FAO: Turkmenistan Ranks Among World Leaders in Lamb and Goat Meat Consumption

Turkmenistan has secured one of the top spots globally for per capita consumption of lamb and goat meat, according to new data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The country ranks fourth in the world with an average of 20.3 kilograms per person per year, The Caspian Post informs via Turkmen media.

Lamb and goat meat remain key staples in Turkmen cuisine, forming the foundation of many national dishes and culinary traditions.

FAO’s latest global rankings are led by:

Mongolia - 68.5 kg

Bahrain - 23.4 kg

New Caledonia - 21.9 kg

Turkmenistan - 20.3 kg

Chad - 19.0 kg

Mongolia’s exceptionally high consumption levels are closely tied to its nomadic pastoral culture, where meat has long been a dietary cornerstone.

Global Meat Consumption Trends

The FAO data also highlight broader global patterns:

Beef consumption is highest in Argentina, Zimbabwe, and the United States.

Chicken consumption peaks in the Caribbean and Oceania, particularly in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tonga, and the Marshall Islands.

Meat consumption varies widely across countries depending on cultural preferences, economic conditions, and local agricultural practices. Against this backdrop, Turkmenistan continues to maintain strong culinary traditions and underscores the importance of livestock production for national food security.