Here are ten countries where people smoke the most, based on the percentage of the adult population that smokes or cigarette consumption per capita:
1. Nauru
- Smoking Rate: Around 52%
- Details: This small island nation in the Pacific has one of the highest smoking rates in the world. A significant portion of the adult population smokes, leading to health concerns.
2. Kiribati
- Smoking Rate: Around 52%
- Details: Another Pacific island nation, Kiribati has one of the highest smoking rates globally. Tobacco use is widespread, especially among men.
3. Serbia
- Smoking Rate: Around 37%
- Details: Serbia has one of the highest smoking rates in Europe, with smoking deeply ingrained in the culture. Cigarette consumption per capita is high, and smoking is prevalent in public places.
4. Bulgaria
- Smoking Rate: Around 38%
- Details: Bulgaria consistently ranks among the top European countries in terms of smoking rates, with a high percentage of adults smoking regularly, particularly among men.
5. Greece
- Smoking Rate: Around 37%
- Details: Smoking is culturally accepted in Greece, although rates have declined slightly in recent years due to public health campaigns. It still remains one of the highest in Europe.
6. Russia
- Smoking Rate: Around 30%
- Details: Russia has one of the largest populations of smokers, especially among men. Smoking is prevalent despite government efforts to reduce tobacco consumption through taxes and advertising bans.
7. Indonesia
- Smoking Rate: Around 39% (with some regions much higher)
- Details: Indonesia has one of the highest smoking rates in the world, especially among men. Smoking is prevalent, with a large youth smoking population and widespread advertising.
8. Lebanon
- Smoking Rate: Around 38%
- Details: Smoking, including the use of cigarettes and hookah (water pipe), is highly common in Lebanon. Despite the introduction of smoking bans in public places, smoking remains deeply embedded in social settings.
9. Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Smoking Rate: Around 38%
- Details: This country in the Balkans has one of the highest smoking rates in Europe, with widespread tobacco use among both men and women.
10. Montenegro
- Smoking Rate: Around 35%
- Details: Smoking is common in Montenegro, with a high percentage of the population regularly using tobacco. Cigarette prices are relatively low, contributing to the high consumption.
These countries face significant public health challenges related to smoking, despite varying efforts to reduce tobacco consumption through taxation, advertising restrictions, and public smoking bans.