Netherlands

Islam in the Netherlands is the second largest religion after Christianity and plays an important role in the country’s multicultural and religious landscape.

1. Population & Demographics

  • Muslims make up around 5–6% of the total Dutch population (roughly 850,000 to 1 million people).
  • Most Muslims live in urban centers such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht.
  • In cities like Rotterdam, Muslims make up about 13–15% of the local population.

2. Origins & Ethnic Background
The majority of Muslims in the Netherlands are from:

  • Turkey (the largest group)
  • Morocco
  • Smaller numbers from Suriname, Indonesia, Iraq, Somalia, and Afghanistan.

Islam first grew significantly in the Netherlands after guest worker programs in the 1960s and 70s, when labor migrants from Turkey and Morocco arrived.

3. Mosques & Religious Institutions

  • There are over 500 mosques in the Netherlands.
  • The Westermoskee in Amsterdam is one of the largest mosques in the country.
  • Muslim organizations run Islamic schools, cultural centers, and social welfare services.
  • Islam is officially recognized, allowing Muslim organizations to participate in state-funded religious services (such as Islamic education).

4. Education & Social Life

  • Islamic primary and secondary schools exist in various Dutch cities.
  • Halal food is widely available in supermarkets and restaurants.
  • Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are widely celebrated, but not national public holidays.
  • Islamic dress (such as the hijab) is common, but face-covering veils (niqab, burqa) are partially banned in public spaces since 2019.

5. Challenges & Debates

  • There are ongoing national debates about immigration, integration, and Islam’s role in Dutch society.
  • Issues like headscarf bans, mosque construction opposition, and concerns about radicalization (especially after events like the 2004 murder of filmmaker Theo van Gogh) have fueled political and public discussions.
  • Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiments are concerns for many in the Dutch Muslim community.

6. Contributions & Integration

  • Dutch Muslims contribute to politics, sports, culture, and business.
  • Some Dutch-born Muslims are members of parliament, artists, athletes, journalists, and public intellectuals.

Summary:
Islam in the Netherlands reflects the country’s history of immigration and cultural diversity. While Muslims face challenges in terms of social integration and public perception, they are also a vital and growing part of Dutch society, shaping its future in various fields.

Netherlands
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .nl
Country Code: +31