Origins & History
The Jewish people are an ethnoreligious group whose origins trace back over three millennia to the ancient Levant, particularly the territories of ancient Israel and Judah. Following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE and subsequent expulsions, Jewish communities dispersed across the Mediterranean, Europe, the Middle East, and eventually the Americas. Major subgroups include Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and Mizrahi Jews.
Geographic Distribution
There are approximately 15 to 16 million Jewish people worldwide. The two largest concentrations are in Israel (around 7 million) and the United States (around 6 million), together accounting for over 80 percent of the global Jewish population.
Diaspora & Migration
The Jewish diaspora is spread across dozens of countries. Beyond the United States and Israel, notable communities live in France (around 450,000), Canada (around 400,000), the United Kingdom (around 290,000), Argentina (around 175,000), Russia, Germany, and Australia. Historically much larger communities in Eastern Europe were dramatically reduced during and after World War II.
About This Map
This map reflects where visitors perceive Jewish populations to live. Because Jewish identity is both ethnic and religious, votes may reflect familiarity with visible Jewish communities rather than total population.
The map above shows crowd opinion, not official demographic data. Vote on the main map to contribute your own perception of where Jewish populations live.