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Index / Religions
Open map of Saudi ArabiaFlag of Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia /
Religions



About Saudi Arabia
INTRODUCTION
1. Political situation
2. Economy
3. Health
4. Education
a. Universities
5. Media
6. Demographics
7. Religions
8. Peoples
9. Languages
10. History

Religions
Figures in 1000.
Islam
22,400 90%
Sunni
19,000 76.0%
Shi'i
3,400 13.5%
Twelver
2,000 8.0%
Zaydis
1,400 5.5%
Isma'ilism
600 2.5%
Christianity
880 3.5%
Roman Catholics
500 2.0%
Protestants
350 1.5%
Greek Orthodox
30 0.1%
Hinduism
150 0.6%
Baha'i
4 <0.1%
Other religions
850 4.0%

Officially Muslims make up 99% of the population of Saudi Arabia, but based upon the size of the expatriate community, an estimate of 90% is probably correct.
While there are some Shi'is living in the east of the country (about 15%) Saudi Arabia is principally Sunni Muslim, keeping up the Hanbali school of Sharia, as this was understood by the Wahhabis, the religiously dominant group of central Arabia from the 18th century, but which today is no longer a force. A clear majority of the foreign workers are also Muslims, coming from Asia and other Arab countries.

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By: Tore Kjeilen