Jewish population in the World
If we ask which is one of the most ancient nations with a rich history that can be traced back over several millennia, and in which there were moments of not only ups, but also expulsions, persecution or global wars, then first of all, we all remember the Jewish people. And the main mystery is that so far they have managed to preserve their culture, tradition and religion. The people began their history in ancient Israel, and over the centuries they have been dispersed throughout the world due to expulsions and difficulties. And here there is a unique ability to adapt to any conditions, and not just to adapt, but to carry their customs and culture and cherish it and pass it on from generation to generation. This continuity is very important for the Jewish people.
an Israeli citizenship specialist
Today, it remains one of the most widespread diasporas in the world. There are large groups on all continents with their own history and unique features. It is not only a historical homeland. There are large numbers of Jews in the USA, France, and Russia, and as a rule, they are all in communities to support each other and spread their beliefs. In some countries, these people make up a large stratum of the population. Thousands of Jews live in towns, villages or other settlements on Earth.
Jewish population by country in 2025
Despite the high density of the Jewish population in the world, this percent varies from country to country on Earth. And these differences are significant, because throughout history, people have tried to choose the safest and most economically advantageous places at a particular time.
Israel, of course, comes first. Despite all the difficulties and migration periods, the majority of the population has always tried to return to their historical homeland. Now the government of the country is also interested in this and offers simplified conditions for repatriation. In the country, almost half of the population is indigenous Jewish people. Speaking of other countries on Earth, the largest community in percentage terms is in the United States of America. Many Jews moved here for years, especially during the First and Second World Wars. This was not only related to security, but also opened up new economic opportunities. Canada is also in the top 5, and one of the reasons is its location close to the United States. Although the percent is low compared to the rest of the population, there are still many communities there.
In some countries on Earth, however, the history of this people is short, but in Germany or Brazil, the Jewish people have a long history and a direct influence on the social and political aspects of states. So, how many Jews live in the world?
Let’s look at the statistics of the distribution of the Jewish people around the world in order to more accurately assess the concentration of the largest diasporas:
| Country | Jewish Population | % of Country’s Population | % of World’s Jews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Israel | 7,100,000 | 46 | 45 |
| USA | 5,700,000 | 2.2 | 36 |
| France | 500,000 | 0.75 | 3.2 |
| Canada | 390,000 | 1 | 2.5 |
| United Kingdom | 290,000 | 0.4 | 1.8 |
| Argentina | 180,000 | 0.4 | 1.1 |
| Germany | 118,000 | 0.1 | 0.7 |
| Russia | 165,000 | 0.1 | 1 |
| Australia | 120,000 | 0.3 | 0.8 |
| Brazil | 120,000 | 0.1 | 0.8 |
After reviewing all the above data, you can understand the number of Jews in the world. It is possible to identify areas with a large number of the largest diasporas on Earth.
Top 10 countries with largest Jewish populations
Several countries in the world have the largest diasporas in the world, and in some states Jews make up a large percentage, and therefore they have a great influence on the development of the country. They don’t just live in the territory for a couple of years or have moved temporarily. They are deeply embedded in the history of the country, and they bring diversity to all cultural and social features. So, which countries on Earth have the most permanent Jewish residents?
- Israel — 6,900,000
Israel is not just a historical homeland, but a place with the highest percentage of the Jewish population. This is almost half of the total population, and therefore they play a major role here in their homeland. They are becoming the center of culture and religion. All the traditions and customs of the country are tied to the history of the people. This is the dominant community that has been creating this place for centuries specifically for the development of the Jewish people.
- USA — 5,700,000
There are more than 5 million Jews in the United States of America. And it is considered the largest community in the whole world, besides the historical homeland itself. This naturally had an impact on the cultural and political life of the country. Jews in this country gather in diasporas. They are conservative and religious, which is also reflected in the country’s foreign policy. The main diasporas are concentrated in New York, Los Angeles, Miami and other major cities.
- France — 500,000
In Europe, France has the highest population density. Paris is one of the main centers of concentration of Jews not only in the whole country, but also on the continent. If you look at the history, especially of the 20th century, you can see how strongly the Jewish community influenced not only the culture of the country, but even some political views. The history of the country has developed under the influence of this community.
- Canada — 390,000
In Canada, a large percentage of Jews are concentrated in the big cities of Toronto and Montreal. There are several hundred thousand people living in the country. Many of them have already moved to Canada from France, since one of the official languages of the country is French.
- Great Britain — 290,000
Despite the fact that Jews in the UK are not such a large percentage compared to other nations, almost 300,000 people live there permanently and are citizens. Jews themselves also do not abandon their culture, but on the contrary, support it and bring it a little to the masses.
- Argentina — 180,000
In Latin America, most of the Jewish people live in Argentina. More than one hundred thousand Jews live permanently. And many of them have already taken root firmly and for a long time, so they also cannot but influence all spheres of life. Buenos Aires is the main center in this regard.
- Russia — 165,000
The Diaspora in Russia plays a big role because it has a rich history. Even in pre-revolutionary times, the community occupied a large percentage of the population. And even now they are active in politics, art, and other fields. Most Jews live in Moscow and St. Petersburg, although there are many in other cities.
- Germany — 118,000
In Germany, too, the Jewish population is already firmly embedded in society and plays an important role. For several centuries, Germany has been welcoming new representatives of communities who become citizens and part of the country’s society.
- Australia — 120,000
Despite the remoteness of the Australian continent, many Jews live there. More than one hundred thousand people have found their home here. Most of them live in Sydney and Melbourne, although communities can be found in other cities.
- Brazil — 120,000
And not only Argentina is the center of residence of Jews in Latin America, more than one hundred thousand people live in Brazil. Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo occupy leading positions in terms of diaspora density. And even here they manage to develop their culture and honor traditions and religion.
These 10 countries on Earth, although they contain a larger number of Jewish people than in the whole world, are not the only ones. Communities are spread all over the world and exist in almost every country, although not in such large numbers on Earth.
Top 10 countries with smallest Jewish populations
Although there is a Jewish community in some countries, it is not as widespread as in others. There is a population there, but it is smaller than in the USA, France or Argentina. The percentage is usually less than 0.1% in such countries. These are mostly South or Southeast Asian countries, and one of the main reasons is the difference in mentalities, and often a very big difference. Let’s look at the countries where fewer Jewish people live on a permanent basis.
- India — 5,000
There is little Jewish population in this country. Now the number is only five thousand people, and almost all of them live in the community. Bnei Ispael is the largest community in India, although the others are even smaller and there are few of them.
- Japan — 1,000
There are only a thousand Jews living in this country, which is a very modest percentage. Although many people come to Japan most often for business purposes, and few people stay here for permanent residence.
- Tanzania — 1,000
There are also a small number in this country, and there are only a thousand people in the whole country, if not less. Although there is a small diaspora here, which tries to preserve all traditions and culture.
- Chile — 20,000
There are many Jews in Latin America, but only twenty thousand people live in Chile. Migration here began back in the 19th century and not only from Europe, as new opportunities for comfortable living opened up.
- New Zealand — 7,000
Despite the spread of Jews in Australia, New Zealand has not become such a popular destination. Less than ten thousand live permanently and participate in the social and cultural life of the state. Most of them live in Auckland and Wellington.
- South African Republic — 70,000
Even Africa has its own Jewish diasporas, and most of them, although also few, when compared with other countries, live in the Republic of South Africa. It is the largest community on the entire continent.
- Indonesia — fewer than 100
But in Indonesia, the community is very small. There are only 100 people among all citizens. And this is one example of the remoteness of the Jewish diaspora from Southeast Asia, not only geographically, but also culturally and mentally.
- Malaysia — fewer than 100
It’s almost the same story in Malaysia. Although there used to be a fairly large diaspora in the country, there are very few Jews left now. There are less than a hundred people in the whole country.
- Portugal — 1,000
The Jewish population was widespread in this country, but only in the Middle Ages. There are very few of them left now. And the main reason is the Inquisition, which oppressed all peoples who were not of the Catholic faith.
- Kenya — 200
Another African country has a Jewish community, albeit in small numbers. Less than 200 people now live here and have citizenship. But they live in large mountains, for example, in Nairobi. In the above-mentioned countries, Jewish communities are alive and even trying to develop, although they still exist on a fairly modest scale.
Historic Jewish population
The Jewish people are one of the nations whose numbers on Earth have been constantly changing over the centuries. And the changes of number of Jews worldwide varied significantly due to many important world historical events. There were expulsions, migration, and many wars on Earth.
The most tragic period for the Jewish population was the Second World War. Jews became victims of the Holocaust. The Nazis killed more than a million Jews. This could not but have an impact on the world’s population. Although the population quickly gained momentum and began to develop. And one of the main reasons is the creation of the State of Israel.
Let’s see how the population dynamics on Earth changed over the years during the 20th century:
| Year | Jewish Population |
| 1900 | 10,000,000 |
| 1939 | 16,600,000 |
| 1945 | 11,000,000 |
| 1960 | 12,000,000 |
| 1980 | 13,000,000 |
| 2000 | 13,100,000 |
| 2020 | 14,800,000 |
| 2024 | 15,700,000 |
So, what conclusions can be drawn based on the data? The population peaked in 1939, even before the Holocaust began. And after that period, the number decreased by more than 5 million. This is a huge figure on the scale of the whole world. By the end of World War II, the Jewish population had dwindled to eleven million. Even to this day, it has not been possible to return to the original value. This is a huge tragedy not only for Jews, but for the whole world.
After the end of the war, a large migration of people began, mainly to their historical homeland and to the United States. Every decade, the population increases to one million people. And in the near future, the population will grow even more. And here we can name the reason – the emergence of the State of Israel, where indigenous people can return to create families and favorable conditions for the future generation.
Jewish population in Israel
Current Israel is not just where the largest number of Jews live. This is a historical homeland. Here, the main stratum of the population is Jews. According to 2024 data, almost half of the population consisted of indigenous people. That’s almost seven million people.
The country itself was formed in 1948, although historically it existed thousands of years ago. And the main impetus was the huge migration from Europe after the tragic events of the Second World War. It has become a safe haven for relocation. Now it is the current center of culture, traditions, customs and religion of the Jewish people all over the world.
Jewish Population in the World in 2025
As of 2025, the global Jewish population is estimated to be around 15.8 million people. Approximately 7.2 million Jews live in Israel, making up about 45% of the total Jewish population. The remaining 8.6 million Jews reside outside of Israel, with the largest communities found in the United States (around 6.2 million), France (5000,000), Canada (398,000), and the United Kingdom (312,000).
These figures are based on data published by the Jewish Agency and Professor Sergio Della Pergola from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. It’s important to note that these numbers reflect the “core” Jewish population, meaning those who identify as Jewish and do not follow another monotheistic religion. If we also consider individuals of Jewish descent who are eligible for repatriation to Israel under the Law of Return, the total Jewish population could reach 25.5 million people.
In recent years, there has been moderate growth in the Jewish population, mainly due to natural growth in Israel and immigration. However, in diaspora countries like the United States and France, the size of Jewish communities remains stable or has slightly declined.
Thus, in 2025, the Jewish community continues to maintain its influence and presence in various countries worldwide, with Israel remaining the center of Jewish life and culture.
The latest figures show that there are now 15.7 million Jews living in the world. They are spread all over the world.
The Law of Return was passed in 1950 after the establishment of the State of Israel. The law states that all Jews in the world have the right to move to Israel and obtain citizenship. Over half a century, more than 3 million people from different countries have returned to the country.
Most of them now live in Israel, as all the conditions for a comfortable return to their historical homeland have been created. We encourage everyone with Jewish roots or those who have completed the process of conversion (giyur) to take the next step and apply for Israeli citizenship in order to fully enjoy the rights and opportunities the country offers.
Jews globally use Hebrew, which is also the official language of Israel. Although English or Arabic are common due to its worldwide distribution, Hebrew is the language of religion, culture, and traditions.
Most young people choose Israel for their lives and prefer big cities, such as Tel Aviv, because there are many opportunities for development here. Speaking of other countries, young people globally choose large and modern cities, such as New York, London, etc.
an Israeli citizenship specialist
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