September 2nd, 2024

Smoking Rates by Country 2024

Nauru has the highest smoking rate globally at 52.1%, with significant rates in Southeast Asia and the Balkans. Tobacco use causes over 8 million deaths annually, but global rates are declining.

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Smoking Rates by Country 2024

In 2024, Nauru holds the highest smoking rate globally at 52.1%, with a notable trend where women (52.6%) smoke slightly more than men (51.7%). Other countries with high smoking rates include Myanmar (44.4%), Kiribati (39.7%), and Papua New Guinea (39.6%). The World Health Organization reports that tobacco use results in over 8 million deaths annually, making it the leading cause of preventable diseases and deaths. Smoking is particularly prevalent in Southeast Asia and the Balkan region, with significant gender disparities in many countries. For instance, in Indonesia, the male smoking rate is 76.2%, while only 3.6% of females smoke. Despite the high rates in certain regions, global smoking rates have generally declined due to increased awareness and anti-tobacco campaigns. For example, the UK's smoking rate dropped from 38% in 2000 to 19.2% in 2022. The minimum smoking age in the U.S. is now 21, with varying rates across states, the highest being in West Virginia and the lowest in Utah.

- Nauru has the highest smoking rate at 52.1%.

- Smoking rates are highest in Southeast Asia and the Balkans.

- Tobacco use causes over 8 million deaths annually.

- Global smoking rates have generally decreased due to awareness campaigns.

- The U.S. has a minimum smoking age of 21, with state variations in smoking prevalence.

Link Icon 3 comments
By @cebert - 8 months
I don’t understand why people continue to smoke when it’s demonstrably harmful to their health.
By @runnr_az - 8 months
Does a full quarter of the US smoke? That’s way outside my experience…