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LONDON (AP) — A new study says the Muslim population of England and Wales almost doubled over a 10-year period.
The analysis of 2011 census data indicates the number of people identifying themselves as Muslim grew from 1.5 million in 2001 to 2.7 million by 2011.
The study based on official data was prepared for the Muslim Council of Britain by a team led by Sundas Ali of the University of Oxford.
The "British Muslims in Numbers" report indicates that more than half were born outside Britain but 73 percent regard themselves as British.
The report indicates nearly half the Muslim population lives in neighborhoods considered among the top 10 percent in terms of economic deprivation.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said Thursday the report highlights the challenges and opportunities facing British Muslims.
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