Which Country Has the World’s Largest Vegetarian Population? See Which Nation Tops the List!

Have you ever wondered which country has the largest number of vegetarians? India proudly tops the list as the country with the largest vegetarian population in the world.

An astounding 30-40% of India’s population follows a meat-free lifestyle, leaving other countries far behind.

From mouth-watering curries to diverse street food, Indian cuisine offers endless vegetarian delights. Dishes like paneer tikka, dosas and dal makhani showcase the vibrant flavors of vegetarian cooking.

In this article, we explore the 10 countries with the largest vegetarian populations and reveal what makes their vegetarian lifestyle unique.

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List of the most vegetarian countries in the world

According to the World Population Review, here is a list of the most vegetarian countries in the world, where plant-based eating is a way of life and known for their delicious, diverse cuisine.

rank

nation

Vegetarian population (%)

Vegetarian population (%)

1

India

9%

20-39%

2

Mexico

9%

19%

3

Brazil

2%

14%

4

Taiwan

2%

13.5%

5

Israel

5%

13%

7

Australia

2%

12.1%

8

Argentina

2%

12%

9

Finland

2%

12%

10

Sweden

4%

12%

11

Austria

2%

11%

12

New Zealand

2%

10%

13

jamaica

2%

10%

14

Germany

2%

10%

15

U.K.

2%

10%

Source: World Population Review

#1.India

India has the highest proportion of vegetarians in the world, with an estimated 20% to 39% of its population following a vegetarian diet.

This popularity is deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices, especially among Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, who promote nonviolence and respect for all living creatures.

The country is home to approximately 276 million vegetarians, making it an important vegetarian hub. The diversity of Indian vegetarian dishes, including lentils, vegetables and grains, reflects the rich culinary tradition that supports this lifestyle.

In addition, increasing awareness of the health benefits of vegetarianism has also contributed to its popularity in urban areas. India’s low meat consumption rates are also noteworthy, consistent with the country’s strong cultural ethos surrounding vegetarianism.

#2.Mexico

Mexico is in second place, with about 19% of the population being vegetarian. This means that approximately 23.8 million people have adopted a meat-free lifestyle.

The growth of vegetarianism in Mexico can be attributed to growing awareness of animal rights and environmental issues, as well as a rich culinary tradition that includes numerous plant-based options.

Traditional Mexican cuisine features a variety of vegetables, legumes, and grains that contribute to a vegetarian diet.

Cities like Mexico City are becoming hotspots for vegan restaurants and vegan-friendly dining spots.

Additionally, health awareness is causing many people to explore plant-based diets as a means of improving overall health.

#3. Brazil

Brazil ranks third, with about 14% of the population practicing vegetarianism and about 29.3 million vegetarians.

Brazil’s shift to vegetarianism has been influenced by a variety of factors, including environmental concerns related to deforestation caused by cattle farming and the growing animal rights movement.

Vegan restaurants and plant-based food options are growing in urban areas such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

In addition, Brazil is rich in agricultural resources and has a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, making it easier for people to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle.

Brazil’s cultural diversity also contributes to innovative vegetarian cuisine that appeals to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

#4. Taiwan

Taiwan ranks fourth, with approximately 13% to 14% of the population being vegetarian, equivalent to approximately 3.3 million people.

Taiwan’s strong cultural support for vegetarianism is largely influenced by Buddhist practices that emphasize compassion for all living beings.

The island has a vibrant vegan gastronomy scene, with numerous specialty restaurants serving a variety of plant-based dishes. In addition, the Taiwanese government actively promotes vegetarianism through initiatives aimed at improving public health and reducing environmental impact.

This cultural acceptance, coupled with a growing number of health-conscious consumers, has solidified Taiwan’s status as one of the most vegetarian-friendly countries in the world

#5. Israel

Israel ranks fifth in the world for vegetarianism, with about 13% of the population adhering to vegetarianism.

This means there are approximately 1 million vegetarians. The roots of vegetarianism in Israel can be traced to religious dietary laws in Judaism that promote ethical eating habits.

Additionally, the vibrant food culture of cities like Tel Aviv has contributed to the growing trend of plant-based eating, with many restaurants offering diverse vegetarian and vegan options.

Awareness of health benefits and environmental concerns also contributed to the shift. Notably, Israel is recognized as a global leader in vegan cuisine, attracting food lovers from all over the world.

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#6. Australia

Australia ranks sixth, with about 12.1% of its population being vegetarian, totaling about 2.5 million people.

The rise of vegetarianism in Australia has been largely driven by health concerns, environmental awareness and animal rights advocacy.

Australian cuisine has adapted to include a variety of plant-based options, making vegetarianism more accessible.

The country has a strong market for organic and local produce, further supporting this lifestyle choice. Major cities such as Melbourne and Sydney are known for their vibrant vegan restaurant scenes, showcasing innovative plant-based dishes.

#7.Argentina

Argentina ranks seventh, with about 12% of the population following a vegetarian diet, equivalent to about 5.4 million vegetarians.

Argentina has traditionally been known for its meat-based cuisine, but is now experiencing a significant shift toward plant-based diets, especially among younger generations who are increasingly concerned about health and environmental issues.

The growing popularity of homegrown foods and local produce has also contributed to this change. Vegetarian restaurants are becoming increasingly common in urban areas, reflecting changes in people’s dietary preferences.

#8. Finland

Finland ranks eighth, with about 12% of its population being vegetarian, or about 660,000 people.

Due to increased health awareness and concern for the environment, Finnish diets are gradually shifting towards plant-based foods.

Finland’s strong focus on sustainability and organic farming encourages more people to explore vegetarian options.

The country has a variety of local vegetables and grains that support this lifestyle, and many restaurants now feature vegetarian dishes prominently on their menus.

#9. Sweden

Sweden ranks ninth, with about 12% of the population following a vegetarian diet, a total of about 1.2 million people.

The Swedish lifestyle promotes healthy eating habits and sustainability, which has contributed to the growth of vegetarianism in the country.

A significant number of Swedish consumers are motivated by ethical concerns about animal welfare and the environmental impact associated with meat production.

The wide range of plant-based options available in supermarkets and restaurants reflects this cultural shift toward vegetarianism.

#10. Austria

Austria rounds out the top ten with about 11% of the population (approximately 993,000 people).

Austria’s culinary scene is beginning to embrace vegetarianism, driven by increasing demand for plant-based foods driven by health and environmental awareness.

Many Austrian restaurants offer at least one vegetarian dish, and there is a growing trend in organic food consumption.

The country’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its agricultural practices, further supporting the vegan movement.