Jewish Population by Country

The Jewish population worldwide has experienced fluctuations in recent decades. With major Jewish communities in countries like the United States, Israel, France, and others, this data highlights the growth and decline of Jewish populations globally. Below is an overview of the Jewish population by country for December 2023, along with insights on key demographic trends.

Top Countries with the Largest Jewish Populations

The United States leads the world with a Jewish population of 7.46 million, followed closely by Israel with 7.43 million Jewish residents. These two countries have historically hosted the largest Jewish communities and continue to be central hubs for Jewish culture, politics, and religion. Other significant countries include France (440,000), Canada (398,000), and the United Kingdom (312,000), reflecting both established Jewish communities and immigration trends.

Key Jewish Population Trends in Major Countries

Between 2021 and 2023, the Jewish population in Israel has remained stable at around 7.4 million. The U.S. also saw growth, increasing by approximately 1.46 million Jews in the past two years, from 6 million in 2020. This trend indicates that both countries are critical to understanding global Jewish demographics.

Jewish Communities in Europe and Latin America

In Europe, France and the United Kingdom remain central to the Jewish diaspora, with France experiencing slight fluctuations in its Jewish population, while the UK has remained steady at 312,000. In Latin America, Argentina maintains a significant Jewish community (171,000), though countries like Brazil (90,500) and Mexico (40,000) are also notable for their smaller, but vibrant, Jewish populations.

Jewish Populations in Emerging Regions

Countries such as South Africa (50,000) and Russia (132,000) still have sizable Jewish populations, while newer emerging Jewish communities are found in countries such as Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, all of which show growing numbers, though small in comparison to traditional Jewish hubs.

Jewish Population in the Middle East and Asia

The Jewish community in the Middle East, particularly in Iran (9,100) and Turkey (14,500), is relatively small but has been consistent over time. Similarly, countries in Asia like India, Japan, and China host smaller Jewish populations, each around 1,000 individuals or fewer.

What Contributes to Shifts in Jewish Populations?

Migration trends, political stability, and social factors influence Jewish population changes. For example, the stability and growth in Israel’s population contrast with the smaller, declining populations in countries like Venezuela (4,500) and Syria (500), often due to economic hardship or political instability.

Regional Differences in Jewish Populations

While North America and Israel dominate in terms of Jewish population size, Europe’s Jewish communities are more diverse, with notable populations in France, the UK, and Russia. South American countries like Argentina and Brazil also host significant Jewish populations. Understanding these regional differences is key to analyzing global Jewish demographics.