Why does Russia have more Muslims than the US?

Russia has a significant Muslim population primarily due to historical and geographical factors:

Historical Muslim Territories: Russia has a long history of interaction with Muslim-majority regions. During various periods of its history, the Russian Empire expanded into territories with predominantly Muslim populations, such as the Caucasus, Central Asia, and parts of Siberia. These regions became integrated into the Russian Empire and, later, the Soviet Union, contributing to the diversity of religious beliefs within the country.

Central Asian Republics: After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, several predominantly Muslim republics became independent states, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan. These countries, which were formerly part of the Soviet Union, have sizable Muslim populations and maintain cultural and economic ties with Russia.

Migration and Immigration: Russia has also experienced significant migration flows from predominantly Muslim countries, particularly from Central Asia and the Caucasus. Economic opportunities, labour migration, and family reunification have contributed to the growth of Muslim communities within Russia's borders.

High Birth Rates: Muslim-majority regions within Russia, as well as migrant communities, often have higher birth rates compared to the national average. This demographic trend contributes to the overall growth of the Muslim population within the country.

In contrast, while the United States has a diverse population that includes Muslims, the proportion of Muslims in the U.S. population is smaller compared to Russia. The United States historically has not had the same level of direct interaction with predominantly Muslim regions as Russia has had. Additionally, immigration patterns and demographic trends in the United States differ from those in Russia, influencing the size and composition of religious communities within each country.