Statistics of the most drinking countries. Which country in the world is the most drinking?
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 number of consumers of these types of alcohol is equal and amounts 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 alcoholic products 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 heaviest 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.
According to the World Health Organization, Russia ranks only 24th in Europe in terms of the amount of alcohol consumed per capita. In 2017, the average Russian consumed only 8.1 liters of pure alcohol per year, falling behind the Austrians, French, Germans and British, not to mention the leaders of the anti-rating - Estonians, Lithuanians and Czechs.
The positive dynamics over the past few years are also noteworthy. If we compare WHO readings for 2015-2017 with data from six years ago, it turns out that Russians began to drink a quarter less. Apart from Russia, only 15 countries from the top 25 most drinking countries in Europe can boast of a decrease in alcohol consumption.
Thus, Russians do not drink nearly as much as is commonly believed in Russophobic myths: in the top 25 WHO rankings, Russia ranks second to last (see table below). And the trend to reduce alcohol consumption in our country is strengthening.
Federal News Agency appealed to experts and politicians with a request to evaluate the list of countries of the Old World in terms of alcohol consumption per capita and the measures taken in Russia to reduce alcoholism among citizens.
You shouldn't slander yourself
As noted by a narcologist, head of a branch of the Moscow Scientific and Practical Center for Narcology Sergey Polyatykin, the opinion that Russia is the most drinking country in the world is often reinforced, alas, by the Russians themselves.
“For some reason, we love to expose ulcers all the time,” the doctor points out. “On the contrary, we must show ourselves from the best side!”
In fact, historically, drunkenness came to Rus' quite late, the expert notes.
“The Russian peasant was one of the most sober in the world. We didn’t grow grapes, and there wasn’t much to make moonshine from,” notes Polyatykin.
According to the doctor, drunkenness in Russia was associated with the development of capitalist relations.
“A drunken proletarian was beneficial to the capitalists: he was less inclined to economic and political protests,” Polyatykin explained.
A special image of an alcoholic was also created in culture, FAN’s interlocutor points out.
“In literature it is “Moscow-Petushki” Venedikta Erofeeva. It is interesting to read, but this is not the achievement of Russian literature, but the depth of its failure. In the cinema, these are funny films about alcoholics: here are “Dog Barbos and the Extraordinary Cross”, and “Gentlemen of Fortune”, and Doctor Lukashin, who flew drunk to Leningrad,” the narcologist lists.
In our popular culture, a drunkard is always cheerful, kind, charming, funny stories happen to him, and no harm comes to him from drunkenness, Polyatykin adds.
Ministry of Health warns!
However, despite the image of a “good” drunkard created in Russia, our country is currently on the right path in solving the alcohol problem.
« Vladimir Putin“, while still the head of government, he signed the anti-alcohol concept that is currently in force in our country,” the doctor recalls. - All measures are spelled out quite clearly there. Fighters for sobriety, and this is, first of all, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, staunchly defend Putin’s concept, despite the powerful alcohol lobby.”
According to the doctor, it is still necessary to introduce an age limit for drinking alcohol from 21 years old. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that Russian citizens spend money on education, sports and tourism, and not on alcohol.
“We have been noticing a drop in the number of new cases of alcoholism for ten years now,” the doctor shares data for the Russian Federation. - There is a very good indicator of this: there is a serious decline in the number of alcoholic psychoses. We expect alcohol consumption in Russia to fall. But we need to put more and more effort into this.”
Drinking culture
In turn, a representative of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection Alexey Kurinny draws attention to the fact that WHO figures may not correspond to reality.
“The huge amount of illegal alcohol in Russia today is simply not taken into account,” states the deputy. - I'm not even talking about the various tinctures, solutions and similar liquids that our citizens also consume. I think if you add it all up, our place will be higher towards the top.”
In addition, there are differences in the culture of drinking alcohol and preferences for certain types of drinks that are drunk in different countries.
“Large volumes of alcohol per capita in Germany are due to the consumption of mainly low-alcohol drinks such as beer,” says the deputy. - The same applies to Spain: people there drink mostly wine. These drinks do not lead to the adverse consequences that alcohol consumption leads to in the Russian Federation.”
We need to lower the temperature
It is precisely due to the nature of alcohol consumption that causes injuries sustained while drunk, as well as the development and exacerbation of various diseases, Kurinny believes.
“I think about twenty percent of our healthcare resources are spent on treating diseases associated with alcohol consumption,” suggests FAN’s interlocutor. “This is a national problem.”
Here, according to the deputy, the prohibitive measures on which the government has relied are not enough.
“We need a whole range of measures that cannot be implemented in one or two years,” the parliamentarian is convinced. “This includes educational programs, coverage of the problem of alcoholism in the media, and the restructuring of the consumption system for alcoholic drinks of a different quality and degree.”
However, the consumption of strong alcohol in Russia is already declining, the deputy notes. Nevertheless, it is necessary to work to improve the standard of living of Russian citizens, Kurinny believes.
“Today many people drink because in this way they are trying to escape reality,” admits FAN’s interlocutor.
The path to sobriety
The State Duma deputy also agrees with his colleague Fedot Tumusov. In his opinion, restrictive measures are not a panacea for the “alcohol issue.”
“We really are not the most drinking country in the world. But drinking traditions, of course, are strong here in Russia,” notes the deputy.
Promoting sobriety can help the country, he emphasizes.
“How do we get off this list? This is a long and painstaking work associated with the gradual instilling in the population of a healthy, sober lifestyle,” says Tumusov.
As for the ban on the sale of alcohol, one should be careful here, the deputy is sure.
“Yes, it works, prohibition measures - all other things being equal - reduce alcohol consumption. But they must have maximum boundaries,” the parliamentarian is convinced.
The history of mankind proves that with a complete ban on alcohol, under the conditions of prohibition, shadow business begins to flourish in the country, states Fedot Tumusov, and this leads to the development of crime.
Since ancient times, alcoholic drinks have been an integral part of the life of almost every person. There are, of course, those among us who categorically do not accept alcohol. This is, of course, very commendable. However, for those who don't mind having a couple of beers after work to relax, it's quite difficult to understand non-drinkers. However, statistics show that every year in the world the number of people who drink is increasing at a tremendous rate. And these data include absolutely all people - from those who can drink purely symbolically or on a holiday, and those who get drunk almost every day until a pig squeals. The World Health Organization presented its list of the most drinking countries in 2018.
1. Belarus
Oddly enough, it was Belarus that took first place in this ranking. According to the World Health Organization, over the past year more Ukrainians and Russians drank only in Belarus. In the country, 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, by the way, also like to drink, on average 7 liters. in year. These are official figures, but the real ones are presumably much higher, since data on moonshine brewing in conservative Belarus could not be obtained.
2. Ukraine
Second place in the ranking is occupied by Ukraine, a country where they love to drink a glass of vodka and eat it all with lard and green onions. 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, wine takes third place. Ukrainians prefer to drink wines from domestic producers, mainly because of the affordable price compared to European brands.
3. Estonia
Estonia was also among 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 per 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 the country one of the heaviest drinking countries in the world.”
6. Russia
Perhaps the fact that Russia occupies only 6th place in the ranking will surprise many. But this is true. Despite the fact that alcohol consumption in the country has decreased slightly in the last couple of years, 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.
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 in 2015 - 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.
Slovenia and Denmark
The tenth place among the most drinking countries in the world in 2015 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.
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.
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.
The average Irish person drinks 11.6 liters of alcohol per year. Thus, Ireland 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.
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.
Lithuania, where 16.30 liters of alcoholic beverages are consumed per year, ranks fifth in the list of the most drinking countries in 2015.
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.
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.
The third place in the list of countries whose population consumed alcohol most in 2015 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.
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.
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 in 2015.
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?
Contrary to stereotypes, Russia is by no means the world leader in alcohol consumption. The level of alcohol consumption per capita is currently even falling. This is due both to the anti-alcohol measures taken by the state over the past few years, and to the growth in Russia of the number of people who are prohibited by faith. Our country is not even among the top ten, ranking only 16th in alcohol consumption per capita.
Russia is traditionally considered one of the most drinking countries in the world. Along with the balalaika and the bear, among the symbols of Russia, according to foreigners, is vodka, the Russian national drink.
Alcohol rating of countries
The top 20 heaviest drinkers in the world, according to WHO, are currently as follows: Austria is in 20th place, where they annually drink 13.24 liters of ethanol per year per capita. Meanwhile, Slovakia took 19th position with 13.33 liters. Great Britain and Denmark share 18th place in this dubious competition. Poland is in 17th place (13.25 liters), Russia is in 16th place (13.50).
Alcohol, along with other psychoactive substances, has been used by humans since primitive times. At first it was part of shamanic rituals, then it began to be used for recreational purposes, as an appetite stimulant and antiseptic.
France, Ireland (as well as Russia, which has earned its reputation as a heavy-drinking country), Portugal and South Korea also did not make it into the top ten with 13.66, 14.41, 14.55 and 14.80 liters, respectively. The top ten most active consumers of strong drinks include Lithuania (15.03 liters per year), Croatia (15.11), Belarus (15.13), Slovenia (15.19), Romania (15.30), Andorra (15. 48), Estonia (15.57) and Ukraine (15.60). The top three were Hungary (16.27), the Czech Republic (16.45) and Moldova (18.22).
Numbers and reality
These, however, do not mean that the problem is less acute where they consume fewer liters per year per year, and more acute among the leaders in absolute consumption. For example, in the second-ranked Czech Republic, a large percentage of the population drinks, but relatively few abuse alcohol. The most favorite drink, as you know, is beer. In countries such as Russia, France and the UK, the number of liters per capita is lower, but strong drinks are very popular. In addition, in these states there is a fairly large percentage of the Muslim population who does not drink for religious reasons, while the amount of alcohol consumed is calculated based on the total population. Thus, not everyone drinks here, but those who do are prone to abuse.
