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Where Is Yoga Most Popular?

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 Popular?
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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 isn’t 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.

Where Is Yoga Most Popular?
Source: Google Trends

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: 

  1. India
  2. Nepal
  3. Switzerland
  4. Australia
  5. Singapore
  6. New Zealand 
  7. Canada
  8. Ireland
  9. Denmark
  10. United Kingdom
  11. Austria 
  12. Pakistan
  13. United States 
  14. Vietnam
  15. Germany
  16. Netherlands
  17. Hong Kong
  18. Sweden
  19. Spain
  20. Norway

The following US states search the term ‘yoga’ the most, according to Google trends; 

  1. Vermont
  2. Colorado
  3. Massachusetts
  4. Hawaii
  5. Rhode Island
  6. District of Columbia
  7. New Hampshire
  8. Washington
  9. NewYork
  10. Maine

In the United States, the highest number of yoga studios are in New York, LA, and San Francisco. 

These three also happen to be the country’s most populous and largest cities. Many yoga studios in the cities could be due to a high cost of living and a high concentration of professionals in the field.

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Where is yoga most popular in Europe

Here are the top 6 yoga countries in Europe:

1. Spain 

Spain secures the top spot when it comes to yoga popularity in Europe. 

It’s also one of the most popular yoga places globally. The beautiful beaches, warm weather, and a rich folkloric culture act as the biggest catalysts for the country’s yoga popularity. 

Some of the most popular yoga locations in the country are Ibiza, Alicante, and the Canary Islands. 

The best time to visit would be the summer months, i.e., between July and September. 

2. Greece

Thanks to the fascinating Greek history and culture, the country has a lot to offer as a yoga retreat. 

As a Mediterranean country with beautiful beaches and pleasant weather, Greece is ideal for practicing yoga. 

It attracts countless yogi tourists worldwide as the perfect yoga vacation spot, especially during the summertime. 

The top yoga places to visit in Greece are Crete, Santorini, Paros, and Mykonos. 

3. Italy

Aside from being one of the best countries in Europe for its cheerful people, fashion, and exquisite food, Italy is also home to some of the best yoga retreats on the continent.

The most popular yoga locations in the country are Tuscany, Sicily, and Sardinia, which have something for everyone’s taste. 

The most popular months for yoga tourism are July and August.

4. Portugal 

Portugal offers over 300 top-quality yoga retreats, and they’re scattered throughout the country. 

The top Portugal yoga places are Algarve, Porto, Lisbon, and the Azores. 

The best weather hits around July/August, but many yogis prefer visiting in the winter months to avoid crowds. 

5. France

Globally, France is the most visited country according to the World Tourism Rankings. 

From the architecture, elegant history, and delicious food, everything about the country attracts tourists. 

It’s also a favorite for yoga enthusiasts, thanks to the 300 yoga holiday retreats the country features. Each of them combines the exotic French atmosphere with natural beauty. 

The best places in France for Yoga are the Haute-Savoie, French Alps, Occitanie, and Cote d’Azur. 

6. United Kingdom

Every week, 460,000 British people participate in yoga classes. The UK has over 10,000 yoga teachers. 

The country might be unlucky when it comes to weather conditions, but it doesn’t fall short in yoga retreats in England, Wales, and Scotland. 

The expansive territory features all types of yoga locations in urban and countryside spots. The country features over 250 yoga programs!

The best yoga locations in the UK are Kent, Devon, Wales, and West Sussex. 

Unfortunately, there’s no way around rainy and cold weather in the UK. However, your best chance at seeing clearer skies would be the Spring season.

yoga rishikesh

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’, it’s 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 it’s located in the Himalayas foothills in northern India, you get to experience breathtaking views as you strike your asanas. 

It’s seen as a holy city by the locals, and it’s home to countless yoga ashrams (training centers). India’s 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. They’re said to have composed most of their White Album songs there. 

Wanna know more? 👉 Here How to Prepare For a Yoga Retreat in India?

2. Algarve, Portugal 

Algarve is rich in culture, history, religion, and yoga as well!

Located in southern Portugal, it’s 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! 

It’s 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 O’ahu.

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 you’re just getting into yoga or looking to improve your skills. You’ll find teaching programs on any type of yoga you’re interested in!

In this ultimate guide, find out 👉 How to Prepare For a Yoga Retreat in Bali?

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 island’s most popular events. This may sound like the opposite of yoga, but that’s 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 yoga’s popularity in different world countries, specifically within the US and Europe. 

If you’re looking to experience the highest ever quality of yoga, you can’t go wrong with the yoga retreats we’ve discussed above.