10 Countries with the largest vegetarian populations

With growing inclination towards health and wellness, people are gradually moving towards making healthier choices, and going vegan and vegetarian has been a conscious change that most people around the world are instilling in their lives. India is known for its rich culinary culture, where the major population is vegetarian. Interestingly, much like India, there are many countries around the world that have a high vegetarian population. Read on to find out…
India
India has around 30–40% of the population that follows a vegetarian diet.There’s no denying that India stands as the undisputed global leader when it comes to vegetarianism, with a large portion of its population adhering to a vegetarian diet. The high percentage of vegetarians can be attributed to cultural, religious, and historical factors. Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism all promote non-violence (Ahimsa) towards animals, which has led to widespread adoption of vegetarianism, particularly in rural and traditional communities.

Israel
Israel has a vegetarian population of approximately 13-15%. This is because Israel has been a leader in the vegetarian movement in the Middle East. The vegetarian and vegan culture began in Israel, and Tel Aviv has even been dubbed the’vegan capital of the world’ due to its vibrant plant-based culture and numerous vegan restaurants.
Italy
Italy has a vegetarian population of around 10-12% of the population.Italy is well-known for its rich culinary tradition, but an increasing number of Italians are choosing vegetarian diets. As people become more conscious of the health benefits of plant-based eating and its impact on the environment, Italy’s vegetarian population continues to grow. The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes vegetables, grains, and healthy fats, aligns well with vegetarian eating habits.

United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has a vegetarian population of around 10%. However, there has been a steady rise in vegetarianism, with the number of vegetarians increasing over the years, especially in urban centers like London. British people are becoming more aware of the health benefits of plant-based diets, and ethical concerns related to factory farming and animal welfare also play a significant role.

Germany
Germany has a vegetarian population of around 9-10%, which is driven by an increasing awareness of environmental sustainability and health. The country’s focus on sustainable living and a growing concern for animal rights have encouraged more Germans to adopt plant-based diets. The ‘Veggie Day’ movement, which promotes a weekly vegetarian diet, has been gaining traction in many cities.
Brazil
Brazil also has a vegetarian population of around 8%, and over the years, the country has seen a notable rise in vegetarianism, especially in urban areas. As health and environmental awareness grows, many Brazilians are turning to plant-based diets, influenced by both local and global trends. Brazilian cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian-friendly dishes, with staples like beans, rice, and vegetables.
Sweden
Sweden is one of the most environmentally conscious countries in the world, and the country’s vegetarian population reflects this growing concern for sustainability. The Swedish government has supported initiatives to promote plant-based eating, including campaigns to reduce meat consumption and promote vegetarian and vegan diets.
United States
The United States has a small vegetarian population of around 5–7%. However, it is one of the fastest-growing vegetarian populations, especially in urban areas where people are more exposed to a variety of food trends. While the country has historically been known for its meat-heavy diet, recent decades have seen a significant rise in the number of vegetarians and vegans, driven by health and ethical considerations.

Australia
Australia has a vegetarian population of around 5% and has seen a steady rise in the number of vegetarians, particularly in large cities like Melbourne and Sydney. The growing popularity of sustainable living and ethical eating has contributed to this shift, along with increasing awareness about the environmental and health impacts of meat consumption.
Mexico
Mexico has a vegetarian population of around 5%, which has been constantly increasing. While Mexico is traditionally known for its meaty cuisine, the vegetarian population is steadily growing. Health and environmental factors, along with the increasing availability of plant-based foods, have contributed to the rise of vegetarianism in the country. Mexico’s culinary traditions already include many plant-based dishes, such as beans, corn, and vegetables.