Muslims constitute around 22 percent of the total world population of approximately 6.5 billion individuals. They are widely distributed in various proportions in over two third of the total number of administrative or political divisions including nation states dependent areas and territorial categories. They are based in rural and urban areas and are segmented into tribal ethnic linguistic and occupational groups or a combination of more factors than one.

This first volume covers the Muslim countries of South-East Asia. It gives vital information on Muslims living in ten countries of the region. The approach is multi disciplinary. The compilers of this volume have assumed the responsibility of helping the readers to cast a birds eye view on Muslim population drawn from a variety of races and racial types tribes, castes ethnic and linguistic groups maintaining their distinct identities traditions and sub culture and at the same time owing allegiance to a creed that lays emphasis on harmony based on tolerance and respect for variety.