In a world that’s becoming increasingly conscious of dietary choices and their impact on health and the environment, the popularity of vegetarianism is on the rise. From India to Russia, people across the globe are embracing plant-based diets to various extents. Let’s take a closer look at the prevalence of vegetarianism in different countries based on the percentage of their population adhering to meatless diets.
India (20-39%): Unsurprisingly, India leads the pack with a significant proportion of its population adhering to vegetarianism, thanks to cultural and religious influences like Hinduism and Jainism.
Mexico (19%): In Mexico, nearly one-fifth of the population has adopted vegetarianism, driven by health and environmental concerns.
Taiwan (13-14%): Taiwan boasts a relatively high number of vegetarians, influenced by a strong Buddhist presence and health-conscious citizens.
Israel (13%): In Israel, 13% of the population has chosen a vegetarian lifestyle, driven by a mix of health, ethical, and religious considerations.
Australia (12.1%): In the land Down Under, over 12% of people opt for vegetarianism as they become more aware of the benefits of plant-based diets.
Argentina (12%): In Argentina, known for its love of beef, 12% of the population has shifted towards plant-based diets for health and environmental reasons.
Finland (12%): Finns are also embracing vegetarianism, with 12% choosing to avoid meat and embrace plant-based foods.
Sweden (12%): The trend continues in Sweden, where health and environmental concerns drive 12% of the population to opt for meatless diets.
Austria (11%): Austria has a thriving vegetarian community, with 11% of its residents choosing to go meat-free.
Denmark (10%): Denmark joins the ranks with 10% of its population choosing vegetarianism, largely due to environmental and ethical considerations.
Germany (10%): As one of Europe’s largest countries, Germany is home to a significant vegetarian population, with health-conscious individuals contributing to the 10% figure.
United Kingdom (10%): In the UK, a growing number of Britons are embracing vegetarianism, with 10% of the population choosing plant-based diets.
New Zealand (10%): New Zealanders are also adopting vegetarianism, with 10% of the population reducing their meat consumption.
Vietnam (10%): In Vietnam, 10% of people are opting for vegetarian diets, influenced by Buddhism and a growing awareness of health benefits.
Japan (9%): Japan has a thriving vegetarian community, with 9% of the population embracing plant-based diets.
Norway (9%): Norwegians are also turning towards vegetarianism, with health and environmental consciousness driving the trend.
Italy (8.9%): In Italy, known for its culinary tradition, 8.9% of the population chooses plant-based diets, driven by health considerations.
Poland (8.4%): Poles are increasingly adopting vegetarianism, with 8.4% of the population choosing to go meatless.
Brazil (8%): Brazil, famous for its barbecue culture, has 8% of its population embracing vegetarianism for health and ethical reasons.
Canada (7.6%): In Canada, 7.6% of the population is following meatless diets, influenced by health and environmental concerns.
Belgium (7%): Belgians are also adopting vegetarianism, with 7% of the population choosing plant-based diets.
Chile (6%): In Chile, 6% of people have turned to vegetarianism, driven by health and environmental awareness.
France (5.2%): Despite its rich culinary tradition, France has seen 5.2% of its population adopt vegetarianism, mainly for health reasons.
Ukraine (5.2%): In Ukraine, 5.2% of the population follows vegetarian diets, influenced by health and ethical considerations.
Czechia (5%): Czechia is witnessing a growth in vegetarianism, with 5% of its residents choosing plant-based diets.
United States (5%): In the United States, 5% of the population has embraced vegetarianism, driven by health, ethical, and environmental concerns.
Netherlands (5%): The Netherlands also has a growing vegetarian community, with 5% of the population choosing to go meat-free.
Philippines (5%): In the Philippines, 5% of people have adopted vegetarianism, influenced by religious and ethical factors.
Switzerland (5%): Swiss citizens are increasingly turning towards vegetarianism, with 5% opting for plant-based diets.
Ireland (4.3-8.4%): In Ireland, the prevalence of vegetarianism varies from 4.3% to 8.4%, reflecting a range of dietary preferences.
Greece (4%): Greece has a small but growing vegetarian community, with 4% of the population choosing plant-based diets.
China (4-5%): Despite its massive population, China has 4-5% of its people following vegetarian diets, driven by health and environmental concerns.
Thailand (3.3%): In Thailand, 3.3% of the population is adopting vegetarianism, influenced by religious and cultural factors.
South Korea (3%): South Korea has a modest vegetarian community, with 3% of its residents choosing plant-based diets.
Spain (1.4%): In Spain, 1.4% of the population has embraced vegetarianism, though the trend is growing slowly.
Portugal (1.2%): Portugal has a relatively small vegetarian community, with 1.2% of its residents choosing plant-based diets.
Russia (1%): Russia lags behind in vegetarianism, with only 1% of the population opting for meatless diets.
While the prevalence of vegetarianism varies from country to country, it’s clear that this dietary choice is gaining momentum worldwide. Whether motivated by health, ethics, or environmental concerns, more people are making the switch to plant-based diets, reshaping global food culture one plate at a time.
