Muslim Life in Germany

Like many Western European countries, Germany has a large population of Muslims, although their presence is rather a relatively recent phenomenon as compared to France or the UK. There are no available precise figures of Muslims living in Germany. However, a study conducted by the Federal Office of Migration and Refugees puts their numbers between 3.8 and 4.3 million, from 39 different countries. Thus, Muslims form between 4.6 and 5.2 percent of the total population of around 82 million. These figures are compiled by the Deutsche Islam Konferenz (DIK- the German Conference on Islam which was established in 2006 by the Federal German Government, the most important forum between the German state and Muslims living in Germany). The aim of the DIK is to promote harmony between the government and Muslims. It tries to strengthen common grounds, overcome differences and promote participation – on the principle of the basis of a free democratic order - in a country that is religiously and culturally diverse. Thus, the long-term dialogue between state and Muslim representatives helps to promote co-operation and social cohesion.