Muslim Population in England and Wales nearly doubles in 10 years

London - The Muslim Population of England and Wales is growing faster than the overall population, with a higher proportion of children and a lower ratio of elderly people, according to an analysis of official data, The Guardian reported.

In 2011, 2.71 million Muslims lived in England and Wales, compared with 1.55 million in 2001. There were also 77,000 Muslims in Scotland and 3,800 in Northern Ireland.

Half of the Muslims in England and Wales were born there and almost three-quarters (73%) identify themselves as British. Two-thirds of Muslims are ethnically Asian and 8% are white.

The analysis, which aims to provide a comprehensive picture of Muslim demographics in England and Wales, is the first of its kind. It was made possible because 92% of respondents completed a voluntary question on religion in the 2011 census.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB),, which is affiliated with 500 institutions, said: “The report is the first comprehensive and detailed report of its kind looking at Muslims from a data perspective.”

The figures show that Muslims make up 20% or more of the electorate in 26 constituencies and live in all local authority areas in England and Wales. “There has been a spreading-out effect and this has accelerated in the past 10 years,” said Sundas Ali, a sociologist at Oxford University.

Responding to the report, the British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, said: “What’s not in doubt is that British Muslims can be proud of the contribution they make to our country.”

Clegg added: “Together we can help create jobs, drive growth and enable more people to get on building the stronger economy and fairer society."