Yoga is most popular in India, its birthplace. According to a 2017 study, around 50 percent of all yoga practitioners are Indian. According to yoga stats, 300 million people practice yoga globally.
Where is yoga most practiced in the world?
When it comes to the total number of yoga practitioners in any country, India sits at the top spot.
This is because India is seen as the origin of Yoga and has almost one and a half billion people. This means that they may have the highest number of yoga practitioners but not the highest ratio.
For instance, in the United States alone, over 36 million people practice yoga. The number of US yoga practitioners has almost doubled in the last ten years. India has not seen that level of growth.
Now, over 10% of the US population practices yoga, which isnt true for India. In that respect, yoga is more prevalent in the United States, and that popularity is only forecasted to grow in the years to come.
According to a 2016 study, there were 36 million yoga practitioners in the US, up from only 20.4 million yogis in 2012.
In the same study, a whopping 34 percent of Americans said they were likely to start yoga practice within 12 years. This amounts to 80 million people in the US.
Yoga popularity in different countries
Yoga is an ancient practice with Indian origins, dating back to the 5th century BC. India is home to the highest number of yoga practitioners in the world.
Having been first imported to the US and Europe, it has quickly spread worldwide in recent years.
Now, hatha yoga and meditation classes can be found almost anywhere in the world. The US alone is home to over 6,000 yoga studios.
Here are the top 20 countries with the highest yoga popularity according to Google search trends:
- India
- Nepal
- Switzerland
- Australia
- Singapore
- New Zealand
- Canada
- Ireland
- Denmark
- United Kingdom
- Austria
- Pakistan
- United States
- Vietnam
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Hong Kong
- Sweden
- Spain
- Norway
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Best yoga places in the world
1. RISHIKESH, INDIA
Rishikesh gets to be on the top of the list. Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, its said to be the birthplace of Yoga.
The city is rich in culture and yogic history, and hence one of the best yoga retreats you can find.
As its located in the Himalayas foothills in northern India, you get to experience breathtaking views as you strike your asanas.
Its seen as a holy city by the locals, and its home to countless yoga ashrams (training centers). Indias traditional yoga has a lot more to do with spirituality than physical activity.
Thousands of Indians and tourists retreat to these ashrams every year to get away from major civilizations looking for spiritual enlightenment.
Fun fact: In 1968, The Beatles were brought here led by George Harrison for training in transcendental meditation in Rishikesh. Theyre said to have composed most of their White Album songs there.
2. ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
Algarve is rich in culture, history, religion, and yoga as well!
Located in southern Portugal, its filled with heavenly spots. Be it the golden beaches or cliffs with fabulous views; the city is filled with natural beauty.
Algarve is full of yoga retreats that take full advantage of these factors!
3. HAWAII, USA
The culture, landscape, and location of Hawaii make it one of the best cities in the world!
Its already a tourism jewel for the USA, but yoga enthusiasts visit the city every year for an unforgettable experience in places like Maui, Kauai, and Oahu.
4. BALI, INDONESIA
Bali is a sought-after hotspot for health and wellness that attracts tourists from all over the world - both non-yogis and yogis.
But thanks to the Zen atmosphere, a plethora of yoga centers, gorgeous beaches, and rich culture of healthy living, Bali is a yogic paradise.
Bali has tons of opportunities if youre just getting into yoga or looking to improve your skills. Youll find teaching programs on any type of yoga youre interested in!
5. KOH PHANGAN, THAILAND
Koh Phangan is a go-to spot for yogis, backpackers, casual tourists, and party animals.
Full-moon beach parties are some of the islands most popular events. This may sound like the opposite of yoga, but thats just how diverse the place is.
The city has an abundance of calm spots to let people immerse in tranquility as they are surrounded by a hilly tropical landscape.
As Koh Phangan is in the Gulf of Thailand, it has gorgeous white-sand beaches, which can be the best place for spiritual practices like yoga.
Conclusion
Yoga has become increasingly popular over the years. It has spread far and wide worldwide, with exponential growth in places like the US, UK, and other European countries.
This article has discussed yogas popularity in different world countries, specifically within the US and Europe.
If youre looking to experience the highest ever quality of yoga, you cant go wrong with the yoga retreats weve discussed above.
