Being a vegetarian means abstaining from eating meat and anything made from meat byproducts. There are estimated numbers of vegetarians in different nations, and vegetarianism is a widespread practice around the world. People choose to be vegetarians for various reasons, such as dietary preferences, health concerns, or necessity. However, regardless of the motivation, a significant number of people identify themselves as vegetarians. India has the highest share of vegetarians compared to other select countries in 2024, according to CEOWORLD magazine’s Consumer Insight survey. About one-quarter of Indian respondents reported following a vegetarian diet, compared to only ten percent in the United Kingdom. Vegetarianism is prevalent in India due to cultural beliefs, specifically among Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, who promote non-violence towards animals.
The country’s vegetarianism reflects its agrarian roots, as plant-based foods are abundant due to its fertile land. The predominantly vegetarian diet consists of various grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and spices, which combine to create a rich cuisine. In recent times, health and environmental concerns have further propelled the trend. However, it’s important to note that not all Indians follow a vegetarian diet, and the country boasts one of the world’s highest culinary diversities.
Mexico and Brazil ranked second and third, respectively, for having the highest percentage of vegetarians in their countries. Both countries have recently increased their production of vegetarian and vegan meat substitutes. According to the study, approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide don’t consume meat, representing around 18 percent of the global population. It’s estimated that almost one-fifth of the world’s freshwater is utilized in livestock farming, and about one-third of the arable land is used to cultivate feed for livestock. This makes vegetarianism, a more sustainable option. However, even though a large majority of the world’s population consumes meat and meat products, vegetarianism and veganism are still not as widely adopted. According to CEOWORLD magazine’s Consumer Insights for 2024, 85 percent of respondents surveyed in 45 countries said that their diet contains meat.
Mexico is ranked second among countries with the highest rates of vegetarians due to increasing movements advocating for animal rights and environmental considerations. Mexican cuisine typically revolves around meat, with beef, chicken, and pork being the most commonly used ingredients. However, the country’s food industry is becoming more inclusive of plant-based diets. Mexico’s agricultural sector also supports this shift, given the abundance of beans, corn, chilies, avocados, and tomatoes that can be grown in the country.
Brazilian cuisine has traditionally been meat-heavy. However, there’s a growing trend towards vegetarianism, with almost 30 percent of Brazilians reducing their meat consumption. Of this percentage, 14 percent identified themselves as vegetarians. This change is being led by urban areas such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, driven by a growing awareness of health.
Israel is known as a haven for vegetarians, with one of the highest proportions of vegetarians per capita in the world, as per travelers. Jewish dietary laws (kashrut) have contributed to this inclination by outlining specific food combinations. Additionally, the Mediterranean climate has helped in the development of an agricultural sector that is rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes. These factors have led to a national cuisine that emphasizes plant-based ingredients and has reduced its reliance on meat.
Taiwan’s primary religion is Buddhism, which promotes a plant-based diet to prevent harm to sentient beings. As a result, around 14 percent of the population follows this diet. The country’s agriculture sector focuses on rice and vegetables, which aligns with this trend. Additionally, the Taiwanese government supports sustainable farming practices to strengthen the connection between local produce and vegetarian cuisine, promoting peace and compassion. Similar to other Buddhist-majority countries like Japan and Vietnam, Taiwan emphasizes the importance of non-violence towards living beings through its dietary choices.
Countries with the most vegetarians in the world, 2024
| Rank | Country | Vegetarians (% of population | Vegans (% of population) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 20–39% | 9% |
| 2 | Mexico | 19% | 9% |
| 3 | Brazil | 14% | 2% |
| 4 | Israel | 13% | 5% |
| 5 | Taiwan | 13–14% | 2% |
| 6 | Australia | 12.10% | 2% |
| 7 | Argentina | 12% | 2% |
| 8 | Finland | 12% | 2% |
| 9 | Sweden | 12% | 4% |
| 10 | Austria | 11% | 2% |
| 11 | Denmark | 10% | 4% |
| 12 | Germany | 10% | 2% |
| 13 | Jamaica | 10% | 2% |
| 14 | New Zealand | 10% | 2% |
| 15 | United Kingdom | 10% | 2% |
| 16 | Vietnam | 10% | 1.80% |
| 17 | Japan | 9% | 2.70% |
| 18 | Norway | 9% | 4% |
| 19 | Poland | 8.40% | 1.80% |
| 20 | Canada | 7.60% | 4.60% |
| 21 | Belgium | 7% | 1% |
| 22 | Singapore | 7% | 1.80% |
| 23 | Chile | 6% | 1.80% |
| 24 | Estonia | 6% | 1% |
| 25 | Lithuania | 6% | 1% |
| 26 | Italy | 5.9–8.9% | 0.2–3.0% |
| 27 | France | 5.20% | 1.10% |
| 28 | Ukraine | 5.20% | 0.60% |
| 29 | Czech Republic | 5% | 1% |
| 30 | Hungary | 5% | 1% |
| 31 | Latvia | 5% | 1% |
| 32 | Netherlands | 5% | 1.80% |
| 33 | Philippines | 5% | 2% |
| 34 | Switzerland | 5% | 1% |
| 35 | Ireland | 4.3–8.4% | 2.0%–4.1% |
| 36 | United States | 4.20% | 1.50% |
| 37 | Colombia | 4% | 2% |
| 38 | Greece | 4% | 2% |
| 39 | China | 4–5% | 0.30% |
| 40 | Thailand | 3.30% | 0.30% |
| 41 | South Korea | 3% | 2.70% |
| 42 | Spain | 1.40% | 0.80% |
| 43 | Slovenia | 1.4–1.6% | 0.3%–0.5% |
| 44 | Portugal | 1.20% | 0.60% |
| 45 | Russia | 1% | 0.30% |
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