Islam sees highest growth among Dutch youth in 2024

In 2024, the Netherlands witnessed a notable religious shift, with Islam becoming the fastest-growing religion among youth, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). While overall religious affiliation rose slightly to 44% from 42% in 2023, Islam showed significant growth, especially among young people.

Muslims now represent about 6% of the population, mainly of Turkish, Moroccan, Surinamese, Indonesian, Iraqi, and Syrian descent, concentrated in major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht.

Nearly half of Dutch Muslims attend mosque monthly, making them among the most observant. The rise is linked to growing Muslim communities and successful Islamic schools—53 in total—serving 12,500 students with top national academic rankings.

Despite challenges, the increasing youth interest in Islam reflects a broader spiritual search and growing Muslim presence in Dutch social and cultural life.