In 2024, the Netherlands saw a marked shift in its religious landscape, with Islam emerging as the fastest-growing faith among youth, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). The overall percentage of religiously affiliated individuals rose to 44%, up from 42% in 2023, with Islam showing notable growth.
Muslims now make up approximately 6% of the Dutch population, primarily of Turkish, Moroccan, Surinamese, Indonesian, Iraqi, and Syrian backgrounds. These communities are predominantly based in major cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht.
Nearly 50% of Muslims in the Netherlands attend mosque services monthly, highlighting a strong level of religious observance. The growth is also linked to the success of Islamic schools 53 institutions currently educate around 12,500 students, many ranking among the top schools nationally.
Despite societal challenges, the increasing interest in Islam among young people points to a deeper spiritual search and signals the growing influence of Muslim communities in Dutch social and cultural life.
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