Muslim Population in South America: ~6 Million

The Muslim population in South America is estimated at around 6 million, representing approximately 0.5% of the continent's total population.

Demographic Breakdown

• Majority: Sunni Islam
• Minorities: Shia, Ahmadiyya, Sufi communities
• Origins: Primarily descendants of immigrants from the Middle East (Lebanon, Syria, Palestine) arriving late 19th–mid 20th century, plus converts and West African descendants in Suriname/Guyana.

Largest Communities by Country

• Brazil: ~1.5–2.5 million (largest absolute number; concentrated in São Paulo, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul)
• Argentina: ~400,000–1 million (Buenos Aires, Córdoba)
• Suriname: ~130,000 (≈20% of population; mostly Javanese and South Asian descent)
• Guyana: ~50,000–100,000 (≈7–12%; South Asian heritage)
• Trinidad & Tobago: ~100,000 (Caribbean, often grouped with South America)
• Colombia, Venezuela, Chile: Significant communities (50,000–100,000 each)

Institutional Presence

Mosques, Islamic centers, schools, and halal certification bodies exist in major cities. The Islamic Center of Brazil (São Paulo), King Fahd Islamic Cultural Center (Buenos Aires), and Suriname Islamic Association are notable institutions. Islamic finance and halal food industries are growing.

While a minority, South American Muslims have high visibility in commerce, politics, and culture—especially in Brazil and Argentina.