What countries/cultures is vegetarianism prevalent in?

Question

Besides some Americans who are vegetarians, what other countries/cultures is vegetarianism common in?

I know India is one such country, but are there any others?

Answer 1

I believe you question focuses on "prevalent". So that certainly would leave western Europe, the US, and the UK out.

Okinawa, Nepal, Tibet, Phillipines, Japan, China, Micronesia, some of the sub-Saharan countries.

Please keep in mind the term "vegitarianism" usually is not construed the same in all places/cultures . . it's common global usage includes but is not limited to "strict" vegetarianism since the majority of vegetarians are not "strict".

Answer 2

There is no country or culture where vegetarianism is prevalent. It exists in many, but is prevalent in none.

Skully here uses a definition of vegetarianism that is created without authority.

"Please keep in mind the term "vegitarianism" usually is not construed the same in all places/cultures"------there is but one definition for vegetarian. Vegetarian is a word invented by the vegetarian society of America. The word didn't even exist until the mid 1800's. They created the word and therefore are the sole authority to define the word. Here is the definition that even I, an omnivore just like Skully and her alter-egos, have, and should have, no trouble recognizing. Apparently the difficulty in understanding is borne of motives which are ulterior.:

http://www.vegsoc.org/info/definitions.html

Answer 3

There is no country fully or completely adopt Vegetarianism. The question of Vegetarianism can not be connected to any country and only some cultures and religions for certain beliefs practice vegetarianism.

Hinduism and Jainism teach vegetarianism as moral conduct Mahayana Buddhism encourages vegetarianism as beneficial for developing compassion. Other denominations that advocate a fully vegetarian diet include the Seventh-day Adventists, the Rastafari movement and the Hare Krishnas.
But there are sizable portion of people take non-vegitarian food also.

In India, not only is there food labeling, but many restaurants are marketed and signed as being either "Vegetarian" or "Non-Vegetarian". People who are vegetarian in India are usually Lacto-vegetarians, and therefore, to cater for this market, the majority of vegetarian restaurants in India do serve dairy products while eschewing egg products. Most Western vegetarian restaurants, in comparison, do serve eggs and egg-based products. A colloquial term for a vegetarian who eats eggs is "Eggitarian".

Many people who choose a vegetarian diet do so as a way of improving their health. The possible benefits include improved health for nutritional reasons and improved food safety. In the therapy of some health disorders and/or food intolerances vegetarian diets are a necessary element.

Sometimes medical patients are advised to adhere to a vegetarian diet. In alternative medicine Ayurveda and Siddha medicine are examples of medical treatments that prescribe such a vegetarian diet. Many people live healthy lives as vegetarians (vegetarian Olympic athletes are often cited) and though it is commonly argued that vegetarians have higher rates of mineral or vitamin deficiencies, these nutrients can be found in green leafy vegetables, grains, nuts, and fortified juices or soymilk. Studies suggest that a vegetarian diet may help keep body weight under control and reduce the risk of heart disease.-

Answer 4

western europe especially UK - it's not prevalent but a little more widespread than it is in the USA
some buddhist monasteries in china and taiwan (i think only certain denominations of monks are vegetarian but i need a buddhist to tackle this one)

nepal - there are a few I've met

Answer 5

Yes. Philippines.

Answer 6

places where people are buddhist! there are vegetarian societies in england, germany, and the netherlands. click the link really useful...if you read through the article!