Vegetarianism is the practice of eating food obtained from plants and
abstaining from meat products.
It can sometimes include abstaining from
most or all of animal products such as dairy, honey, and eggs, although
this is most often categorized as veganism.
People are drawn to vegetarianism for a multitude of reasons, some of
which include religion, ethical motivation, health, environmental
conservation, economic factors, dislike of meat, and culture. Below are
the countries with the highest rate of reported vegetarianism around the
world.
10. Australia (5%)
The number of vegetarians in Australia has been steadily increasing,
and currently sits at 5.5% of the total population. “Vegetarian Week” is
held from 1-7 October on an annual basis. Food businesses have adapted
to the trend by offering vegan versions of popular dishes.
9. Ireland (6%)
Ireland has 5% of the population adhering to vegetarianism. Irish
culture has long embraced the consumption of meat, but vegetarianism is
growing in the nation, as well as veganism. The vegan society of Ireland
is a voluntary and not for profit organization that was established in
2009 by group of vegans to promote vegan philosophy that promotes the
awareness of veganism as a lifestyle choice, environmental friendly
option, just and a healthy way of living.
8. Brazil (8%)
The only South American nation on the list is Brazil with a rate of
8% vegetarians. Several metropolises in the country are home to numerous
vegan establishments including Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Curitiba.
Vegetarianism in Brazil is associated with counterculture movements,
Eastern religions and philosophies, anarchism, punks, Spiritism, indie
youth subcultures, and New Ageism. The majority of vegetarians in the
country is middle or upper-class urban dwellers who inhabit the
Central-Southern half of Brazil.
7. United Kingdom (9%)
The UK has seen an increasing number of vegetarians in recent years,
and it is now estimated that about 9% of the country’s population is
vegetarian. Many citizens started adopting the vegetarian lifestyle
starting after the WWII. Presently, there are twice as many vegetarian
women as men and the country now have the third highest rates of
vegetarianism in Europe. Flexiterianism is also becoming a
trend in the country, which refers to those who still consume meat but
have made a conscious effort to do so less.
6. Germany (9%)
Germany's population is 9% vegetarian. Most Germans who switch to a
plant-based diet cite environmental protection, animal rights, and
perceived health benefits as motivation. Cities such as Berlin in
Germany have experienced an increase in number of vegetarian and vegan
establishments due to the increase in consumer demand.
5. Austria (9%)
Austria has a 9% vegetarianism rate. Vegetarianism has seen a steady
increase in popularity as a lifestyle choice in Austria and there are
vegetarian outlets across Vienna in particular. There is also the
Austrian Vegan Society which was founded in 1999 and the Austrian vegan
market has been growing steadily over the years.
4. Italy (10%)
Italy has one of the highest rates of vegetarianism in Europe at 10%
of the whole population. Vegetarians in Italy cite different reasons for
following the diet including ethical sensitivity towards animals,
health consciousness, and environmental protection. The number of
vegetarians in Italy has been increasing in recent years. In 2016, the
city of Turin proposed a meat-reduction agenda targeted towards
vegetarianism. The move was championed by the Mayor, Chiara Appendino,
but was met with resistance from the inhabitants. The plan to promote
vegetarianism is intended to educate people on animal rights,
environmental health, and human health.
3. Taiwan (12%)
13% of Taiwan’s population observe a vegetarian diet and over 6,000
establishments which cater to vegetarians are operational in the nation.
Hokkien, Hakka, and Buddhism vegetarian practices have helped to
cultivate a plant-based culture in the nation. In 2007, Taiwan joined
India and Sundarapore in instituting a meat ban. Taiwan has strict food
labeling laws as they pertain to vegetarian food. The country is home to
a famous movement dubbed "one day vegetarian every week" that has
benefited from local and national government support.
2. Israel (13%)
In Israel 13% of the population are vegetarians. Vegetarianism in the
country is credited to Judaism which restricts the consumption of
animals. Vegetarianism in Israel is gradually becoming a lifestyle
choice even for those who identify as non-religious. The country is home
to hundreds of restaurants offering vegan meals. In 2014, Tel Aviv
hosted the biggest vegan festival in the world where 15,000 people
attended. The city is continuously ranked as a favorite destination for
vegan travelers.
1. India (38%)
India is ranked top in the world with 38% of the total population
being vegetarians. Vegetarianism in the region became popular after the
introduction of Buddhism and Jainism which was around 6th Century BC.
Both of the religions have the concept of ahimsa which emphasizes on
respect and non-violence to all forms of life. Vegetarianism in the
country is associated with Lacto-vegetarianism, where people eat dairy
products but not eggs. India has one of the lowest rates of meat
consumption in the world. However, the consumption of meat is common in
coastal states such as West Bengal and Kerala. Vegetarianism is
prevalent in communities such as Jain Community, Lingayat, Brahmins, and
Vaishnav Community.
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