Alcohol existed in ancient times, but production technologies are still being improved today. From year to year, new drinks containing large or small amounts of alcohol appear on the market, and the number of drinking citizens is growing. Alcohol consumption varies around the world. There are countries where drinks of this type are generally prohibited, but even there they are consumed in small quantities by visitors or tourists.
The most drinking countries in the world: dynamics and statistics
Statistical agencies, for example Statista, take as a basis:
- level of sales of alcoholic beverages;
- population survey data;
- cultural characteristics and other factors.
It should be noted that the data sometimes varies slightly. The purpose of compiling ratings and studies is to indicate to the governments of countries that there are serious problems.
- Belgium (12.6 l);
- France (11.5 l);
- Germany (11.03 l);
- Hungary (10.88 l);
- Poland (10.71 l).
The publication notes that it additionally took into account the level of beer consumption. Belgium came out on top among drinking states due to the developed culture of drinking this drink. They drink it here very often. The country produces 1,600 different types of alcoholic beverages.
Analytical data from Statista
According to statistics, the level of alcohol consumption in the world is either increasing or decreasing again. It cannot be argued that the low standard of living of the population encourages citizens to drink more. The graphs show the opposite. In addition, cultural characteristics have an influence: Muslim countries are not aware of the problem of drunkenness. The exception is Nigeria. In this country, the number of Muslims is at least 50%, but this did not stop it from becoming the most drunk on the African continent. In WHO world statistics, the state is among the top ten.
Top 18 most drinking countries in the world 2019
| № | A country | l./year per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Republic of Moldova | 15,2 |
| 2 | Lithuania | 15,0 |
| 3 | Czech | 14,4 |
| 4 | Federal Republic of Germany | 13,4 |
| 5 | Nigeria | 13,4 |
| 6 | Duchy of Luxembourg | 13,0 |
| 7 | Ireland | 13,0 |
| 8 | Latvian republic | 12,9 |
| 9 | Bulgaria | 12,7 |
| 10 | Slovenia | 12,6 |
| 11 | Romania | 12,6 |
| 12 | France | 12,6 |
| 13 | Portugal | 12,3 |
| 14 | Kingdom of Belgium | 12,1 |
| 15 | Seychelles | 12,0 |
| 16 | Russian Federation | 11,7 |
| 17 | Republic of Poland | 11,6 |
| 18 | Republic of Estonia | 11,6 |
On the list of the world's most drinking countries, along with poor and developing countries, there are economically developed countries with a high level of income. This suggests that the main problem of drunkenness is the culture of drinking alcohol.
People are sometimes wary of strong alcohol, but they drink large quantities of wine, beer, and cocktails. In Germany, the Czech Republic and other countries around the world, beer festivals are officially held. They have become traditional and attract a large number of tourists.
Oktoberfest in Germany
Another reason for the increase in the number of people drinking around the world and in certain countries is the fashion for alcohol. The appearance on the market of Russia, Belarus and other countries of low-alcohol cocktails in bright cans and bottles has led to the highest jump in drunkenness. A small proportion of ethyl alcohol, and a person begins to think that nothing bad will happen. It is noteworthy that two years ago the WHO recognized Belarus as the most drinking state. Today it ranks 27th.
We should not forget about the problem of alcohol availability. In residential areas of the Maldives, India, and the United Arab Emirates, it is extremely difficult to find a bottle of alcohol.
In the countries presented in the table above, alcohol is available, it is varied in price so that every resident can afford to drink.
Summary statistics of the top countries in the ranking
Let's compare the indicators of the represented states over several years. This will allow you to find out how quickly the situation is changing. We’ll tell you what influences the indicators and inclusion in the ranking of the most drinking countries.
| A country | 2014, l. | 2016, l. | 2018, l. | Dynamics, % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Republic of Moldova | 18,22 | 16,8 | 15,2 | -16,5 |
| Lithuania | 15,03 | 15,4 | 15,0 | -0,2 |
| Czech | 16,45 | 13,0 | 14,4 | -14,2 |
| Germany | 12,81 | 11,8 | 13,4 | +4,4 |
| Nigeria | 12,28 | 10,1 | 13,4 | +8,4 |
| Duchy of Luxembourg | 13,01 | 12,9 | 13,0 | -0,03 |
| Ireland | 14,41 | 11,9 | 13,0 | -10,8 |
| Latvian republic | 12,5 | 12,3 | 12,9 | +3,1 |
| Republic of Bulgaria | 12,44 | 11,4 | 12,7 | +2,05 |
| Republic of Slovenia | 15,19 | 12,6 | 12,6 | -20,56 |
| Romania | 15,3 | 14,4 | 12,6 | -21,43 |
| France | 13,66 | 12,2 | 12,6 | -8,4 |
| Portugal | 14,55 | 12,9 | 12,3 | -18,3 |
| Kingdom of Belgium | 10,77 | 11 | 12,1 | +11 |
| Seychelles | 10,59 | 9,8 | 12,0 | +11,75 |
| Russian Federation | 15,76 | 15,1 | 11,7 | -34,7 |
| Republic of Poland | 13,25 | 12,5 | 11,6 | -14,22 |
| Republic of Estonia | 15,57 | 10,3 | 11,6 | -34,22 |
In Western Europe, alcohol is sold to young people over the age of 18, sometimes earlier. There is no special control over this. Countries individually pass laws restricting the sale of alcohol and surrogate products. In Scandinavian countries, alcohol is very expensive, and here the state shows interest in curing addicted citizens.
Over the past few years, WHO has observed a significant decline in alcohol consumption in Russia. The Ministry of Health reported on the work done and said that a positive trend has emerged thanks to:
- a ban on the sale of strong products at night;
- a ban on the sale of alcohol in sports, medical and educational institutions, as well as in their immediate vicinity;
- increase in excise tax.
Drinking citizens have given up significant consumption of beer and cocktails; young people have begun to drink less of the strongest alcohol, vodka and cognac. The main unresolved problem is the availability of a surrogate. Let us recall that in 2016, 77 people died from ingestion of cosmetic lotion. The tincture was officially distributed through special vending machines.
Alcohol consumption statistics in the world
Strong alcohol consumption is on the rise in Eastern Europe. If we talk about Germany, the residents of this drinking country began to drink more wine.
In Poland, where traditional drinks are tinctures, they are struggling with the consequences of alcoholism. Doing business on tourists, the Poles quickly realized that this had become a problem. Teenagers and students began to drink.
As for the Seychelles, the appearance of the state among the eighteen drinkers is not accidental: the increase in the number of tourists affects the statistics of the list.
In the two Americas, the top three drinking leaders are:
- Uruguay - 10.8 liters;
- Saint Lucia - 9.9 liters;
- USA - 9.8 liters.
The myth of Russia as the most drinking country in the world
More recently, our country was among the top ten states that bear the title of drinkers. However, the myth about how much people drink in Russia has been around for a very long time. Foreigners traditionally associate the largest country in the world with the balalaika, the bear, the matryoshka doll and vodka, which is not the birthplace of Russia. Why is this happening?
The reason for the association with drinkers lies in the culture of drink consumption. In Russia, since ancient times, it has been customary to drink for any reason: a holiday, grief, a heart-to-heart conversation, a new acquaintance. The adult generation taught the youth, and there was no talk of savoring the strong drink.
Rosstat data by region
Today Russia is not the most drinking state, but the problem cannot be ignored. The top 18 shows that we are in a vulnerable position: at the same time, there is a tendency to reduce alcohol consumption, and on the other hand, there is a threshold value for dependent citizens. It is noteworthy that of all drinks the nation prefers vodka (51%). Beer consumption is 74.1 liters per year per capita. For comparison, in the Czech Republic this figure is twice as high.
So, the most drinking country in the world is Moldova. But are there countries where alcohol is prohibited?
Alcohol-free areas
It has long been known that “prohibition” is not a method of combating drunkenness. According to statistics, the volume of consumption is increasing, and income is ending up in the pockets of unscrupulous people. But there are states where alcohol is prohibited due to cultural reasons.
The main ban on ethanol drinks for Muslims is not enshrined in law, but in the Koran. However, a number of countries hastened to write this measure down on paper. Among them:
- United Arab Emirates (3.8);
- Iran (1.0);
- Saudi Arabia (0.2).
The number of liters drunk by the population per year per person according to statistics is indicated in brackets. There is a ban on alcohol in some states in India. In this country, the attitude towards drunk people is negative. Liquor is completely prohibited in Gujarat. This is how India struggles with alcohol addiction, consumption per year is 5.7 liters per person.
Alcohol consumption in Kuwait is so low that the country is considered a teetotal country.
WHO classifies the following countries as non-drinking countries:
- Kuwait;
- Somalia;
- Libya;
- Mauritania;
- Bangladesh.
Everyone else drinks alcohol.
As can be seen from the statistics, the most drinking country in the world today is also struggling with the availability of wine on the market. Do not forget that any drinks containing ethanol are harmful to health. A drinking person cannot control himself, develop, or enjoy life.
There is a consistent upward trend in the incidence of alcohol dependence throughout the world. The World Health Organization cannot stand aside, since alcoholism provokes deadly diseases that claim the lives of many people every year.
Every year this organization publishes a ranking of the most drinking countries in the world. The volume of alcohol consumption per capita is taken into account (the population is taken with the exception of citizens under 15 years of age, and ethanol is counted in its pure form). Of course, only legally sold alcoholic beverages are subject to registration.
Positions in the ranking change from year to year, but, as a rule, the same countries are included in it. These are European states and countries of the post-Soviet space. Despite the widespread belief that Russia is a territory of rampant drunkenness, it is not even among the top three.
Of course, the level of alcohol consumption in the Russian Federation is quite high, but we are quite seriously ahead of our neighbors - the Baltic countries and other states of the post-Soviet space.
Belarus, Ukraine
In Belarus, alcohol consumption is approximately 17.5 liters of alcohol annually. Almost half of the residents prefer vodka and other strong drinks, about 17% drink mainly beer.
Of course, official data does not reflect the true level of drunkenness, since the tradition of artisanal alcohol production in this country is quite widespread. In this regard, the government is now developing and implementing programs to combat drunkenness.
In Ukraine, according to official data, they consume almost the same amount of alcoholic beverages – 17.4 liters. Residents of this country prefer their national drink, vodka, as well as beer. Ukrainians also drink wine, mostly locally produced.
The circulation of alcohol and alcohol-containing products in Ukraine is almost not regulated by the state, alcohol laws are imperfect, therefore the country has a persistent tendency towards an increase in alcoholism among young people and adolescents.
Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia
The Baltic states remain the traditional leaders of the alcohol hit parade. In 2016, Lithuania was in first place.
Latvia and Estonia drink less, but regularly make it into the top three.
In 2016, 17.2 liters of alcohol per capita were consumed in Estonia. These people prefer beer, as well as their signature drink - the strong liqueur “Old Tallinn” (Vana Tallinn).
Today, in the Baltic countries, serious government measures are being taken against the growth of alcohol consumption: the age at which you can legally purchase alcohol is increasing, a ban on advertising has been introduced, and temporary restrictions have been established on the sale of alcoholic products.
Czech Republic, Poland
The Czech Republic has ancient brewing traditions; many original varieties of this drink are produced and consumed here. Becherovka, a strong herbal liqueur, is also popular.
Alcohol consumption per capita is approximately 16.4 liters.
Poland entered the top ten not so long ago, but in recent years there has been a pronounced trend towards increasing alcohol consumption.
Russia
In Russia, many residents prefer the national drink - vodka. Russians do not disdain other strong drinks; they also love weak alcohol – beer, wine.
Per capita consumption is about 15 liters per year.
Russia may not be among the top three, but the numbers are disappointing - Russians drink a lot. It is a myth that this is a national tradition.
There were drunkards at all times, but the attitude towards them was sharply negative. The policy of the 90s, when the circulation of alcohol-containing products was practically not controlled by the state, led to widespread drunkenness and an increase in the number of people suffering from alcohol addiction. Today in Russia serious measures are being taken to combat alcoholism.
South Korea
Asia is considered a relatively sober region, but one state is included in the WHO's top ten for alcohol consumption. South Korea is recognized as the heaviest drinking state in the region.
Residents also prefer the national drink - rice vodka; they also like weaker locally produced alcohol - fruit-based wines, beer.
Traditionally, most South Koreans end their workday in bars and other drinking establishments. On the streets of Seoul and other cities in the evening you can meet many drunk people, but the Asian mentality and upbringing do not allow Koreans to behave disgracefully.
Great Britain
England and other parts of the United Kingdom have long been considered the hardest drinking countries in Europe.
In Ireland and Scotland, whiskey is considered the national drink, of which a large number of varieties are produced. The English and Welsh prefer ale, beer, and will not refuse whiskey and gin (the popular English brand of Beefeater gin).
People drink a lot in this country, and the tradition of going to one of the many pubs after finishing the working day continues. On weekends, Britons, especially young people, get absolutely drunk, and you can see very drunk people on the streets.
Here you can legally drink alcohol in public places, and you can also drink while driving, albeit within certain limits.
Germany
This country has one of the oldest brewing traditions, and lovers of the foamy drink pay tribute to German beer. It is thanks to intoxication that the level of alcohol consumption in Germany is about 12 liters per year.
Stronger drinks, which are called “schnaps,” are also respected here. Initially, this word was used to describe moonshine, obtained by distilling potato-based mash. Today, many types of it are produced, which the Germans consider their national drink along with beer.
France, Italy
These states are wine regions where the tradition of making and consuming alcohol dates back to ancient times. These countries grow the bulk of grapes in Europe; the area of vineyards in France is about 60 million hectares, in Italy - about the same.
The level of alcohol consumption is high, so the rating of drinking countries, of course, cannot do without them. However, the tradition of use here is strikingly different from the Russian and post-Soviet countries.
In France and Italy they drink mainly wine. They drink it during the day, at lunch, often in diluted form.
Portugal, Spain
In the Iberian Peninsula, the tradition of winemaking is almost as ancient as in France and Italy. Many types of wines are produced here, including fortified ones (the most famous are port and Madeira).
The Portuguese and Spaniards consume about 11.5 liters of alcohol annually.
Hungary, Denmark, Slovenia
In Denmark and Slovenia, consumption is 10.5 liters each, in Hungary – 10.8 liters of alcohol. The Danes prefer beer as much as the Hungarians. The second most popular item is wine.
Hungary is famous for its wine region - the Tokaj Mountains, where the wine of the same name is produced.
In Slovenia they also grow grapes and make wine. Only a fifth of the population prefers strong drinks in these countries; the rest of the population drinks mostly weak alcohol.
Australia
In this country, alcohol is consumed mainly by the local population, the indigenous inhabitants of the continent. Most often, preference is given to beer; among the natives there are many people dependent on alcohol. This forces the government to take quite strict measures, such as forced addiction treatment.
Drinking alcohol in Australia is a tradition dating back to British colonial times. At that time, strong alcohol, mainly rum, was often used for mutual payments and used as currency. Since then, many Australians have followed the tradition of drinking alcohol in large quantities.
Today, government measures to combat alcoholism are yielding results - the popularity of alcohol is falling.
Uganda
Uganda is recognized as the drinkingiest African country. Residents of this state prefer strong drinks, as well as locally produced beer.
The most popular spirits are Uganda Waragi gin and Bond7 whiskey. Alcohol is sold everywhere here, there are no time restrictions, so most Ugandans drink it.
According to WHO, about 60% of the world's population does not consume alcohol at all. Traditionally, Muslim states are considered non-drinkers, where drinking alcohol is prohibited for religious reasons.
Prohibition was introduced in 41 countries, and quite strict restrictions on the sale of alcohol were introduced in another 40 countries. Temperance laws of varying degrees of severity apply in India, China, most Asian and African countries, Turkey, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Turkmenistan.
Alcohol is least common among those professing Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
Yemen, the UAE, and Pakistan are considered the most sober countries.
In Arab countries, drinking and selling alcohol can result in very severe punishment, including flogging, caning, and even the death penalty.
Measures to combat drunkenness
The highest positions in the ranking of drinking countries are occupied by secular states. And the Christian religion, various branches of which are professed by the majority of Europeans, does not prohibit drinking alcohol, and even uses it in rituals. Therefore, effective methods of struggle used in Islamic states are not suitable for “drinking” countries.
Excessive alcohol consumption is a serious problem that needs to be addressed at all levels. On the part of the state, the following measures are considered the most effective:
- age restrictions for purchasing alcohol;
- ban on all types of advertising;
- control over the circulation of alcoholic products and state regulation of prices.
A very important preventive measure is educational activities aimed at familiarizing people (mainly young people and adolescents) with how alcohol affects the body, what are the medical and social consequences of alcohol abuse.
In the spring of 2017, a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) was presented, which named the 10 most drinking countries in the world in 2017-2018. It should be noted that although the order of countries in the ranking changes from year to year, the traditional leaders of the list are the republics of the former Soviet Union, as well as developed countries of Western Europe, while the least people drink in the Muslim countries of the world, which is quite natural, given Islam's attitude towards alcohol, that is, its complete rejection. By the way, the majority of the world's population (more than 60%) does not drink at all, and the global average consumption is about 6.2 liters of pure alcohol per year. In addition, it is noted that approximately 16% of the total number of drinkers are people who are said to be systematic drinkers, essentially being alcoholics.
Top 10 most drinking countries in the world 2017-2018
The list was presented by WHO representative Gauden Galea and is as follows:
10 Australia
Australia opens the top ten countries in the world where they drink the most. The so-called Australian way of life is inextricably linked with drinking beer. It is this foamy drink, and also wine, that accounts for the lion’s share of alcohol consumption in the country. The biggest problem in Australia is the excessive consumption of alcohol by Aboriginal Australians, for whom drunkenness and alcoholism have become commonplace. Therefore, the state is taking quite strict measures to combat this problem. Thus, in the Northern Territory, where the largest number of Australia’s indigenous population lives, the method of compulsory treatment for alcoholism is practiced.
9
There is no doubt that Germany owes such a high place in the ranking of the most drinking countries 2017-2018 to the consumption of beer. In addition, the country is quite loyal not only to drinking beer (beer and wine can be drunk from 16 years of age), but also to drinking strong alcoholic drinks (allowed after 18 years of age). In the country, you can drink while driving, but the presence of ethanol in the blood should not exceed the norm of 0.3 ppm. In addition, there is a precedent when a court in one of the German cities allowed drinking alcohol on the streets, arguing that the ban infringes on the rights of citizens and the authorities should not fight alcohol in public places, but direct violators of public order. It’s true that there are very few of them in the country.
8
Italy is not far behind its neighbor France, where there is a large number of traditional alcoholic drinks, many of which are known throughout the world. Italian wines and vermouths are rightfully considered to be some of the best on the planet and it is not surprising that the Italians themselves love to spend the evening with a glass of, for example, good Chianti.
7 France
Residents of a country where vineyards occupy 58 million hectares, an area equal to two of Belgium, cannot help but consume the results of their labors, because France is one of the largest producers of wine and wine products in the world. The traditions of drinking alcoholic beverages in the country, such as dry wine, champagne or cognac, have centuries-old roots, so the French regularly appear in the rankings of the most drinking countries in the world.
6
Alcohol has long been a part of everyday life in the country and, apparently, the British themselves are not particularly concerned about it. The world-famous pubs and restaurants of Great Britain are rarely empty, but what often appears on the tables of their customers? Although the UK is the birthplace of many world-famous alcoholic drinks, including whiskey and gin, the most popular drink in the country is beer, including the original English drink - ale. Drinkers are not particularly persecuted in the country and by law. Thus, in England and Wales, drinking alcohol in public places is not formally prohibited. In addition, British drivers, like their counterparts in most Western European countries, can afford to drink alcohol while driving. True, in strictly limited sizes.
5
Not only European countries are in the Top 10 countries for alcohol consumption. South Korea took fifth place in the ranking and became the most drinking country in Asia. It should be noted that Koreans traditionally drink a lot of alcohol, and among the most popular alcoholic drinks among them is soju or rice vodka. Koreans also love rice or fruit wine and local beer. Despite the fact that in Korea they drink a lot (among the local population it is considered common to end the working day in one of the drinking establishments) and on the streets of cities you can often meet tipsy people, including drunk teenagers, Koreans behave more or less decently, even while under the influence of large amounts of alcohol.
4
Both of these countries consume about 12 liters of pure alcohol per year per person. The fact that Russia did not make it into the top three can already be called an achievement for a country where drinking strong alcoholic drinks is a national tradition. But the fact remains, and for three years now, there has been a trend in the country towards a decrease in the consumption of alcoholic beverages by the population, which cannot be said about Poland, which, on the contrary, has been rising in similar ratings in recent years. It should be noted that the Poles are big fans of all kinds of parties, and as the purchasing power of the population increases, which, of course, is good, the level of consumption of alcoholic beverages also increases, which is no longer so good.
3
Another Baltic country was in the top three of the ranking. At the same time, it is quite unusual to see it so high on the list, because Latvians have not previously been noted for particular abuse of alcohol. Nevertheless, 13 liters of pure alcohol is exactly the figure per capita of Latvia given by WHO. The country is taking several measures to reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages. In particular, alcohol advertising was banned back in 2014, but this did not lead to a noticeable decrease in consumption. At the same time, data from another study shows the following unpleasant facts: residents of Latvia spend twice as much money on drinking (about 100 euros per year) than on attending cultural events.
2 Belarus
15 liters of pure alcohol per capita allowed Belarus to confidently take second place in the list of the most drinking countries in the world in 2017-2018. It should be noted that the country is geographically located next to the leader, Lithuania, and therefore the alcoholic traditions in these countries are very similar to each other. The state has developed a special program to prevent and overcome drunkenness, designed for the period until 2020. Its goal is to reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages to 8 liters of pure alcohol per person, since, according to the same World Health Organization, a higher level of consumption leads to the general degradation of society and negatively affects future generations.
1
“The biggest drinker in Europe, and also the biggest drinker in the world,” this is how the above-mentioned official put it in relation to this small Baltic state, where, according to WHO estimates, 16 liters of pure alcohol are drunk annually. This news simply shocked the residents of Lithuania, and the local parliament immediately approved a number of changes to the legislation, which are designed to reduce alcohol consumption among the country's population. Thus, from 2018, only persons over 20 years of age will be able to buy alcoholic beverages. In addition, the country will completely ban alcohol advertising and introduce temporary restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages, both on weekdays and on holidays.
The ranking of the most drinking countries in the world for 2017-2018 was calculated using the following methodology: World Health Organization, which is based on systematic sociological and medical research and is updated once every few years. The WHO's attention to the problem is due to the fact that the consumption of alcoholic beverages is the world's third leading risk factor for deadly diseases, and this despite the fact that less than half of the world's population drinks alcohol.
Measures taken to combat drunkenness
According to the same World Health Organization, the most effective measures to solve problems with excessive alcohol consumption are:
- Restricting access to alcohol, including for minors
- Ban on advertising of alcoholic beverages
- State pricing policy
We should not forget about promoting a healthy lifestyle and creating conditions for active pastime that exclude the consumption of alcoholic beverages. In Western European countries, the use of such measures leads to a decrease in alcohol consumption, even in countries where drinking has become a real national tradition. So, drinking a glass of wine in Spain, Portugal, Italy or France has always been considered an ordinary thing for the appetite, the same can be said about a glass of beer for a German.
4.6 (92%) 10 votes
Common wisdom would dictate that the greatest consumption of alcohol should be in those countries where there are many problems, perhaps poverty and poor living conditions, but in fact, these include very prosperous countries. This suggests that the financial development and well-being of residents does not matter when it comes to drinking. Surveys from various organizations around the world have shown that people try alcohol for the first time between the ages of 13-15, which is not at all encouraging. We have compiled a rating most drinking countries in the world, to dispel myths about some and find out where they drink the most.
10. Portugal
The average in Portugal is 11.5 liters of alcohol per year per person. Port wine is highly respected here, but wine is consumed most of all. This is due to the fact that there are many vineyards in the country and the price of products made from it is quite low. In Portugal, wine is several times cheaper than beer, which is why it is in the leading position.
9. Hungary
The homeland of Hungarians, who know a lot about entertainment, is among the top drinking countries in the world. Like the Portuguese, they give preference to wine, because they have more than 20 areas allocated for growing grapes. They consume it in bars, where it costs from 2 dollars per glass.
8. South Korea
In Asia, alcohol is treated very restrainedly, but not in South Korea. Ten years ago, a strict law was established here, simply a taboo on all alcohol, but it was abolished and the consumption of vodka, liqueurs and moonshine soared from zero to the eighth position in the list of the most drinking countries in the world.
7. Ireland
The Irish are famous for their love of beer and whiskey. There are 11.8 alcohol drinks per capita per year, but you can’t drink much here due to high prices. One glass of beer costs from 6 dollars, and for a bottle of whiskey you can pay about 40-50 dollars.
6. Germany
In strict, restrained Germany, they are very loyal to the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Unlike many other countries, you can safely drink beer in the park or on the street. Moreover, by local standards it is cheap here, although schnapps is considered to be the native drink.
Recent studies have shown that the amount of alcohol consumed by the average resident of Russia has decreased. This is 15.2 liters per year, but before it was even more, so the stereotype about the most drinking nation is slowly crumbling. The key drink is considered to be vodka, which is popular here because it quickly allows you to become intoxicated.
In the statistics of the most drinking countries in the world, the Czech Republic shows a result of 16.5 liters per person. The varieties of Czech beer are known throughout the world, and the state itself has a huge number of pubs and establishments with a long history, where you can have a good time with a glass of strong drink.
3. Estonia
Never before has Estonia been so close to leading such lists. This is explained by the fact that the country’s authorities decided to lift the age limit on alcohol and now you can drink here from 16 years old. This law also applies to tourists, so entire alcohol tours began to be organized to Estonia.
2. Ukraine
The weak alcohol market, which is very poorly controlled, has led to the fact that a very large number of people in Ukraine, before even crossing the 25-year mark, become dependent on alcohol. Vodka, vodka and beer are popular here.
1. Belarus
What is the drinkingiest country in the world? According to the data received and the indicator of 17.6 liters, this is Belarus. People drink here mainly strong drinks, wine and beer are quite rare, and this despite the fact that it was not possible to collect information about their own brewing of moonshine and all kinds of infusions.
Despite the high development of civilization, among the most drinking countries in the world in 2018, states with a low standard of living were not far behind. From this we can conclude that financial well-being does not play a decisive role in this matter. Every year the number of people with a morbid addiction to alcoholic beverages around the world is only growing.
The TOP 10 countries for strong drink lovers include developed European countries, but Russia, contrary to the stereotype, has noticeably moved away from the “prize” places. It’s sad that the age of people who try alcohol for the first time barely reaches 15 years, and after 16, the average rate of alcohol consumption by a young person per year is 6.2 liters. After analyzing research from the World Health Organization, we have compiled a list of the most drinking countries in the world 2018.
10. Ukraine
On Ukraine There are 12.8 liters of alcohol per person per year. The country's alcohol market is very poorly regulated, so the number of young people addicted to alcohol is increasing. The national drink is gorilka, whose history begins
from the 12th century. Gorilka (vodka) and beer are the most popular alcohols, with wine in third place. Ukrainians prefer to drink wines from domestic producers, mainly because of the affordable price compared to European brands. The global brand of Ukrainian alcoholic beverages is “Nemirov” and “Khortytsya”.
9.Belgium
The country is famous for its beer. Some varieties date back more than IV centuries. It is not surprising that the country was included in the ranking of the most drinking countries. The share of income that citizens spend on alcohol is 2.9%. For example, the average for the European Union is 1.6%. Alcohol consumption per person in Belgium is 13.2 liters.
8.Bulgaria
The eighth place in the ranking is taken by a country that is very popular among tourists. In Bulgaria, beaches occupy a significant area of the country. The country has one of the lowest prices for alcohol and one of the lowest excise taxes. Perhaps if a country counted all the alcohol produced by its citizens, the country would rank higher. Alcohol consumption in Bulgaria is 13.6 liters per person.
7.Croatia
Back in 2016, the country occupied 4 places in the ranking, with a value of 12.8 liters. In 2018, the figure increased by more than 5% and amounted to 13.6 liters. Liqueur is one of the country's national drinks. Wine is very popular in the country; the share of consumption of this drink is 44.8%.
List of countries with the largest share of alcohol costs from average wages.
6. Czech Republic
The national drink is Becherovka. Inhabitant Czech Republic on average drinks 13.7 liters per year. strong drink. There is almost 160 liters of beer. per person Beer in this country is part of the culture; it has been brewed here for many centuries. The world-famous Czech brands Velkopopovicky Kozel, Radegast and Pilsner are classic beer varieties. There are many pubs here that sell draft beer, and in Prague there is a restaurant that is more than five centuries old! Here you will try Czech cuisine, various types of beer (dark, light, coffee, banana) and feel the atmosphere of the old Czech Republic. The state is actively investing in the wine industry. Czech wines are called Moravian because most of the vineyards grow in Moravia.
5.Romania
Famous for its beer and wine. The country has such factories as Murfatlar, Cotnari, Dragasani. The country is one of the largest wine exporters. The total alcohol consumption in the country is 13.7 liters. Beer in the country accounts for 50% of consumption, wine 28.9%.
4. Russia
At the end of 2018, alcohol consumption by the population decreased slightly, but the country still entered the top five most drinkers in the world. The average Russian drinks 13.9 liters per year. alcohol. Women consume half as much – 6.8 liters. The national drink is vodka. IN Russia greater preference is given to vodka and beer; the purely Russian habit of choosing “white” has spread to other post-Soviet states, such as Moldova, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. It is in these countries that a person is more inclined, when drinking alcohol, to reach a state of extreme intoxication, like as quickly as possible. Russia's inclusion in the ranking of the most drinking countries is largely due to the relatively low cost of alcohol, compared to Europe - $4 per half liter, and the low standard of living. Recently, the number of Russians who prefer wine to other alcoholic beverages has increased.
3. Moldova
The country is dominated by the consumption of strong alcoholic beverages; their share is 64.5%, which is one of the highest rates in the world. For example, in Russia the share of strong alcohol accounts for 51%. 15.9 liters is the average alcohol consumption in Moldova.
2. Belarus
Belarus- the most drinking country in the world in 2016-2017. In 2018, it lost its “leadership” to Lithuania. Here, each resident drinks on average 16.4 liters. alcohol per year. The indicator decreased by 1 liter compared to 2016-2017 data. Moreover, 47% of people prefer strong drinks, only 17% prefer beer, 32% prefer other alcohol, and very little wine – 4%. Women also like to drink, on average 7 liters. in year. These figures are official, but the real ones are presumably much higher, since data on moonshine brewing in conservative Belarus could not be obtained.
1.Lithuania
Lithuania was named the most drinking country in 2018. At the end of 2018, alcohol consumption in Lithuania amounted to 18.2 liters per person. The share of costs for alcohol is 4.2%. According to this parameter, the country is among the top three “leaders”
In the country, beer and strong alcohol are predominantly consumed, 46.5% and 34.1%, respectively. Against the backdrop of a significant increase in alcohol consumption, the country's authorities are taking measures aimed at reducing the sale of alcoholic beverages. Excise taxes on alcohol were sharply increased, and temporary restrictions on sales were introduced.
The table shows per capita alcohol consumption in the 10 countries with the highest levels.
Loading...