosque” differ (e.g., prayer hall vs. purpose-built mosque vs. Islamic centre) and record-keeping varies between countries, exact counts can fluctuate.
Why Mosque Growth Occurs (and What It Means)
1. Population Growth of Muslims
As the Muslim population grows (via immigration, births, naturalisation, conversion) the need for worship spaces, Islamic centres, and community institutions increases.
In the U.S., the ISPU report links the expansion of mosques directly to “the steady expansion of the population of Muslims in America due mainly to the steady flow of new immigrants.” (ISPU)
2. Geographic Spread
Mosques increasingly move beyond city centres into suburbs and exurbs. For instance, in the U.S., the number of mosques in towns/small cities declined from ~20% in 2010 to ~6% in 2020—meaning mosques are increasingly situated in suburban areas. (ArabAmericanNews)
3. Institutional & Architectural Investment
There is increased investment in purpose-built mosque buildings, Islamic centres, language schools, community halls. For example, ISPU notes that in 2020, 37% of U.S. mosques were purpose-built (vs ~30% in 2010). (ISPU)
4. Sociocultural Integration & Visibility
Mosques in the West also serve broader roles: youth programmes, outreach, interfaith, social justice. The essay “Mosques and political engagement in Europe and North America” highlights how mosques help integrate Muslim communities into civic life. (Project on Middle East Political Science)
5. Regional and Local Variations
Growth is uneven: some countries or regions have many newly established prayer spaces, others fewer due to zoning laws, funding obstacles, or small communities. For example, in some European countries the conversion of churches or warehouses into mosques is more common than new construction. (Organiser)
Challenges & Considerations
- Data gaps: Tracking mosque counts consistently is difficult—definitions vary (prayer room vs full mosque), not all are registered, some are in hidden/converted spaces.
- Zoning and planning issues: Many mosque projects face resistance from local authorities or community objections, especially in suburban or rural areas. (Leiden University Scholarly Publications)
- Diversity of spaces: Not all “mosques” are purpose-built; many are multi-purpose Islamic centres, converted buildings, or prayer rooms, making counts less clear.