We all know that almost every country is represented on the Camino. But do you know what were the countries with the most representation in 2019*?
According to the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago, these were the five most represented countries:
#2 Italy
Italy is not that close to Spain, so we’re guessing that Italy’s strong Catholic tradition explains the 28,749 (8.27%) Italian pilgrims and its second place.
#3 Germany
Germany usually ranks higher than France, which may come as a surprise considering their distance from Spain. German celebrity’s Hape Kerkeling’s account of the Camino in 2006 may have something to do with this. In 2019, 26,167 (7.53%) Germans requested their Compostela.
#4 The USA
If you factor in travel costs and distance, the USA’s fourth place is simply amazing. In 2019, 20,652 American pilgrims (5.94%) requested their Compostela. Most likely, many more walked sections of the Camino. Fresco Tours can proudly state that 600 American pilgrims chose to walk with us.
#5 Portugal
No surprise here, Portugal is next door and it is the starting place for the Camino Portugués. In 2019, 17,450 (5.02%) Portuguese pilgrims requested their Compostela.
#6 France
Unexpectedly, and considering that the classic French Camino route starts in France, French pilgrims rank sixth with 9,248 (2.66%) pilgrims.
What about Spain?
Spain ranks #1, with 146350 pilgrims (42.11%) requesting their Compostela in 2021.
And Canada and Australia?
Canada scores an impressive 12th place in the ranking, with 5,279 (1.52%) pilgrims, and Australia an even more impressive 11th place with 5,301 (1.53%) pilgrims. Australia is 16,000 kilometres away and +20-hour flight(s)!
*We have chosen 2019 as it was the last season before the pandemic and the consequent travel restrictions.
