New Delhi: Nowadays, more and more are shifting to vegetarianism out of health concerns and also out of love for animals. In vegetarianism, people obtain food from plants and abstain from meat products. Sometimes, people abstain from most or every animal product including eggs and dairy, but it is mostly known as veganism. People follow vegetarianism for several reasons including religion, health, concern for animals and the environment, and culture and those who follow that food habit are known as vegetarians. In this article, we will take a look at the countries which have the highest population of vegetarians as per the data from the World Atlas.
Countries with the highest number of vegetarians
1. India
According to the World Atlas, India has the highest population of vegetarians at 38 per cent. It is popular in our country because several religions focus on ahimsa, emphasising the concept that no living thing should be harmed. Several communities in India prescribe vegetarianism including the Brahmins, the Jain Community, Lingayats and Vaishnav Community.
2. Israel
Israel is in second place as per the date with a vegetarian population of 13 per cent due to Judaism which restricts animal consumption. Its popularity is growing in Israel and it has hundreds of restaurants offering vegan meals. In 2014, the world’s biggest vegan festival was hosted in Tel Aviv which was attended by 15,000 people and the city is a favourite of vegan travelers.
3. Taiwan
Taiwan is third on this list as religions in the country prescribe a plant-based diet. In 2007, it instituted a meat ban and the country has strict food labelling laws. Also, it has a famous movement called ‘one day vegetarian every week’.
4. Italy
Italy is known for vegetarianism in Europe and in recent years, the population of vegetarians there has been increasing. Its people follow a plant-based diet out of love for animals, the environment, and human health.
5. Austria
Austria is in the fifth position and it is increasingly becoming a lifestyle choice. Apart from growing vegetarian outlets, the country also has the Austrian Vegan Society established in 1999.
6. Germany
Like Austria and Italy, Germany too is witnessing a growing population of vegetarians. In places like Berlin, there has been an increase in vegetarian and vegan establishments because of the growing consumer demand.
7. United Kingdom
The World Atlas data states that around 9 per cent of the UK’s population is vegetarian. The switch to vegetarianism increased after World War II mostly due to the economic crisis. Reportedly, at present, it has the third-highest population of vegetarianism in Europe.
8. Brazil
It is the only South American nation to feature in this list. Several popular places in the country including Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo have numerous vegan establishments and the growing popularity of plant-based diet is linked to counterculture movements and religions. The majority of vegetarians in Brazil are middle or upper-class urban people.
9. Australia
Australia is witnessing a growing number of vegetarians and reportedly, 5.5 per cent of its total population follow a plant-based diet at present. Every year from October 1 to October 7, ‘Vegetarian Week’ is held and food businesses are now offering vegan versions of popular dishes.
10. Ireland
Once known for its meat consumption, Ireland has steadily shifted to vegetarianism along with veganism. The country’s vegan society is a voluntary organization that a group of vegans founded in 2009 to promote vegan philosophy.
According to the World Atlas, India has the highest population of vegetarians at 38 per cent. It is popular in our country because several religions focus on ahimsa, emphasising non-violence to all forms of life. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
