Many People around the world choose to follow a vegetarian diet, but one country stands out for having the largest number of vegetarians. India is known as the country with the biggest vegetarian population. Thsi is mainly because of its culture, traditions, and religious beliefs. Let’s explore why India has so many vegetarians.
Country with the World’s Largest Vegetarian Population
India has the world’s largest vegetarian population, with 20-30% of people avoiding meat. This is influenced by religious beliefs, especially among Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, who value non-violence. India’s rich vegetarian cuisine and cultural traditions also support this lifestyle.
How many Vegetarians are in India?
India has a population of over 1.4 billion people and studies show that 20-30% of Indians identify as vegetarians. This means more than 300 million people in India do not eat meat. This makes India the country with the highest number of vegetarians in the world.
Low Meat Consumption in India
India also has one of the lowest rates of meat consumption globally. Even people who are not fully vegetarian eat much less meat compared to people in other countries. This is because vegetarian food is deeply rooted in Indian traditions and cuisine.
Indian Vegetarian Cuisine
Indian food is famous for its wide variety of vegetarian dishes. Some popular options include:
- Dal (Lentils): A protein-packed dish made with spices.
- Vegetable Cuisine: Cooked vegetables with rich flavors.
- Paneer (Cottage Cheese): A favorite ingredient in dishes.
- Rice and Chapati: Staples that go well with vegetarian meals.
Top-10 Countries with the World’s Largest Vegetarian Population
India, with the vegetarian population of 20-39% of total population, stands as the country with the world’s largest vegetarian population, followed by Mexico, Brazil and Taiwan.
Here is the list of top-10 countries with the world’s largest vegetarian population:
Rank | Country | Vegetarian Population (%) |
1. | India | 20-39% |
2. | Mexico | 19% |
3. | Brazil | 14% |
4. | Taiwan | 13.5% |
5. | Israel | 13% |
6. | Australia | 12.1% |
7. | Argentina | 12% |
8. | Finland | 12% |
9. | Sweden | 12% |
10. | Austria | 11% |