Top 10 Countries with the Largest Vegetarian Populations in 2025
Vegetarianism , the practice of abstaining from meat, fish, and their by-products, has grown globally due to health, ethical, environmental, and religious reasons. Today, more people are adopting plant-based diets , making vegetarianism a significant lifestyle choice. Some countries follow vegetarianism due to deep-rooted cultural and religious beliefs, while others embrace it for health and ethical concerns. Based on the latest World Population Review report, here’s a detailed look at the top 10 vegetarian countries in the world in 2025.
1. India – The World’s Vegetarian Leader
India tops the list with nearly 29.5% of its population, or 121.5 million people, following a vegetarian diet. Religion plays a major role, with Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism discouraging meat consumption. Indian cuisine offers an extensive variety of vegetarian dishes, from dals and curries to snacks like samosas, making it the global hub for plant-based eating.
2. China – Rising Vegetarian Trends
China is home to approximately 28 million vegetarians, representing 4.5% of the population. Buddhist and Taoist influences, combined with growing environmental awareness, have encouraged more Chinese citizens to adopt plant-based diets, despite traditional meals being heavily meat-focused.
3. Brazil – Embracing Ethical Eating
Brazil has around 15 million vegetarians, accounting for 14% of its population. Even in a country famous for its meat-heavy dishes, awareness about animal welfare and the environmental impact of livestock farming is gradually driving Brazilians toward vegetarianism.
4. Mexico – Plant-Based Options on the Rise
Mexico hosts 11.25 million vegetarians, making up 19% of its population. Traditional Mexican cuisine often centres on meat, yet beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and plant-based alternatives are steadily gaining popularity among health-conscious citizens.
5. United States – Plant-Based Lifestyle Gains Momentum
With 5 million vegetarians (4.2% of the population), the U.S. has seen a surge in plant-based living. Online resources, social media trends, and the growing availability of vegetarian and vegan products in supermarkets and restaurants have made this lifestyle more accessible than ever.
6. Japan – Tradition Meets Vegetarianism
Japan counts 3.5 million vegetarians, or 9% of its population, largely influenced by Buddhist practices. Japanese cuisine offers plant-based staples like tofu, seaweed, and vegetable-rich dishes, reflecting the country’s long-standing appreciation for vegetarian foods.
7. Philippines – Health-Conscious Vegetarian Shift
The Philippines has around 2 million vegetarians (5% of the population). Health concerns and global lifestyle trends are inspiring more Filipinos to explore vegetarian diets, which typically include fresh fruits, vegetables, and coconut-based dishes.
8. United Kingdom – A Growing Vegetarian Movement
Approximately 2 million people in the UK (10% of the population) follow vegetarian diets. The nation has embraced meat-free lifestyles through supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes that cater to vegetarians. Sustainability awareness is a key factor driving this trend.
9. Canada – Ethical and Healthy Choices
Canada has 1.768 million vegetarians, making up 7.6% of its population. Health benefits and environmental consciousness encourage Canadians to adopt plant-based diets, contributing to a steady rise in vegetarianism across the country.
10. Germany – European Vegetarian Pioneer
Germany hosts about 1.66 million vegetarians, representing 10% of the population. The country is a leader in plant-based consumption in Europe, with an increasing variety of vegetarian and vegan products in supermarkets and restaurants.
Why Vegetarianism Is Gaining Popularity Worldwide
The global rise of vegetarianism is no longer solely tied to religious or cultural beliefs. Health concerns, environmental sustainability, and ethical considerations are driving people across nations to adopt plant-based diets. On World Vegetarian Day 2025 , sharing quotes, slogans, and captions can help spread awareness about this lifestyle and inspire more people to make green choices.
1. India – The World’s Vegetarian Leader
India tops the list with nearly 29.5% of its population, or 121.5 million people, following a vegetarian diet. Religion plays a major role, with Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism discouraging meat consumption. Indian cuisine offers an extensive variety of vegetarian dishes, from dals and curries to snacks like samosas, making it the global hub for plant-based eating.
2. China – Rising Vegetarian Trends
China is home to approximately 28 million vegetarians, representing 4.5% of the population. Buddhist and Taoist influences, combined with growing environmental awareness, have encouraged more Chinese citizens to adopt plant-based diets, despite traditional meals being heavily meat-focused.
3. Brazil – Embracing Ethical Eating
Brazil has around 15 million vegetarians, accounting for 14% of its population. Even in a country famous for its meat-heavy dishes, awareness about animal welfare and the environmental impact of livestock farming is gradually driving Brazilians toward vegetarianism.
4. Mexico – Plant-Based Options on the Rise
Mexico hosts 11.25 million vegetarians, making up 19% of its population. Traditional Mexican cuisine often centres on meat, yet beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and plant-based alternatives are steadily gaining popularity among health-conscious citizens.
5. United States – Plant-Based Lifestyle Gains Momentum
With 5 million vegetarians (4.2% of the population), the U.S. has seen a surge in plant-based living. Online resources, social media trends, and the growing availability of vegetarian and vegan products in supermarkets and restaurants have made this lifestyle more accessible than ever.
6. Japan – Tradition Meets Vegetarianism
Japan counts 3.5 million vegetarians, or 9% of its population, largely influenced by Buddhist practices. Japanese cuisine offers plant-based staples like tofu, seaweed, and vegetable-rich dishes, reflecting the country’s long-standing appreciation for vegetarian foods.
7. Philippines – Health-Conscious Vegetarian Shift
The Philippines has around 2 million vegetarians (5% of the population). Health concerns and global lifestyle trends are inspiring more Filipinos to explore vegetarian diets, which typically include fresh fruits, vegetables, and coconut-based dishes.
8. United Kingdom – A Growing Vegetarian Movement
Approximately 2 million people in the UK (10% of the population) follow vegetarian diets. The nation has embraced meat-free lifestyles through supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes that cater to vegetarians. Sustainability awareness is a key factor driving this trend.
9. Canada – Ethical and Healthy Choices
Canada has 1.768 million vegetarians, making up 7.6% of its population. Health benefits and environmental consciousness encourage Canadians to adopt plant-based diets, contributing to a steady rise in vegetarianism across the country.
10. Germany – European Vegetarian Pioneer
Germany hosts about 1.66 million vegetarians, representing 10% of the population. The country is a leader in plant-based consumption in Europe, with an increasing variety of vegetarian and vegan products in supermarkets and restaurants.
Why Vegetarianism Is Gaining Popularity Worldwide
The global rise of vegetarianism is no longer solely tied to religious or cultural beliefs. Health concerns, environmental sustainability, and ethical considerations are driving people across nations to adopt plant-based diets. On World Vegetarian Day 2025 , sharing quotes, slogans, and captions can help spread awareness about this lifestyle and inspire more people to make green choices.
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