Mizrahi Jewish Demographics
Explore demographic data and statistics about Mizrahi Jewish communities, their migration patterns, and current population distribution.
Jewish Population by Country Before 1948
Mizrahi Jewish Migration to Israel (1948-1980)
Current Distribution of Mizrahi Jews Globally
Historical Population
Prior to the establishment of Israel in 1948, there were approximately 850,000-1,000,000 Jews living in various countries across the Middle East and North Africa. These communities had existed for centuries, some dating back over 2,500 years.
The largest communities were found in Morocco (250,000-300,000), Iraq (150,000), Algeria (140,000), Iran (100,000-150,000), Tunisia (100,000), Yemen (55,000), Libya (38,000), and Egypt (75,000).
Current Distribution
Today, the vast majority of Mizrahi Jews live in Israel, with smaller communities in France, the United States, Canada, and other Western countries. In Israel, Mizrahi Jews and their descendants make up approximately 3.2 million people, about half of Israel's Jewish population.
Very small Jewish communities remain in some Middle Eastern and North African countries, primarily in Morocco (2,000-3,000), Tunisia (1,000), and Iran (8,000-10,000).
Data Sources and Methodology
The demographic data presented on this page comes from various historical records, census data, immigration statistics, and academic research. Population figures for historical communities are approximate and based on the best available estimates from historical sources.
Current population figures are based on Israeli census data, community records, and estimates from Jewish organizations. Due to intermarriage and the complexity of Jewish identity, precise numbers for Mizrahi Jewish populations are difficult to determine with absolute certainty.
Note: All data should be considered approximate. For detailed sources, please see our references page.