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Which countries have the highest percentage of vegetarian citizens and why?

Lisa Lintott

Vegetarianism has become a popular lifestyle choice for people all around the world. It takes many forms, from veganism to lacto-ovo vegetarianism, and it is practiced for a variety of reasons such as ethical, environmental, and health reasons. The percentage of vegetarians in a population varies greatly by country, and in this answer, we will explore the countries with the highest percentage of vegetarian citizens and the reasons why.

India is unquestionably the country with the highest percentage of vegetarian citizens. It is estimated that around 30% of the Indian population practices some form of vegetarianism, with some regions such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra having a much higher percentage of vegetarianism. There are several reasons why vegetarianism is so prevalent in India. Firstly, it is due to religious and cultural traditions. Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, which are the main religions in India, have a long history of vegetarianism that dates back to ancient times. Additionally, many Indians believe that consuming meat and other non-vegetarian food is bad karma and results in negative consequences. The importance of these religious and cultural traditions has led to the creation of a wide range of vegetarian dishes that are both flavorful and nutritious.

Israel is another country with a high percentage of vegetarian citizens. While precise data is not available, it is estimated that around 13% of the Israeli population is vegetarian, with an additional 8% eating vegetarian food most of the time. This figure is particularly impressive when considering that vegetarianism is a relatively new concept in Israel that has only gained popularity in recent years. The main reason behind this trend is due to the significant number of Jewish vegetarians who choose not to consume meat, arguing that it is incompatible with Jewish values such as treating animals humanely. Additionally, many Israelis, inspired by healthy diets, environmental consciousness, and animal welfare concerns, have jumped onto the vegetarian bandwagon. It is pertinent to mention that the Israeli government has taken several initiatives in promoting meatless meals, and many vegetarian and vegan restaurants have opened in bigger cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Taiwan is a fascinating country with the highest percentage of vegetarians in East Asia. It is estimated that around 13% of the Taiwanese population is vegetarian, with that number being even higher amongst the younger generation. The reasons why vegetarianism is so prevalent in Taiwan are primarily due to religious and health concerns. Buddhism plays a significant role in Taiwanese culture, with many Buddhists choosing vegetarianism as a way to live a compassionate and empathic life. Additionally, the government of Taiwan has been promoting vegetarianism for its health benefits. It is worth mentioning that in recent years, many Taiwanese people are becoming more aware of animal welfare and environmental concerns and are thus turning towards plant-based diets.

In conclusion, vegetarianism is a growing trend worldwide, and it is apparent that some countries have a higher percentage of vegetarian citizens than others. The reasons why vegetarianism is prevalent in these countries are distinct and attributed to a combination of cultural and religious traditions, health and environment awareness, and compassionate diets. It is impressive to note that all these countries have managed to create a variety of vegetarian dishes that are delicious and nutritious, making vegetarianism an easy and enjoyable lifestyle choice for people. For those looking to adopt a vegetarian diet, the countries mentioned above provide an excellent starting point for culinary inspiration and support.