Islam is one of the world's three great monotheistic faiths, and today it is practiced by more than a fifth of the world's population. The region in which most Muslims live, often called the Islamic world, includes more than 50 countries and stretches across three continents. THE GROWTH AND INFLUENCE OF ISLAM IN THE NATIONS OF ASIA AND CENTRAL ASIA series examines the distribution of Muslims in major Asian countries. Books on the predominantly Islamic countries of Asia examine each country's geography, history, importance in the world, politics, economy, people and culture, major communities and cities, and relations with the United States and other countries. Books on China, Russia, and India focus specifically on the minority Muslim populations within these countries, while a volume on the Kurds examines the experiences of this stateless ethnic group.