The demography of Islamic nations
Weeks, J.R.
Population Bulletin 43(4): 5-54
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-468X PMID: 12281988 Document Number: 361188
This report examines the demographic dynamics of the Moslem world, focusing primarily on the causes and consequences of the rapid rate of population growth in those nations in which a significant fraction of the population follows the Islamic faith. The material is presented in short sections with tables and figures. The beginning offers a description of Islam and discusses social relationships including male-female relations, marriage and divorce. Islamic nations are defined and their demographic distinctiveness is discussed. The 40 nations included are those in which the majority of the populations adhere to Islam and another 7 nations in which a significant minority of the population is Moslem. Various information regarding fertility in Islamic nations, such as levels and trends, explanations of fertility levels, and the status of women is then reviewed. Mortality and migration in Islamic nations are also reviewed. Subsumed under the latter topic is a discussion of international migration, urbanization and refugees in Islamic nations. The age and sex composition of Islamic societies is described. The population growth and economic development is presented along with population policies in Islamic nations. There is considerable diversity among Islamic nations; few demographic patterns in Islamic nations appear to be a direct result of religious influence. The high fertility found in many Islamic nations is thought to be a consequence of the recency of social and economic development in nearly all Islamic nations.