World Vegetarian Day 2024: List of Countries with Highest Rates of Vegetarianism

World Vegan Day is an annual event held on October 1st. The campaign was launched to promote the benefits of a vegetarian diet and raise awareness of plant-based diets. It was initiated by the North American Vegetarian Association in 1977 and was later accepted by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978. It marks the beginning of Vegan Awareness Month, held annually from October to October.

Benefits of a vegetarian diet

Environmental Impact: Veganism provides a diet that consumes few resources compared to meat production. For example, producing meat requires more fossil fuels than plant-based foods.

Health Benefits: A diet rich in all essential nutrients, a vegetarian diet can also lower cholesterol levels, reduce risks related to heart disease, and promote better health outcomes.

Diversity in the Kitchen: The myth that vegetarian food tastes bad, is boring, and represents flavor is completely false.

Countries with the highest proportion of vegetarians

According to the latest data, the countries with the highest proportion of vegetarians are as follows:

  1. India: About 20% to 39% of the population is vegetarian, making it the country with the highest vegetarian rate in the world. This popularity is deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices, especially among Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists.
  2. Mexico: About 19% of Mexicans consider themselves vegetarian. The rise of vegetarianism here is linked to growing awareness of animal rights and environmental issues.
  3. Brazil: With approximately 14% of the population being vegetarian, Brazil is undergoing a major shift towards plant-based diets, especially in urban areas.
  4. Israel: Influenced by religious dietary laws and plant-based eating trends, about 13% of Israelis are vegetarians.
  5. Taiwan: Taiwan’s vegetarian population accounts for about 13% to 14%, thanks to the strong vegetarian culture and the support of many specialized institutions.
  6. Australia: About 12.1% of Australians follow a vegetarian diet due to health and environmental concerns.
  7. Argentina: About 12% of Argentina’s population considers themselves vegetarian, reflecting a growing trend toward plant-based diets.
  8. Finland: The vegetarian rate in Finland is about 12%, and increasing awareness of health benefits has prompted people to choose vegetarian diets.
  9. Sweden: Due to environmental factors, about 12% of Swedes are vegetarians.
  10. Austria: Approximately 11% of Austria’s population adheres to a vegetarian diet, and its popularity has steadily increased over the years.

As awareness of vegetarianism grows, more and more people are recognizing its ethical and health benefits. The movement is booming due to the large vegetarian populations in countries like India and Mexico. World Vegan Day is an important reminder of the positive impact a plant-based diet can have on our lives and the planet.