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.

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 states in the world 2020

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.

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.

08/28/2015 at 18:07 · Pavlofox · 139 470

Top 10. The most drinking countries in the world for 2018-2019

According to a long-established stereotype, it is generally accepted that Russians, Irish and English are the most drinking nations in the world. But annual research shows a completely different picture. The nations listed are not even among the top five countries whose population drinks the most. The most drinking countries in the world 2018-2019 – who is ahead of the rest of the planet in the consumption of alcoholic beverages? More about this in our article.

It must be said that there are many points of view regarding alcoholic beverages. Some doctors are categorical in their opinion that alcohol is evil. Others point out that when drinking it, it is important to observe moderation, and then wine, for example, can even act as a healing agent. Be that as it may, the number of alcohol abusers in many states exceeds all permissible standards, which cannot but worry.

10. Slovenia and Denmark

The tenth place among the most drinking countries in the world in 2018-2019 is shared by Slovenia And Denmark. Here the population consumes 10.6 liters of alcoholic beverages per year. Residents of these countries hold beer in high esteem, and wine comes in second place. In the Slovenian city of Maribor there are the oldest vineyards in Europe, which are more than 400 years old - Stara trta. Well, Denmark is known throughout the world for its Tuborg and Carlsberg beer brands.

9.

In ninth place as the most drinking country is Russia, which is famous for its vineyards. 10.8 liters - this is how much alcohol the average resident over the age of 15 drinks here per year.

8. Spain and Portugal

Next come Portugal with an indicator of 11.4 liters of alcoholic products per year. The hot sun allows these countries to grow excellent vineyards. Therefore, wine consumption comes first in these two drinking states. In second place in popularity is beer, which costs much less than wine.

Spain ranks third in the world in wine production, but in terms of total vineyard area it ranks first. About 90 varieties of grapes are grown here.

7.

The average Irish person drinks 11.6 liters of alcohol per year. Thus, it did not make it into the top five drinking countries in the world. Guinness, the most famous dark beer in the world, is produced here. In addition, Ireland is famous for several types of whiskey. But alcohol is quite expensive here - a pint of beer can cost up to two euros, and the price of a bottle of whiskey reaches 25 euros.

6.

In sixth place among the most drinking countries is. Yes, we still ended up on this not very pleasant list. Russians on average consume about 15 liters of alcohol per person per year. The most popular strong drinks among Russian residents are vodka and beer. Researchers note that from year to year there are more and more people choosing wine over alcoholic products.

5.

Where 16.30 liters of alcoholic beverages are consumed per year, it ranks fifth in the list of the most drinking countries in 2018-2019.

Did you know that Lithuanian mead is an ancient alcoholic drink based on honey, yeast and water? Lithuania produces three varieties of mead and a variety of honey nectars, tinctures and balms.

4.

The fourth position in terms of the amount of alcohol consumption (16.47 liters) was taken by.

Beer in the Czech Republic has a long and rich history. Pilsner, Radegast and Velkopopovicky Kozel are the most famous brands of Czech brewers in the world. Beer production here began in the 12th century thanks to the Celts. The drink became so popular that after a few years it was brewed in almost every home. Winemaking is also developed in the country. Now this is the most promising sector of agriculture in the Czech Republic. Most of the vineyards are located in Moravia, which is why Czech wines are also called Moravian.

In Prague you can try almost all local varieties of wine and beer - there are a large number of pubs and bars in the capital of the country.

3.

The third place in the list of countries whose population consumed alcohol most in 2018 belongs to Estonia. Tallinn has been repeatedly recognized as the most calm, cultural and romantic European city. However, 17.24 liters of alcoholic beverages are consumed here per year. In the Old Town, the historical center of Tallinn, you can not only admire the ancient buildings, but also spend an evening in the most famous local restaurant, Olde Hansa, whose furnishings are stylized as the Middle Ages. Candles, oak tables and food that knights could eat in ancient times - in such an atmosphere the hand itself reaches for a mug of ale. In the absence of it, beer will do.

2.

Second on the list of countries where alcohol is consumed the most is. 17.47 liters - this is how much its residents drink on average per year. The country is known for its national product - vodka, known since the 17th century. At least, documentary evidence about Ukrainian vodka, which was then called “hot wine,” dates back to that time. There are producers of high-quality alcoholic products in Ukraine that have proven themselves well in the world. First of all, this is Nemiroff. The most famous product of this brand is “Ukrainian Honey with Pepper” vodka.

1.

It took first place in the list of the most drinking countries. According to WHO, this year the country's per capita consumption was 17.5 liters. It should be noted that the researchers were unable to obtain data on moonshine, so the actual data is higher than the announced official figures. Belarus thus became the most drinking country in the world for 2018-2019.

Critical norm of alcohol consumption according to WHO and the world average

Meanwhile, the critical norm of alcohol consumption per year per person, according to WHO, is 8 liters. If we take the world average for alcohol consumption, it is approximately 6 liters of alcohol per year per person.

What do people drink in different countries?

It should be taken into account that different types of alcoholic beverages are consumed in different regions of the world. In France, Portugal and Spain they drink mostly wine. Beer and wine are equally held in high esteem in countries such as Germany, Bulgaria, Belgium and Switzerland. The further north a country is located, the more strong alcoholic beverages are consumed. These include: Czech Republic, Canada, Slovakia, Denmark, USA, Great Britain, Finland, Japan, Norway.

Did you know that about 48% of the world's population have never touched alcoholic beverages in their lives?

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According to the World Health Organization, Russia ranks only 24th in Europe in terms of the amount of alcohol consumed per capita. In 2017, the average Russian consumed only 8.1 liters of pure alcohol per year, falling behind the Austrians, French, Germans and British, not to mention the leaders of the anti-rating - Estonians, Lithuanians and Czechs.

The positive dynamics over the past few years are also noteworthy. If we compare WHO readings for 2015-2017 with data from six years ago, it turns out that Russians began to drink a quarter less. Apart from Russia, only 15 countries from the top 25 most drinking countries in Europe can boast of a decrease in alcohol consumption.

Thus, Russians do not drink nearly as much as is commonly believed in Russophobic myths: in the top 25 WHO rankings, Russia ranks second to last (see table below). And the trend to reduce alcohol consumption in our country is strengthening.

Federal News Agency appealed to experts and politicians with a request to evaluate the list of countries of the Old World in terms of alcohol consumption per capita and the measures taken in Russia to reduce alcoholism among citizens.

You shouldn't slander yourself

As noted by a narcologist, head of a branch of the Moscow Scientific and Practical Center for Narcology Sergey Polyatykin, the opinion that Russia is the most drinking country in the world is often reinforced, alas, by the Russians themselves.

“For some reason, we love to expose ulcers all the time,” the doctor points out. “On the contrary, we must show ourselves from the best side!”

In fact, historically, drunkenness came to Rus' quite late, the expert notes.

“The Russian peasant was one of the most sober in the world. We didn’t grow grapes, and there wasn’t much to make moonshine from,” notes Polyatykin.

According to the doctor, drunkenness in Russia was associated with the development of capitalist relations.

“A drunken proletarian was beneficial to the capitalists: he was less inclined to economic and political protests,” Polyatykin explained.

A special image of an alcoholic was also created in culture, FAN’s interlocutor points out.

“In literature it is “Moscow-Petushki” Venedikta Erofeeva. It is interesting to read, but this is not the achievement of Russian literature, but the depth of its failure. In the cinema, these are funny films about alcoholics: here are “Dog Barbos and the Extraordinary Cross”, and “Gentlemen of Fortune”, and Doctor Lukashin, who flew drunk to Leningrad,” the narcologist lists.

In our popular culture, a drunkard is always cheerful, kind, charming, funny stories happen to him, and no harm comes to him from drunkenness, Polyatykin adds.

Ministry of Health warns!

However, despite the image of a “good” drunkard created in Russia, our country is currently on the right path in solving the alcohol problem.

« Vladimir Putin“, while still the head of government, he signed the anti-alcohol concept that is currently in force in our country,” the doctor recalls. - All measures are spelled out quite clearly there. Fighters for sobriety, and this is, first of all, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, staunchly defend Putin’s concept, despite the powerful alcohol lobby.”

According to the doctor, it is still necessary to introduce an age limit for drinking alcohol from 21 years old. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that Russian citizens spend money on education, sports and tourism, and not on alcohol.

“We have been noticing a drop in the number of new cases of alcoholism for ten years now,” the doctor shares data for the Russian Federation. - There is a very good indicator of this: there is a serious decline in the number of alcoholic psychoses. We expect alcohol consumption in Russia to fall. But we need to put more and more effort into this.”

Drinking culture

In turn, a representative of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection Alexey Kurinny draws attention to the fact that WHO figures may not correspond to reality.

“The huge amount of illegal alcohol in Russia today is simply not taken into account,” states the deputy. - I'm not even talking about the various tinctures, solutions and similar liquids that our citizens also consume. I think if you add it all up, our place will be higher towards the top.”

In addition, there are differences in the culture of drinking alcohol and preferences for certain types of drinks that are drunk in different countries.

“Large volumes of alcohol per capita in Germany are due to the consumption of mainly low-alcohol drinks such as beer,” says the deputy. - The same applies to Spain: people there drink mostly wine. These drinks do not lead to the adverse consequences that alcohol consumption leads to in the Russian Federation.”

We need to lower the temperature

It is precisely due to the nature of alcohol consumption that causes injuries sustained while drunk, as well as the development and exacerbation of various diseases, Kurinny believes.

“I think about twenty percent of our healthcare resources are spent on treating diseases associated with alcohol consumption,” suggests FAN’s interlocutor. “This is a national problem.”

Here, according to the deputy, the prohibitive measures on which the government has relied are not enough.

“We need a whole range of measures that cannot be implemented in one or two years,” the parliamentarian is convinced. “This includes educational programs, coverage of the problem of alcoholism in the media, and the restructuring of the consumption system for alcoholic drinks of a different quality and degree.”

However, the consumption of strong alcohol in Russia is already declining, the deputy notes. Nevertheless, it is necessary to work to improve the standard of living of Russian citizens, Kurinny believes.

“Today many people drink because in this way they are trying to escape reality,” admits FAN’s interlocutor.

The path to sobriety

The State Duma deputy also agrees with his colleague Fedot Tumusov. In his opinion, restrictive measures are not a panacea for the “alcohol issue.”

“We really are not the most drinking country in the world. But drinking traditions, of course, are strong here in Russia,” notes the deputy.

Promoting sobriety can help the country, he emphasizes.

“How do we get off this list? This is a long and painstaking work associated with the gradual instilling in the population of a healthy, sober lifestyle,” says Tumusov.

As for the ban on the sale of alcohol, one should be careful here, the deputy is sure.

“Yes, it works, prohibition measures - all other things being equal - reduce alcohol consumption. But they must have maximum boundaries,” the parliamentarian is convinced.

The history of mankind proves that with a complete ban on alcohol, under the conditions of prohibition, shadow business begins to flourish in the country, states Fedot Tumusov, and this leads to the development of crime.

From 2008 to 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted large-scale studies on alcohol consumption in countries around the world. The WHO 2010 result is currently the most current (2017), all other “ratings” of more recent years are either reprints of old data or some kind of forecasts. We provide official WHO data, as well as a forecast for 2020.

Alcohol consumption is expressed in terms of pure alcohol (95 degrees) per capita of the population over 15 years of age per year. Total consumption takes into account official data plus unrecorded alcohol consumption (home and informal production). In addition, based on WHO data, the site provides consumption data by type of alcoholic beverage, as a percentage of total consumption.

From the above data it is clear that the most “drinking” countries are the countries of Eastern Europe. In first place is Belarus - this is the most “drinking” country in the world, followed by Moldova, Lithuania, Russia, Romania.

When broken down by gender, men drink on average three times more than women. The heaviest drinking men live in Belarus, Moldova, Lithuania, Russia and Romania. The most drinking women: Belarus, Moldova, Andorra, Lithuania, Czech Republic.

The most unrecorded alcohol is consumed in Moldova (10.5 l/person), Ukraine (5 l/person), Vietnam (4.6 l/person), as well as in Romania, Namibia and Chad (4 l/person each). people).

According to the forecast for 2020, the top five will undergo a number of changes. Moldova will take first place with 17.7 l/person, second and third places are shared by Belarus and Lithuania with 16.8 l/person, Russia is still in fourth place with 15 l/person, and the Czech Republic is in fifth place. from 14.2 l/person.

In total, there are 30 countries with very high consumption levels (more than 11 liters per person per year), and this list includes almost all highly developed countries in Europe, Australia and South Korea. Thus, it cannot be said that Europe is a non-drinker, while Russia and Ukraine become drunkards. Everyone drinks, and they drink a lot. Moreover, in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus they prefer strong alcohol, and in European countries and America - beer and wine.

If you look at the WHO data from the religious perspective, it is interesting that alcohol consumption is high only in Christian countries, while in other faiths, and especially in Muslim countries, consumption is extremely low.

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