Many countries around the world are actively fighting smoking. Most governments pass laws restricting tobacco use in public places and beyond. Despite this, the number of people who smoke, according to WHO, reaches more than a billion people. Most of them are men. Below is a list of the most smoking countries in the world.
11. Montenegro
This country has a ban on smoking in public places, and the restriction is valid only when such a place is a closed space. Smoking is allowed outside. Therefore, smokers feel quite free here.
10. Belarus
This state is on the list of smoking countries for a reason. On its territory there is a restriction on smoking in public places, which is practically not observed by anyone. In 2013, the authorities introduced a limit on the production of cigarettes. At that time, no more than 33 billion pieces could be produced per year. Which is enough to get into thisrating.
9. Bosnia and Herzegovina
The low standard of living in this country contributes to the development of bad habits. The price of tobacco here is considered the lowest in comparison with Europe. And although more than 40% of the population of this country is considered unemployed, the number of cigarettes consumed per year does not decrease from this. Anti-tobacco laws do not work well in the Balkans. For many years, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been on the list of the most smoking countries in the world.
8. Slovenia
Government authorities have been fighting smoking for many years. Recently, laws have been introduced that restrict smoking on the street and in crowded places, special attention is paid to the sale of cigarettes, it is strictly forbidden to sell tobacco to minors here. Thanks to such legislation, the consumption of tobacco products has slightly decreased in the country, but still it is included in this rating.
7. Ukraine
Another state included in the ranking of the most smoking countries in the world. An anti-nicotine policy has been carried out on the territory of Ukraine for several years. It is forbidden to smoke here on the street, indoors and in trains, underpasses, at bus stops. The authorities also raised excise taxes as part of the fight against smoking. This policy has helped the country reduce the percentage of smokers, whose number is steadily declining.
6. Moldova
The country has strict bans on smoking in public places. However, this does not mean that there are fewer smokers. And although the inhabitants of the state comply with all laws, the consumption of cigarettes per person per year is not decreasing.
5 most smoking countries in the world
- RF. In 2013, an anti-nicotine company began to operate in the country: smoking bans were introduced in public places, and phrases about the dangers of tobacco and pictures showing the consequences of smoking for the body began to be printed on packs. And although the Russian Federation is included in this rating, the WHO does not believe that Russia is the most smoking country in the world.
- Greece. In this state, the anti-nicotine company is completely ignored. Laws banning smoking in public places were adopted more than once, but they did not scare anyone, the inhabitants of the country simply do not comply with them.
- Bulgaria. The anti-tobacco policy has been in force in this state since 2010. Here it is forbidden to show up with a cigarette in public places, and not only on the street, but also indoors. Smoking in the country is allowed only in special places. Such severe restrictions did not help reduce the percentage of smokers, the state ranks third of the five most smoking countries in the world.
- Serbia. Another state, located on the Balkan Peninsula, was included in the list of heavy smokers. More cigarettes are smoked here per year than in neighboring countries. The Serbian government has a strict anti-tobacco policy, and for violation of laws related to smoking, decent fines are imposed here. Despite this, the country is one of the leaders among all the states of the world.
- On the first place in the list of the most smoking countries in the world is China. According to statistics, the inhabitants of this state smoke a third of allproduced in the world of cigarettes. China has a high mortality rate from smoking-related diseases. The government of the country is not very successful in combating tobacco smoking. Perhaps the reason for this is the monopolization of the tobacco market by the state. In many regions, cigarette manufacturers replenish the budget for decent amounts. More than 10 years have passed since China joined the WHO Tobacco Control Convention, and nicotine consumption has increased by almost 40%.
Countries not included in the list
The previous ranking showed the statistics of countries leading in tobacco consumption. How things are in other states, consider below:
Finland was not included in the list of the most smoking countries in the world, because it began its fight against nicotine back in 1977. It was then that the first anti-tobacco law was passed, while in other countries they did not even think about it. At the moment, in the country you can smoke only at home, in the event that the smoke does not interfere with neighbors, and in nature, in places remote from people. Finland has hefty fines for smoking in the wrong place, and underage smokers can go to jail for breaking the law
- In the UK, you can only smoke at home, in nature, in a hotel and in prison. For the use of tobacco in other places, you can get a decent fine. And if a smoker is caught with a cigarette in the stadium, you will have to pay about 5 times more than usual.
- For residents of IndiaSmoking laws are not terrible. Here they smoke right under the prohibition signs. This can be explained by low fines for violating the law, they are about the same amount as a pack of cigarettes.
- In Ireland, the authorities have also introduced a ban on smoking in public places, this list includes restaurants, bars and pubs. And so that the owners of the establishments were not tempted to make halls for smokers, they introduced fines of 10,000 €.
- Sweden. Here they introduced a law similar to the Irish. But the authorities did not take into account the fact that there is legislation in the country allowing the owners of private clubs to set their own rules for visitors.
- In Germany, the list of banned places for smoking includes taxis, whose drivers can pay a decent fine for breaking the law.
- France is more loyal to the nicotine-dependent population. Here you can smoke at home, in nature, on board the ship and on the veranda of the cafe. As a result, even during bad weather, the street verandas of establishments are filled with people, while non-smoking rooms are even empty.
- Being in Japan, you need to look not only for a sign that allows smoking, but also pay attention to its color. For example, pink says that only females can smoke here. In addition, there are entire streets in the state where smoking is prohibited. Fines for violating the law can reach up to $500. But tourists can get rid of him by explaining that they don't know the rules.
- USA. In this country, a special attitude towards smoking in each state. Therefore, goingto travel to this state, it is necessary to carefully study the legislation of the country. For example, if you smoke next to a baby, you can go to jail for a whole year, regardless of citizenship.
- Australia. More recently, this country has embarked on the path of tobacco control. The authorities of this state are going to introduce a ban on cigarette advertising, and to print frightening pictures on packs.
Now we know which country is the most smoking in the world, and how the authorities of most states are fighting smokers. You can add here that May 31 is World No Tobacco Day.
