Top 10 Countries with the Most Vegetarians: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, India has the highest percentage of vegetarians in the world, with 38% of the population identifying as vegetarian. Mexico is second, with about 19% of its population identifying as vegetarian. Brazil, Taiwan, Israel, Australia, Argentina, Finland, and Sweden are other countries with high vegetarian populations.
In this article, we are going to learn about the List of Countries with the Most Vegetarians in 2024.
List of Top 10 Countries with the Most Vegetarians in 2024
Vegetarianism is the act of abstaining from eating meat and meat by-products. Some people choose to be vegetarian for dietary, health, or necessity reasons. In India, vegetarianism became popular after the introduction of Buddhism and Jainism, which emphasize non-violence in all life. In Israel, vegetarianism is credited to Judaism, which restricts the consumption of animals
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the list of the top 10 Countries with the Most Vegetarians in 2024 is given below.
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Rank
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Country
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Vegetarians (% of the population)
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1.
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India
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20-39%
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2.
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Mexico
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19%
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3.
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Brazil
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14%
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4
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Taiwan
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13.5%
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5.
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Israel
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13%
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6.
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Australia
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12.1%
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7.
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Argentina
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12%
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8.
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Finland
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12%
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9.
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Sweden
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12%
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10.
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Austria
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11%
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10. Austria
Austria is considered easy for vegetarians because nearly 10% of the population are either vegetarian or vegan. Europe is one of the fastest-growing regions for veganism, and Austria is leading the way. Many restaurants will have at least one vegetarian dish, and some may have vegan options.
- The local diet is heavy on meat and cheese, but the country has a widespread organic food movement. Vienna supermarkets have a surprising range of organic products.
- According to a 2023 study, the vegan population in Austria has risen from 3% to 5% since 2021, with 7% of Gen Z respondents claiming to eat a purely plant-based diet.
- Austria has also seen a 50% increase in sales of plant-based food in the last two years, and the vegan food industry is expected to be worth more than $30 billion by 2026.
9. Sweden
Around 12% of the population in Sweden are vegetarian and women form the majority of vegan or vegetarian Swedes. People are eating the lowest amount of meat since 1990.
- The number of individuals interested in a plant-based diet increased from 27% in 2015 to around 35% in 2018.
- There are wide range of vegan products from pre-packaged meals to plant-based foods. Vegan ingredients can also be seen in the skin care, cosmetic products.
- Vegan and vegetarian food and food products are easily available in the small grocery stores and supermarket.
8. Finland
An estimated 12% of the Finland population is vegetarian, it is an increase from 2.5% in 2016. Finland is considered one of the most vegetarian-friendly countries in the European Union. Many restaurants and cafes have vegetarian and vegan options, or are willing to create alternatives.
- Finland has a growing number of people who identify as vegan or vegetarian, and a 2020 study found that meat consumption has dropped by 2% per capita, and grain consumption has increased by 3% per capita.
- The increased interest in the vegan diet may be due to the replacement of meat and dairy products with oat-based products, and a more health conscious population looking for nutrient-rich foods.
7. Argentina
Argentina is known for its meat-based cuisine, but is becoming more accommodating to vegetarians, with more vegetarian restaurants and cafes across the continent. Various vegetarian options in the country are pizza, empanadas, Ñoquis, and Medialunas.
- In 2023, it was estimated that 12% of Argentines are vegetarian which is an increase of three percentage points from the previous year.
- Of the vegetarians, 777 (64.3%) are lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and 134 (11.3%) are vegans.
- The Argentine Vegan Union (UVA) estimates that 52% of Argentina’s vegans and vegetarians are female, and nearly 40% are under 35 years old.
6. Australia
About 2.5 million Australians, or 12.1% of the population, eat all or almost all vegetarian food. In addition, 6% of the population identifies as vegan. The number of people following plant-based diets has increased by about 50% in the last decade.
- The numbers of vegans and vegetarians differ considerably across the nation. For example, in New South Wales and Victoria, 28% and 26% of the population identify as vegan or vegetarian, respectively. In South Australia, the number is 15%.
- Australia is known for its love for meat, but has surprisingly become the world’s third fastest-growing plant-based market.
- The country is home to iconic vegan fast food joints such as Lord of the Fries, which offer delicious meatless options like the Chicago dog and peanut butter shakes.
- On annual basis “Vegetarian Week” is held from 1-7 October.
5. Israel
About 13% of Israel’s population is vegetarian, including 7.2% of men and 9.8% of women. Judaism is credited with vegetarianism in Israel, as it restricts the consumption of animals. Practicing Jews also acknowledge the principle of tza’ar ba’alei chayim, which prohibits causing unnecessary suffering to animals.
- Tel Aviv is known as the vegan capital of the world, with 400 vegan and vegan-friendly kitchens.
- In Israel the number of vegetarian has more than doubled since 2010, when only 2.6% of Israelis were either vegan or vegetarian.
- Veganism is famous in the city of Tel Aviv, also known as the “vegan capital of the world“. Among Israel’s diverse Jewish populations, including among secular Jews and Orthodox Jews, interest in veganism and vegetarianism has grown.
4. Taiwan
More than 3 million Taiwanese people, or 13% of the population, eat vegetarian food. Taiwan has been recognized as a “vegetarian-friendly” environment by international media.
- Taiwan has around 6,000 vegetarian restaurants, and vegetarian food can be found in meals served on the Taiwan High Speed Rail, Taiwan Railways Administration, major Taiwanese airlines, and highway stops.
- The country’s food labeling laws for vegetarian food are the world’s strictest. Food items are often marked with a left-facing swastika sign.
- The country’s culture is characterized by dietary variety, and Buddhism is deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture. All Mahayana Buddhists refrain from meat-eating.
- The country celebrates “one day vegetarian every week” with local and national government support.
3. Brazil
According to WorldAtlas, in 2012 8% of Brazil’s population was vegetarian, this number has increased from to 14% in 2018. The country is also known for its diverse vegetarian cuisine, which includes cheese puffs, stews, and dishes made with fruits and vegetables.
- According to Statista, the majority of vegetarians in Brazil live in Sao Paulo, with over 11,100 people. Rio de Janeiro has the second largest population of vegetarians, with more than 3,200 people.
- Reasons Brazilians are vegetarian include;
- Rising deforestation caused by meat industry
- Animal right movement
- Wide variety of fruits and vegetables are available
- Brazil is also a hub for plant-based innovation, with organizations like Mercy For Animals supporting a cultural shift toward a plant-based lifestyle.
2. Mexico
As of July 2023, 19% of Mexico’s population identifies as vegetarian, making it the second country with the highest percentage of vegetarians in the world. Mexico also has 15% flexitarians and 9% vegans. Mexican cuisine is based on vegetarian ingredients, including beans, squash, chocolate, corn, cactus, peanuts, chiles, chia, and amaranth.
- Mexico has many vegetarian options, including vegetarian restaurants and street food. Most Mexican restaurants have a good mix of fresh, plant-based ingredients.
- Mexico’s high vegetarian population is due to the rise in popularity of indigenous foods, and people are concerned with environmental issues or the cause of animal suffering.
- 20% of Mexican consumers have reduced or eliminated their consumption of meat or animal products. These trends are most prevalent among young people.
1. India
According to the World Atlas, India has the highest rate of vegetarians in the world, with 38% of its population identifying as vegetarians. India also has one of the lowest meat consumption rates in the world. 18% are selective meat eaters, 9% are vegan, and 8% are pescatarian.
- Factors that influence a person’s choice include inherited cultural habits, religion, community, caste, and location.
- Vegetarianism can be traced back to the founding of Hinduism in 2300 B.C.
- In addition to Hindu dietary restrictions, the following states in India have a higher percentage of vegetarians than others:
- Rajasthan: 74.9%
- Haryana: 69.25%
- Punjab: 66.75%
- Gujarat: 60.95%
- Gujarat is known for its predominantly vegetarian population, which is due to its strong cultural and religious influence from Jainism, which advocates non-violence and vegetarianism.
- Vegetarianism in the country is associated with Lacto-vegetarianism, where people eat dairy products but not eggs.
- There are around 1000 vegetarian restaurants in India excluding food stalls or marketplaces.
Summary – Top 10 Countries with the Most Vegetarians
India has the highest percentage of vegetarians in the world, with an estimated 20–39% of its population identifying as vegetarian. Mexico is second, with about 19% of its population identifying as vegetarian, and Taiwan has a growing vegetarian movement, with an estimated 13–14% of its population identifying as vegetarian. Other countries with high percentages of vegetarians include: Israel, Australia, Argentina, Finland, Sweden, Austria.
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FAQs on Top 10 Countries with the Most Vegetarians
Which country has highest number of vegetarians?
India has the highest number of vegetarians in the world, with around 38% of the population following a vegetarian diet. India also has the lowest meat consumption rate in the world.
Is there a country that is fully vegetarian?
No country is fully vegetarian, but some countries have a higher percentage of vegetarians than others.
Which is the worlds only vegetarian city?
Palitana, a small city in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, India, is the world’s first vegetarian city. It’s also a major pilgrimage center for the Jain community.
What factors contribute to a country having a high percentage of vegetarians?
Cultural, religious, ethical, environmental, and health considerations can all influence the prevalence of vegetarianism in a country.
Are there any countries where vegetarianism is uncommon?
In countries with strong meat-eating traditions or where meat is a staple part of the diet, such as many Western nations, vegetarianism may be less common.
What country is the most vegetarian friendly?
The Seychelles is considered the most vegetarian-friendly country in the world because of its high number of vegetarian-friendly restaurants and low annual meat consumption.
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