THESE European countries have the highest smoking rates! Belgium tops the list
- Belgium tops the list, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 33.9%
- The United Kingdom ranks as the fifth lowest, with a prevalence of only 5.1%
- The estimated cigarette smoking prevalence for 2025 was analysed using data from the World Health Organization to reveal which European countries have the highest smoking rates
A new study has revealed which European countries have the highest smoking rates.
Vape experts Provape analysed the estimated cigarette smoking prevalence for 2025 using data from the World Health Organization. Those with the largest percentage of cigarette smoking prevalence were deemed as the European countries with the highest smoking rates.
In first place is Belgium, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 33.9%. Belgium has implemented multiple anti-smoking measures, such as plain packaging for cigarettes, high tobacco taxes, and public smoking bans.
Sweden takes second place, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 33.8%. Cigarette packages in Sweden must carry health warnings and advertising has strict regulations in a bid to reduce smoking.
Third place is claimed by Austria, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 31.3%. Smoking remains a large public health issue in Austria, with significant rates of tobacco-related diseases.
Bulgaria is in fourth place, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 29.8%. Bulgaria is home to several large tobacco companies which have complicated efforts for a reduction in smoking. However, tobacco taxes have been implemented to reduce the proportion of adults who smoke.
Taking fifth place is Finland, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 29.3%. Smoking has been banned in all enclosed public spaces,and Finland has high taxes on tobacco products.
Denmark is in sixth place, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 28.8%. Denmark aims to be a tobacco-free country by 2030, with a goal of fewer than 5% of the population smoking tobacco products. To do this, they have invested in numerous public health campaigns, raising awareness about the dangers of smoking.
In seventh place is Iceland, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 28.7%. Iceland’s national Quitline service offers free advice and guidance for smokers trying to quit, and the country also offers smoking cessation programs that offer counselling and prescription medications.
Italy takes eighth place, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 28.5%. Italy has banned all tobacco adverts on TV, radio, and print media, as well as implementing high taxes on all tobacco products to reduce smoking.
Ninth place is claimed by Georgia, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 28.2%. With a long history of tobacco farming, efforts to reduce smoking in Georgia face challenges due to economic interests.
Russia is in tenth place, with an estimated cigarette smoking prevalence of 24.8%. Smoking is heavily ingrained into Russian culture, but the government has launched campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking. Cigarettes are also required to have graphic health warnings on their packaging as a deterrent.
The United Kingdom has the fifth lowest results worldwide, with a cigarette smoking prevalence of only 5.1%. The NHS offers free smoking cessation services, and the UK government runs an annual Stoptober campaign, encouraging smokers to quit for the month of October, with great results.
|
Rank |
European Country |
Estimated Cigarette Smoking Prevalence – 2025 (%) |
|
1 |
Belgium |
33.9 |
|
2 |
Sweden |
33.8 |
|
3 |
Austria |
31.3 |
|
4 |
Bulgaria |
29.8 |
|
5 |
Finland |
29.3 |
|
6 |
Denmark |
28.8 |
|
7 |
Iceland |
28.7 |
|
8 |
Italy |
28.5 |
|
9 |
Georgia |
28.2 |
|
10 |
Russia |
24.8 |
COO of Provape, Joe Tucker, has commented on the findings,
“Many governments in Europe have introduced methods to discourage smoking, such as encouraging programmes for help quitting, and increasing the number of smoke-free public places.
“The main addictive drug in tobacco, nicotine, not only causes withdrawal symptoms for users who are trying to quit smoking but also alters the balance of dopamine in our brains. This causes nicotine dependance for users, increasing the difficulty in stopping smoking.
“Going forward, it will be beneficial to examine the results of the strategies each country has implemented to determine which are more successful. This will help each government to tailor their efforts to reduce smoking accordingly.”
Credit: https://provape.com/
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