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

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

With a staggering 30–40% of its population embracing a meat-free lifestyle, India leaves other nations far behind.

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

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 countries with the largest vegetarian populations and uncover what makes their vegetarian lifestyles unique.

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List of Most Vegetarian Countries in the World

According to the World Population Review, here's the list of the most vegetarian countries in the world, where plant-based diets are a way of life and celebrated with delicious, diverse cuisines.

Source: World Population Review

#1. India

India ranks as the country with the highest percentage of vegetarians globally, with estimates ranging from 20% to 39% of its population adhering to a vegetarian diet. 

This prevalence is deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices, particularly among Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, who promote non-violence and respect for all living beings. 

The country is home to approximately 276 million vegetarians, making it a significant hub for vegetarian cuisine. The diversity of Indian vegetarian dishes, which include lentils, vegetables, and grains, reflects the rich culinary traditions that support this lifestyle. 

Furthermore, the rising awareness of health benefits associated with vegetarianism has contributed to its popularity in urban areas. The low meat consumption rate in India is also notable, aligning with the country's strong cultural ethos surrounding vegetarianism.

#2. Mexico

Mexico holds the second position, with about 19% of its population identifying as vegetarians. This translates to approximately 23.8 million individuals who have adopted a meat-free lifestyle. 

The growth in vegetarianism in Mexico can be attributed to increasing awareness of animal rights and environmental issues, coupled with a rich culinary heritage that includes numerous plant-based options. 

Traditional Mexican cuisine features a variety of vegetables, legumes, and grains that facilitate vegetarian eating. 

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

Moreover, health consciousness among the population is driving many to explore plant-based diets as a means to improve overall well-being.

#3. Brazil

Brazil ranks third on the list, with around 14% of its population following a vegetarian diet, amounting to approximately 29.3 million vegetarians. 

The shift towards vegetarianism in Brazil has been influenced by various factors, including environmental concerns related to deforestation caused by cattle ranching and a growing animal rights movement. 

Urban areas like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are witnessing an increase in vegetarian restaurants and plant-based food options. 

Additionally, Brazil's abundant agricultural resources allow for a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, making it easier for people to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. 

The cultural diversity within Brazil also contributes to innovative vegetarian cuisine that appeals to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

#4. Taiwan

Taiwan ranks fourth, with approximately 13% to 14% of its population identifying as vegetarians, which translates to around 3.3 million individuals. 

The strong cultural support for vegetarianism in Taiwan is largely influenced by Buddhist practices that emphasise compassion towards all living beings. 

The island boasts a vibrant vegetarian food scene with numerous dedicated restaurants offering diverse plant-based dishes. Additionally, Taiwan's government has actively promoted vegetarianism through initiatives aimed at improving public health and reducing environmental impact. 

This cultural acceptance, combined with an increasing number of health-conscious consumers, has solidified Taiwan's position as one of the most vegetarian-friendly countries in the world

#5. Israel

Israel ranks fifth in the world for vegetarianism, with approximately 13% of its population adhering to a vegetarian diet. 

This translates to about 1 million vegetarians. The roots of vegetarianism in Israel can be traced back to religious dietary laws within Judaism that promote ethical eating practices. 

Additionally, the vibrant food culture in cities like Tel Aviv has fostered a growing trend towards plant-based diets, with many restaurants offering diverse vegetarian and vegan options. 

The awareness of health benefits and environmental issues has also contributed to this shift. Notably, Israel is recognised as a global leader in vegan cuisine, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world.

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#6. Australia

Australia comes in sixth place, with around 12.1% of its population identifying as vegetarians, which amounts to approximately 2.5 million individuals. 

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

Australian cuisine has adapted to include a wide variety of plant-based options, making it easier for people to embrace vegetarian diets. 

The country has a robust market for organic and locally sourced produce, further supporting this lifestyle choice. Major cities like Melbourne and Sydney are known for their vibrant vegetarian restaurant scenes, showcasing innovative plant-based dishes.

#7. Argentina

Argentina ranks seventh, with about 12% of its population following a vegetarian diet, equating to roughly 5.4 million vegetarians. 

Traditionally known for its meat-heavy cuisine, Argentina is experiencing a notable shift towards plant-based eating, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly concerned about health and environmental issues. 

The growing popularity of indigenous foods and local produce has also facilitated this change. Vegetarian restaurants are becoming more common in urban areas, reflecting the changing dietary preferences of the population.

#8. Finland

Finland occupies the eighth position, with approximately 12% of its population identifying as vegetarians, which translates to about 660,000 individuals. 

The Finnish diet has seen a gradual shift towards plant-based foods due to rising health consciousness and environmental concerns. 

Finland's strong emphasis on sustainability and organic farming has encouraged more people to explore vegetarian options. 

The country boasts 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 around 12% of its population following a vegetarian diet, amounting to about 1.2 million individuals. 

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

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

The availability of diverse plant-based options in supermarkets and restaurants reflects this cultural shift towards vegetarianism.

#10. Austria

Austria rounds out the top ten countries with about 11% of its population identifying as vegetarians, which equals approximately 993,000 individuals. 

Austria's culinary scene has embraced vegetarianism due to 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 toward organic food consumption. 

The country's commitment to sustainability is evident in its agricultural practices, further supporting the vegetarian movement.

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