These are the countries with the most vegetarians, mapped

Earlier in the month it was reported that vegetarianism could be linked with a higher likelihood of depression, as discovered in a study at Bristol University.

A study of 10,000 men in the South West of England, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, found that those who gave up meat were almost twice as likely to suffer depression than those on a regular diet.

The study read:

Other potential factors include high blood levels of phytoestrogens – consequent mainly on diets rich in vegetables and soya.

Another potential contributing factor is that lower intakes of seafood are thought to be associated with greater risk of depressive symptoms.

So how many people in the world are on a vegetarian diet?

A recent map on reddit has sought to answer this question.

The map, seemingly cobbled together from a range of sources, was posted to a popular subreddit recently by u/xkonarx, where it picked up a chunk of popularity.

You can see the graphic below:

People commented on the popularity of vegetarianism in India and Italy especially:

Vegetarianism has been shown to be better for the planet and reduces the demand for meat, likely improving animal welfare.

Livestock are estimated to be responsible for 20 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization.

A 2016 study, using survey data from 2008 and 2011, estimated that around 4.3 per cent of Germans between 18 and 79 years old were vegetarian.

The proportion of vegetarians was largest among the youngest demographics - it's a trend on the rise.

More: Hey vegans! Turns out your diet isn't so good for the environment