Which Country Has the Highest Rate of Veganism?

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

While determining the country with the highest vegan population percentage can be complex due to varying research methodologies, recent data from Statista indicates that India is a significant leader, with approximately 9% of its population identifying as vegan. This reflects both long-standing cultural roots and modern, health-conscious trends influencing global diets.

Quick Summary

This article explores which country has the highest rate of veganism, examining available statistics and the cultural factors that influence plant-based diets worldwide. It compares various national figures and discusses the challenges in accurately tracking vegan populations across different regions.

Key Points

India's Cultural Influence: India has a strong foundation in vegetarianism due to religions like Buddhism and Jainism, which has contributed to a large vegan population, estimated at 9% by a 2021 Statista report.
Israel's Per Capita Lead: Often cited as having the highest per capita rate of veganism, Israel is particularly prominent in cities like Tel Aviv, where a vibrant vegan food scene and strong activism thrive.
Measurement Challenges: Pinpointing the exact rate of veganism is difficult due to inconsistencies in survey methodology, definitions, and data collection across different countries and research periods.
Factors Driving Growth: The rise in veganism worldwide is primarily driven by concerns for animal welfare, personal health, and environmental sustainability.
Regional Variations: Several other countries, including Taiwan and Germany, have strong vegan communities supported by cultural practices and robust plant-based food markets.

Tracking Global Veganism: A Statistical Challenge

Pinpointing a single country with the highest rate of veganism is more complex than it might seem. Different studies, conducted with varying methodologies and sample sizes, often produce conflicting results. However, by examining recent reports from reputable sources, a clearer picture emerges. While some nations are recognized for a high number of vegetarian citizens, such as India, the vegan population, specifically, represents a smaller, albeit rapidly growing, demographic globally.

The Case for India

For centuries, India has had strong cultural and religious roots in vegetarianism, particularly through Buddhism and Jainism, which emphasize respect for all life. This has naturally paved the way for veganism's growth. According to a 2021 Statista report, 9% of the Indian population identifies as vegan. While other, earlier studies presented widely different numbers, this statistic is often cited and points to India's significant vegan community. This large vegan population is fueled by the country's extensive vegetarian heritage, where many dishes are already naturally plant-based or easily adapted. Recent years have also seen a significant increase in online searches for vegan recipes and products in urban areas, supported by influencers and wellness advocates.

The Contention for Israel

Israel is another frequent contender for the title of 'most vegan country per capita.' The city of Tel Aviv has even been called the "vegan capital of the world". Some reports suggest that approximately 5% of Israelis follow a vegan diet, aligning with the popularity of traditional, naturally vegan Mediterranean cuisine like hummus and falafel. This trend is also connected to Jewish dietary laws (kashrut), as choosing a vegan diet is a simple way to avoid the complexities of separating meat and dairy products. The country's strong animal welfare activism, led by organizations like Vegan Friendly, has also contributed to this high per-capita rate.

Other Notable Countries

Several other nations have strong and growing vegan communities, though they may not rival the top contenders in raw percentage. These countries are often driven by a combination of health, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations.

Taiwan: With strong Buddhist traditions, Taiwan has a high rate of vegetarianism and a significant vegan population, with some estimates reaching 13.5% of the population, although this is often difficult to separate from vegetarian figures.
Germany: The vegan market is well-developed in Germany, especially in cities like Berlin, which boasts numerous vegan-friendly eateries. Estimates on the percentage of vegans vary, but the plant-based food industry is thriving.
United Kingdom: The UK has seen a major rise in veganism, with some studies showing the percentage of vegans growing significantly in recent years. The country's vegan food market is the largest in Europe.

How Veganism Rates Are Measured

Accurate measurement of veganism is challenging for several reasons. Survey methods, cultural definitions, and the difference between short-term adoption and long-term commitment can skew data. The table below compares different sources and their findings to illustrate the varying data points.


Country	Reported Vegan Rate (Approx. %)	Data Year	Source	Notes
India	9%	2021	Statista	Based on a survey; reflects a long-standing vegetarian cultural basis.
Israel	5-8%	2015-2023	Vegan Friendly / various sources	Often cited as highest per capita, particularly in urban areas like Tel Aviv.
Mexico	9%	2016	World Population Review / Ipsos	Data from a few years ago showed a high rate, though sources vary.
Taiwan	13.5% (Vegetarian/Vegan)	2021	World Population Review	Percentage for combined vegetarian/vegan lifestyles, heavily influenced by Buddhism.
United Kingdom	3-4.7%	2023-2024	Finder / YouGov	Significant recent growth, with varying numbers depending on the survey.

Conclusion: The Evolving Global Landscape of Veganism

While definitive statistics are hard to come by, the data consistently suggests that countries with strong cultural roots in vegetarianism, like India and Taiwan, have high proportions of plant-based eaters, even if exact vegan numbers are debated. However, based on the most recent, specific surveys, Israel often leads in per capita veganism, while India likely has the highest absolute number of vegans due to its massive population. The overall trend points toward continued growth, fueled by increasing awareness of health, environmental, and ethical issues surrounding food production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Due to its immense population and deep-rooted cultural emphasis on vegetarianism, India is believed to have the highest absolute number of vegans, though percentages vary by study.

The city of Tel Aviv, Israel, is frequently referred to as the vegan capital of the world due to its high density of vegan restaurants and large per capita vegan population.

Accuracy is challenging because different surveys use varying methodologies, samples, and definitions of veganism, which can lead to conflicting data and estimations.

Multiple studies indicate that animal welfare is the most significant motivating factor for a majority of vegans, followed by health benefits and environmental concerns.

In many countries, historical religious or cultural beliefs that emphasize non-violence toward animals, such as Buddhism and Jainism, have created a strong foundation for plant-based diets.

Yes, veganism is growing worldwide, but rates of adoption vary significantly by region. For instance, the UK has seen major recent growth, while other parts of Europe or Asia may have slower or different growth trajectories.

To find reliable statistics, consumers should look for data from reputable sources like academic institutions, national government surveys, and established market research firms, and critically evaluate the methodology used.