Rating of the most drinking countries in the world: where does Russia rank? Alcohol consumption per capita in Russia The most drinking nation in the world

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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Moscow, December 8 - “News. Economy". Belgium is famous for its beer drinking culture. Thus, a team of experts counted about 1,600 different types of beer in this country in 2015. It's probably not surprising that the Belgians came out on top for beer consumption among residents of the 38 countries surveyed by Ipsos. Below is a list of countries with the highest levels of alcohol consumption.

10. South Korea

Alcohol consumption: 9.33 liters of alcohol per person per year South Korea took tenth 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. Among the local population, it is considered common to end the working day in one of the drinking establishments, so you can often meet tipsy people on the city streets.

Alcohol consumption: 9.64 liters of alcohol per person per year Although excessive alcohol consumption is thought to lead to aggressive and rude behavior, Danes instead become very open, friendly and loving. The Danes are very tolerant of drunken behavior as long as it happens on weekends. A glass or two of wine with dinner during the work week will make you an alcoholic in the eyes of the locals, but 20 glasses on Saturday will be taken absolutely calmly.

8. Australia

Alcohol consumption: 9.70 liters of alcohol per person per year The Australian lifestyle is inextricably linked with beer consumption. 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.

Alcohol consumption: 10.12 liters of alcohol per person per year For three years now, there has been a tendency in the country to reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages by the population. If in last year’s ranking our country was in the top 5, it has now dropped to 7th place in alcohol consumption.

6. UK

Alcohol consumption: 10.66 liters of alcohol per person per year World-famous pubs and restaurants in the UK are rarely empty. Although the UK is home to many world-famous alcoholic drinks, including whiskey and gin, the country's biggest drinker is beer, including the original English beer. drink - ale. Drinkers are not particularly persecuted in the country and by law.

Alcohol consumption: 10.71 liters of alcohol per person per year Poland has been rising in similar rankings 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 grows, the level of consumption of alcoholic beverages also increases.

4. Hungary

Alcohol consumption: 10.88 liters of alcohol per person per year Hungary is famous throughout the world for its famous vineyards. Drinks from this country are preferred all over the world. In terms of popularity in this state, beer ranks first, with fifty-four percent of the population preferring it. In second place is wine, with twenty-eight percent. The top three is completed by strong alcoholic drinks, which are in demand only among eighteen percent of the local population.

3. Germany

Alcohol consumption: 11.03 liters of alcohol per person per year There is no doubt that Germany owes such a high place in the ranking of the most drinking countries 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.

2. France

Alcohol consumption: 11.50 liters of alcohol per person per year 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.

1. Belgium

Alcohol consumption: 12.60 liters of alcohol per person per year Among Western European countries, the highest rate of alcohol consumption is noted in Belgium - 12.6 liters per year per capita over the age of 15 years. According to statistics, Belgian women on average drink more than two glasses of alcoholic beverages daily, men - more than three. Moreover, every third representative of the stronger sex over the age of 55 consumes alcohol every day and in excess doses. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages is responsible for 6% of Belgian premature deaths each year.

According to most people, the drinkingiest country in the world is Russia, followed by countries such as Ireland and the UK. But, according to annual research, it can be understood that these are just established stereotypes. These states are not even included in the “top five countries” in terms of the scale of alcohol consumption. So which country is the hardest drinking in the world? Let's look at the representatives of which nations are in the top ten countries that are lovers of such drinks.

The ranking of the most drinking countries is compiled annually by WHO (World Health Organization). There are several points of view regarding the use of alcoholic beverages. Most experts say that alcohol is a real evil and it is necessary to tighten the limits of its production and sale as much as possible.

Another part of the scientists says that the normalized consumption of many alcoholic products has a beneficial effect on the condition of the body. For example, regular consumption of small doses of wine shows a positive effect on the condition of the skin and helps normalize blood pressure. But it is very important to note the fact that no matter what point of view you consider yourself to be, the number of people who abuse alcohol is constantly growing. Experts are concerned about the fact that in some countries this number has already significantly exceeded the norm.

List of states with alcohol abuse

Tenth place – Slovenia and Denmark. According to the latest data, the amount of alcohol consumed in Denmark and Slovenia is about ten and a half liters annually, per inhabitant. According to statistics, the majority of residents prefer low-alcohol drinks; other products are in much less demand. In one of the cities of Slovenia there is the oldest vineyard in all of Europe. Its name is “Stara trta”, which translated from Slovenian means “old vine”. Its age is more than four hundred centuries. To the rest of the world, Denmark is known as the producer of beer brands such as Karlbserg and Tuborg.

Statistics on the popularity of alcohol are as follows: weak alcohol - forty-six percent of the population, wine - thirty percent, strong alcohol - eighteen percent, other drinks - six percent of the population. Borovichka is considered the national drink.

WHO believes that the most effective measures to solve problems associated with alcohol consumption are limiting access to alcohol, banning its advertising and pricing policy

Ninth place – Hungary. Alcohol consumption per capita in Hungary is ten point eight liters. To collect statistical data, we used a survey of residents in the age category from fifteen to sixty-five years.
Hungary is famous throughout the world for its famous vineyards. Drinks from this country are preferred all over the world.

In terms of popularity in this state, beer ranks first, with fifty-four percent of the population preferring it. In second place is wine, with twenty-eight percent. The top three is completed by strong alcoholic drinks, which are in demand only among eighteen percent of the local population. The national drinks of this place include wine and schnapps.

Eighth place: Spain and Portugal. The eighth place in the ranking is shared by two southern states, Portugal and Spain. Statistics on the use of alcohol in these states indicate that each resident here consumes eleven and a half liters of alcohol annually. The warm climate and constant sunny weather allow local residents to grow first-class grapes.

It is here that drinking wine is given the main preference. According to survey results, more than half of the population prefer wine to other alcohol. In second place, with a popularity of thirty percent, are different types of foamy drinks. It is important to mention that in these countries beer is several times more accessible and cheaper than wine.

Spanish wineries occupy third place in the list of countries involved in wine production. In total, more than ninety varieties of different grapes are grown on the territory of the state. The area of ​​Spanish vineyards is so huge that it ranks first in the ranking of countries with the largest grape plantations. The national drink of the two states is port wine.

Seventh place – Ireland. This country has a special attitude towards beer, and it is here that Guinness is considered a national treasure. In Ireland, the average person drinks about eleven point six liters of alcoholic beverages per year. This country is famous for its largest brewery, which produces the most famous dark beer.

In addition, Irish whiskey is in demand all over the world. It should be noted that the price of alcohol in this country is very high. A pint of beer costs about two euros, and a bottle of good whiskey can cost up to twenty-five euros. In terms of popularity of types of alcohol, beer takes first place, wine comes in second, and other strong drinks take third place.

Russia, contrary to stereotypes, was not in the TOP 5

Sixth place – Russia. Many people believe that Russia should top this list. In fact, statistics on alcohol consumption in the world indicate that this country occupies only sixth place in the ranking. On average, one Russian consumes fifteen liters of alcohol per year.

It is in Russia that the popularity of vodka and beer is equal to each other. According to statistics, the consumers of these types of alcohol are equal in number and amount to about forty percent. According to analysts, the popularity of wine in Russia is only increasing every year. In the next few years, its popularity will equal that of other alcohol. Vodka is considered to be the national drink of this country.

Fifth place – Lithuania. In Lithuania, the average resident consumes about sixteen point three liters of alcoholic beverages. Thanks to this fact, Lithuania is in the top five drinking countries. Along with vodka and beer, Lithuanian Midus, a drink made from honey, water and yeast, is popular in this country. It is in this country that the production of most popular alcohol-containing tinctures, balms and nectars is located.

The fourth place is the Czech Republic. Another country where beer is considered the most popular type of alcohol. The Czech Republic occupies fourth position on the list due to the fact that its residents consume almost sixteen and a half liters of alcoholic beverages. There are many legends and stories associated with beer in this country. Some breweries are known throughout the world for their quality products.

Beer production in this country has more than eight centuries of rich history. The Celts were among the first to pioneer the idea of ​​brewing. Even in ancient times, this drink was so popular that it was prepared in almost every home.

Czech wineries are not inferior in quality to beer. Prague is considered a real Mecca for lovers of quality beer and wine. An alcoholic product such as Becherovka can be considered a real national treasure of the Czech Republic.

Third place – Estonia. If we divide alcohol consumption by country, Estonia takes third place on this list. This is exactly what WHO statistics indicate. The capital of Estonia, Tallinn is one of the most cultural and peaceful cities on the entire planet. It is here that the amount of alcohol consumed per capita is about seventeen and a quarter liters per year.

On numerous streets of Tallinn there are not only masterpieces of world architecture, but also quite interesting establishments. One of these establishments is the Olde Hansa restaurant, stylized in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

All the furniture in this restaurant is made of oak wood. Candles are used for lighting, and the food is consistent with what many people believe ancient knights ate. Such an atmosphere is the best way to make your hand reach for a mug of light beer. It is beer that ranks first in popularity in Estonia.

In recent years, Russia has been in this sad ranking, which instills a certain positivity, down

Second place – Ukraine. The second place in the ranking is occupied by Ukraine, where the amount of alcoholic beverages per capita is about seventeen and a half liters. This is the amount the average resident drinks. Ukraine is known all over the world for vodka, a product whose popularity dates back to the seventeenth century. In those distant times, vodka was called hot wine.

Among the alcohol producers that are famous throughout the planet, there are representatives of this people. The Nemiroff brand belongs to the Ukrainian wine and vodka distillery. One of the most popular products produced under this brand is “Nemiroff. Honey and pepper."

The first line is the Republic of Belarus. It is Belarus that takes the lead in this list. According to the latest WHO information, alcohol consumption in Belarus reaches more than seventeen and a half liters annually per native resident. In addition, the researchers did not take into account those nuances that include moonshine. If these data were also taken into account, the figure would be significantly higher.

Belarus is recognized as the world leader in alcohol consumption. The national alcohol-containing compositions of this country include “Krambambulya”.
In terms of popularity in Belarus, strong alcohol ranks first. About forty-seven percent of residents use it. The second place is occupied by low-alcohol drinks, and beer closes the top three.

World average

According to the same statistics, per capita alcohol consumption in the world is about eight liters per person.

This fact is extremely concerning to WHO representatives, since, in their opinion, the percentage of the drinking population is increasing every year. A few decades ago, this value was equivalent to only six liters of alcohol per person.

Despite the high development of civilization, among the most drinking countries in the world in 2016-2017, states with a low standard of living were not far behind

World statistics on alcohol consumption

When compiling such lists, it is necessary to consider the fact that different types of alcohol are consumed in different parts of the world. For example, beer is quite popular in European countries; the most “beer” cities are recognized as:

• Brussels;
• Munich;
• Dublin;
• Berne.

In regions with hot climates, products belonging to the wine family are very popular. France and Spain are not only true legislators in this area, but also true fans of this alcohol.

An interesting fact is that the further north the state is located, the stronger its residents prefer alcohol. Strong alcohol is quite popular in the Russian Federation, the United States of America, the Czech Republic and Norway.
Also, according to WHO research, about forty percent of people alive have never drank alcohol.

Which countries are non-drinkers?

We found out which country in the world is the biggest drinker in the world thanks to the rating, but which country’s residents can boast that they don’t drink alcohol at all? According to statistics, the countries of South Asia are among those where alcoholic beverages are in the least demand. Topping the list of these states is Pakistan, home to more than two hundred million people. Pakistan ranks sixth in the world population list.

Interestingly, the rate of alcohol consumption in this place on the planet is almost zero. According to WHO research, the average person in Pakistan drinks about one hundred grams of alcoholic beverages every year.

The reason for such low popularity of such products is religion. The state religion in Pakistan is Sunni Islam. The consumption of alcohol-containing liquids is strictly prohibited for followers. As a result of the research, an interesting fact emerged that only visitors and tourists drink alcohol in Pakistan. Another interesting fact is that, despite the fact that religion prohibits Sunnis from drinking alcohol, it is not forbidden to buy, sell and even give it as a gift to other people.

Alcohol has long been considered an integral part of life for most people. Not much has changed since then. And even more, every year the number of drinking people is only increasing. They drink alcohol on holidays, on vacation, and at corporate events. Some drink it purely symbolically, while others get drunk to the point of insensibility. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a list of countries has been compiled by the amount of alcohol consumed in 2017. So, the 12 most drinking countries in the world in 2017!

1: Belarus

Belarus is the most drinking country in the world in 2017. According to the World Health Organization, over the past year more Ukrainians and Russians drank only in Belarus. Here, each resident drinks on average 17.5 liters. alcohol per year. 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.

2: Ukraine

In Ukraine, there are 17.4 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. 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.

3: Estonia

Estonia opens the top three drinking countries in the world in 2017. The national drink is “Old Tallinn”. Despite the fact that the country's capital has received the title "City of Culture" many times, Estonians drink even more than Russians: 17.2 liters. per person in year. Beer is the preferred alcoholic drink here. It costs $3 per glass, ale or other alcohol costs about $5. Locals love to hang out in crowded bars. A tourist will be interested in visiting the Old Town, where there are many stylized restaurants.

4: Czech Republic

The national drink is Becherovka. A resident of the Czech Republic drinks on average 16.4 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: Lithuania

According to the Director of the Department of Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion of the WHO European Office, in Lithuania in 2017, one resident consumed an average of 16 liters of alcohol. As a WHO representative told reporters: “This, according to the latest estimates, makes it (Lithuania) one of the heaviest drinking countries in the world.

6: Russia

In 2017, alcohol consumption by the population decreased slightly, but the country still entered the top ten most drinking countries in the world. The average Russian drinks 15.1 liters per year. alcohol. Women consume half as much – 7.8 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 likely to reach a state of extreme intoxication when drinking alcohol , as fast 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.

7: France

In France, the annual consumption of pure alcohol per person is 14.2 liters. 35.5 liters of beer alone are consumed annually per capita in the country. The image of the Frenchman is quite traditional - these people slowly sip wine, enjoying every sip. In America, the French are considered saturated snobs, but even there they cannot deny the fact that “paddling pools” still have excellent taste. In addition to wine, this country also knows great things about food. In general, in France, fine wine goes hand in hand with delicious food; these two concepts are inseparable here, like baguette and brie cheese. It can be said more simply - it is rare that a meal is not accompanied by drinking wine.

8: Germany

The national drink is schnapps. On average, Germans consume 11.7 liters. alcohol products. Beer, which is cheap by local standards, is especially held in high esteem here. The country is deservedly included in the top ten most drinking countries in the world, since alcohol is sold everywhere: in shops, gas stations, and newspaper kiosks. The Germans are liberal; drinking beer in the park on a bench and in other public places is not prohibited. There are many beer festivals in Germany that last from a couple of days to two weeks. Oktoberfest, the harvest festival, attracts more than 12 million people, and beer here costs up to $13 per liter glass.

9: Ireland

According to official statistics, the average Irishman drinks 11.6 liters. alcoholic drinks per year. This is not enough to get into the top five drinking countries in the world in 2016-2017. Ireland is famous for its whiskey and the national beer brand Guinness, which almost everyone drinks because it is considered low-calorie (198 kcal). It was in this country that the Guinness Book of Records was created in 1954 to resolve the dispute over which beer is better. You won’t be able to get very drunk in this country; alcohol is expensive: the average price of a glass of beer in bars is 6 dollars, and a bottle of whiskey can cost 30 euros.

10: Portugal

The Portuguese drink approximately 11.4 liters. alcohol for 1 person in year. The national drink is port, but more often they drink wine and beer. Portuguese winemakers are proud of their vineyards. This country prefers wine, followed by beer, which is much cheaper: for a large glass of beer in a supermarket you will have to pay almost 3.5 dollars.

11: Hungary

The next place in the ranking of the most drinking countries in the world 2017 is occupied by Hungary. Here they drink 100 g more - 10.8 liters. per year per person. The country is famous for its wines, Hungary has many vineyards and 22 wine producing areas. Wine here is drunk mainly in bars, where it costs from 2 dollars per glass. Budapest has many uniquely designed bars where you can relax and dance, and Hungarians love and know how to have fun.

12: Slovenia

The ranking of the most drinking countries in the world 2017 is completed by Slovenia. Citizens of this country drink 10.7 liters. strong drinks per year per person. And it doesn't have to be strong alcohol. In Slovenia, people drink beer and wine more often; both are not cheap by European standards: the average cost of a half-liter bottle is $2.15. They love national drinks here: wine from their own ancient vineyards, beer from the Slovenian brands Union and Lasko. Finally, I would like to add - take care of your health. And if you still want to drink, then buy high-quality alcoholic drinks and, most importantly, do not abuse alcohol!

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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.