Islam in Austria facts for kids

The inside of a mosque in Salzburg.

Islam is a religion followed by a small group of people in Austria. In 2001, about 4.22% of the population were Muslim. Most Muslims came to Austria after 1960. They were often people who moved to Austria for work, from countries like Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. There are also communities of people from Arab countries and Pakistan.

Islam in Austria

Where Muslims Live in Austria

The westernmost state of Austria, called Vorarlberg, has the most Muslims. About 8.36% of its population is Muslim. This area has a lot of factories and businesses. The capital city, Vienna, is next with 7.82% Muslim residents.

States in the middle of Austria, like Salzburg, Upper Austria, Tyrol, and Lower Austria, have an average number of Muslims. The southern and eastern states, such as Styria, Carinthia, and Burgenland, have fewer Muslims than the average.

How Islam is Recognized

Austria is special among countries in Western Europe. It is the only country that has officially recognized Islam as a religious community. This recognition first happened after Austria took over Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1878.

Austria has a special law called the "Anerkennungsgesetz" (Act of Recognition). This law sets out the religious freedoms for the Muslim community. It was brought back into use in 1979 when the Community of Muslim Believers in Austria was started.

What the Law Does

This organization has the right to teach religious education in public schools. It could also collect a "church tax" from its members, but it has not done this yet. The organization does not build, pay for, or manage mosques in Austria.

Muslim Communities in Austria

Muslim religious life in Austria happens in mosques that belong to different organizations. These groups often represent Muslims from specific backgrounds, like Turkish, Bosnian, or Arab Muslims.

Among the Turkish organizations, one group is managed by the Turkish government's religious department. Other groups, like the Süleymancıs and Milli Görüş, are part of larger European organizations based in Germany.

Muslims in Austria by Nationality

Here is a table showing the number of Muslims in Austria based on their nationality:

Images for kids

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  Mosque and Islamic centre in Vienna.

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  A Mosque in Telfs.