Countries With The Largest Jewish Populations

There are more than 13 million Jewish people in the world across every continent, although the largest population is found in Israel. Since the time of the Holocaust, the Jewish population has suffered from a slow and almost stagnant growth. The size of the Jewish population is estimated to be higher than reported. Many of those who practice the Jewish faith were dispersed from their original countries during years of anti-Semitism and persecution. Most sought refuge in some countries in Europe only to be dispersed again during the world wars.

10. Brazil (95,000)

Brazil has the 10th largest Jewish population in the world at 95,000. The Brazilian Jewish population is concentrated in the cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The first Jewish population in Brazil arrived in the 16th century during the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal and later during the Nazi regime and the Russian revolution in the 19th century.

9. Australia (112,500)

The population of the Australian Jews sits at around 112,500, making it the 9th largest Jewish population in the world. Australian Jews are found in the cities of Melbourne, Sydney, and other metropolitans areas of Australia. Like most early immigrants to Australia, the first Jews arrived in the 19th century as convicts from England.

8. Germany (99,695)

Germany has a population of about 99,695 Jews. Germany has a long history of Jewish occupation and persecution. Most Jews fled from Germany following the Nazi regime. Jews returned to Germany in the 1990s though their numbers are still small.

7. Argentina (181,300 - 230,000)

There are 182,000 Argentine Jews, the largest population in Latin America. Jewish settlers first arrived in Argentina in the 16th century following persecution during Spanish Inquisition. Argentine Jews are currently settled in Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Santa Fe, Entre Rios and Tucumán regions. Jewish groups in Argentina include Ashkenazi, Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews.

6. Russia (186,000)

Russia was once traditionally home to a relatively large Jewish population, although this reduced drastically due to anti-Semitism and persecution. Many migrated to Israel during the 1980s and 1990s. Currently, Russia has a Jewish population of about 186,000, making it the third largest in Europe.

5. United Kingdom (269,568)

British Jews have a population of 269,568 the second largest European population after France. The first Jewish arrivals were recorded in 1070 and were banned from the country for the next 200 years. Jewish people were allowed resettlement in England only in the 19th century.

4. Canada - 385,000

Canada has a Jewish population of 385,000, the fourth largest in the world. Most Canadian Jews are found in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta. Most of the Canadian Jews are of the Ashkenazi, Sephardi and Mizrahi origin. The first Jewish residents in Canada were members of the British army. Other Jews came into the country when fleeing the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe.

3. France - 465,000

France has the largest number of Jews in Europe at about 465,000 Jews who are mainly found in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Strasbourg and Toulouse regions. French Jews suffered anti-Semitism, but most of them survived the Holocaust. Jews later migrated to France from French colonies of the Mediterranean and North Africa in the 19th century. Currently, the Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews are the majority.

2. United States - 5,700,000

The US has the world’s second largest Jewish population trailing close to that of Israel at 5,700,000. In the face of anti-Semitism and religious persecution of Jews in Europe, especially in the 20th century, those who could escaped to America where they enjoyed religious freedom. The Ashkenazi make up the largest Jewish group with about 90% of the Jewish population.

1. Israel - 6,589,000

About 75% of the population of Israel is Jewish. In 1948, the establishment of the nation of Israel led to the mass immigration of Jews into the country. Today, nearly seven million people in Israel consider themselves to be Jewish.