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.