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

World Vegetarian Day is an annual event which falls on the 1st of October. The event was started as an effort to promote the benefits of a vegetarian diet and to raise awareness about plant-based diets. It was initiated by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977. Later on, it was accepted by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978. It marks the beginning of Vegetarian Awareness Month, which is held from October to October.

Benefits of Vegetarianism

Environmental Impact: The diets provided by vegetarianism consume a small amount of resources as compared to meat production. For instance, it requires a lot more fossil fuel to produce meat than plant-based food.

Health Benefits: A diet is quite rich in all the necessary nutrients, and an application of a vegetarian diet also lowers the cholesterol level and reduces the risks associated with heart disease and promotes better outcomes in health.

Diversity in the Kitchen: The myth that vegetarian foods taste bad and boring and represent the flavour is completely incorrect.

Top Countries With Highest Percentage of Vegetarianism

The countries with the highest percentages of vegetarians, according to recent data, are as follows:

1. India: Approximately 20% to 39% of the population is vegetarian, making it the country with the highest rate of vegetarianism globally. This prevalence is deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices, particularly among Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists.
2. Mexico: About 19% of Mexicans identify as vegetarians. The rise in vegetarianism here is linked to increasing awareness of animal rights and environmental issues.
3. Brazil: With around 14% of the population being vegetarian, Brazil is experiencing a significant shift towards plant-based diets, especially in urban areas.
4. Israel: Approximately 13% of Israelis are vegetarians, influenced by religious dietary laws and a growing trend towards plant-based eating.
5. Taiwan: The vegetarian population in Taiwan is about 13% to 14%, supported by a strong culture of vegetarianism and numerous dedicated establishments.
6. Australia: Roughly 12.1% of Australians follow a vegetarian diet, driven by health and environmental concerns.
7. Argentina: About 12% of the Argentine population identifies as vegetarian, reflecting a growing trend in plant-based eating.
8. Finland: Finland has a vegetarian rate of approximately 12%, with increasing awareness about health benefits motivating this choice.
9. Sweden: Around 12% of Swedes are vegetarians, influenced by environmental considerations.
10. Austria: Approximately 11% of the population in Austria adheres to a vegetarian diet, with a steady increase in popularity over the years.

As awareness of vegetarianism grows, more people are recognizing its ethical and health benefits. With significant vegetarian populations in countries like India and Mexico, the movement is gaining momentum. World Vegetarian Day serves as a vital reminder of the positive impact that plant-based diets can have on our lives and the planet.