Answer:
There are several countries in Asia where Islam is the predominant religion, including Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. However, if we consider countries where Islam is not necessarily the majority religion but still has a significant presence, one country that may come as a surprise to some is the Philippines.
The Philippines has a population of over 100 million people, and although the majority of Filipinos are Roman Catholic, there is also a significant Muslim population, particularly in the southern region of Mindanao. Muslims in the Philippines are known as Moros and make up around 5-10% of the population.
The presence of Islam in the Philippines can be traced back to the 13th century, when Arab and Malay traders brought the religion to the archipelago. Over the centuries, the spread of Islam in the Philippines was influenced by various factors, including intermarriage between Muslim and non-Muslim communities, the conversion of local rulers to Islam, and the arrival of Muslim preachers and scholars.
Despite historical conflicts and tensions between Muslim and non-Muslim communities in the Philippines, efforts have been made in recent years to promote peace and unity among all Filipinos, regardless of religion. In 2019, a law was passed creating the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which aims to give greater autonomy to Muslim-majority areas and promote economic development and social justice for all.