Until the eighties, Muslims' ratio amongst the Swedish population was as little as 1%, but the rate speedily and considerably increased during the past two decades. Now, 5% are Muslims of the overall eight millions of Swedish population. Muslims belong to various nationalities but the vast majority of them came from Albania. Bosnia, Iran, Turkey, Palestine, Kurdistan,

Iraq, Somalia and Lebanon.

Muslims are mainly concentrated in major cities, but the largest concentration lives in the southern city of Malmo where Muslims constitute nearly 15% of the city population. Mosques and Islamic associations are numerous such as Malmo mosque which was built in Islamic style, Grand Mosque, Absala Mosque and Trolehten mosques which are either under construction or

yet to be built.

Associations and Islamic centres whose buildings are rented, number more than one hundred, and they are used for religious lessons and performing prayers and other activities. Currently in Sweden, there are ten private schools, teaching Arabic language and Islamic education in addition to Swedish official textbooks.

Weekend and evening lessons in Quran and Arabic language are also taught in some Islamic associations ... In 1998 the Wasatt Institution for Islamic Education and Culture was set up. The aim of establishing this body is to open and build schools, teach Quranic sciences and Arabic language and propagate Islamic culture, as well as highlight the Arabic-Islamic civilization ... The institution (has to) open an Islamic public library. In the media field, the Wasatt has an ambitious project of launching Islamic radio station, and hiring ... TV transmission in order to enable the Muslims to be aware of the Islamic activities in Sweden and elsewhere.(Source: The Muslim World, 14 Nov., 1998)