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Tobacco and Health Around the World

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In 2022, 22.5% of Albania's population used tobacco, with significantly higher use among males (38.7%) than females (6.6%). Youth tobacco use was 15.3%, with a notable 9.3% of 13-15-year-olds using e-cigarettes. Tobacco use caused 29.8% of total deaths.

In 2022, 33.6% of Andorra's population used tobacco, with similar rates between males (33.3%) and females (33.8%). Tobacco was responsible for 25.2% of total deaths in 2021. Andorra has a high cigarette excise tax at 78.3% of retail price, with no significant data on illicit cigarette trade.

Argentina is the 10th largest global producer of unmanufactured tobacco with 95.6 thousand tons, representing approximately 1.7% of the worldwide production of 5.8 million tons.

In 2022, 22.2% of Armenia's population used tobacco, with an extremely high prevalence among males (49.3%) compared to females (1.7%). Tobacco use contributed to 29.1% of all deaths in the country. Armenia continues to face challenges in reducing smoking rates, particularly among males, while tobacco production has declined by 29.1%

In 2022, there were approximately 2.7 million tobacco product users in Australia.

In 2022, 22% of Austria's population used tobacco, with a slightly higher prevalence among males (23.7%) compared to females (20.5%). Despite a reduction in overall cigarette consumption, Austria still faces challenges with high tobacco use rates among youths, as 25% of adolescents aged 14-17 were current smokers. Tobacco remains the

In 2022, 19.1% of Azerbaijan's population used tobacco, with a vast disparity between genders: 39.6% of males and only 0.1% of females were tobacco users. The country's tobacco production has increased significantly, with a 56.2% rise since 2010.

In 2022, 10.8% of the population in the Bahamas used tobacco, with significantly more males (20.6%) than females (2.1%) being users. Smoking bans and advertising restrictions remain weak, and there is limited data on the availability of nicotine alternatives like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

Bangladesh has a large and thriving tobacco market. Over the past years, the overall number of smokers has not decreased considerably despite governmental initiatives against smoking.

In 2022, 6.4% of Barbados' population used tobacco, with a significantly higher prevalence among males (11.7%) compared to females (1.7%). Smoking bans are fully enforced, while advertising restrictions remain weak.

In 2022, 27.9% of Belarus' population used tobacco, with significantly higher rates among males (47.2%) compared to females (12%). Tobacco-related deaths accounted for 23.1% of total deaths. The illicit cigarette trade has consistently declined, accounting for less than 1% in 2022.

In 2022, Belgium had a notably high prevalence of tobacco use among females, with 22.1% of women using tobacco products. This rate is relatively close to that of males, where 27.4% used tobacco. Belgium ratified the WHO FCTC in 2005 and implemented plain packaging for cigarettes in 2021. Illicit cigarette

In Belize, tobacco use remains relatively low, with 8.7% of the population using tobacco products in 2022. The gender disparity is stark, as 15.5% of males use tobacco compared to just 1.9% of females. Among youths aged 13-15, 12.3% reported using tobacco, with boys (16.6%) being far more likely to

In Bolivia, tobacco use remains a concern, with 12.2% of the population using tobacco products as of 2022, predominantly among males (20.4%) compared to females (4.1%). Youth tobacco use, particularly among boys aged 13-15, is also notable, with 13.6% currently using tobacco. Although e-cigarettes are legal, their prevalence remains low

Bosnia and Herzegovina

In 2022, 35.1% of Bosnia and Herzegovina's population used tobacco, with a higher prevalence among males (41%) compared to females (29.5%). Tobacco use among youths is concerning, as 24.4% of those aged 13-15 were tobacco users, and 10.9% were e-cigarette users. Tobacco production in the country has dramatically declined, with

Brazil stands out as one of the largest global producers of unmanufactured tobacco. In 2022, an estimated 21 million adults were tobacco product users. This positions Brazil as the 8th globally.

In Bulgaria, tobacco use remains high, with 34% of the population using tobacco products in 2022, significantly affecting both males (38.1%) and females (30.2%). While cigarette demand per capita decreased from 2002 to 2011, it has been on the rise again, increasing by 50% since 2011. Illicit cigarette trade has

Tobacco was responsible for an estimated 34.2 thousand deaths in 2021, making it the leading risk factor contributing to the most combined number of deaths and disabilities in Canada.

In 2022, 28.2% of Chile's population used tobacco, with males (30.6%) having a slightly higher prevalence compared to females (25.8%). Chile has seen a sharp rise in illicit cigarette trade, which reached 22.5% of the market in 2022. Tobacco production has significantly decreased, with a 67.5% decline since 2010.

In 2022, China was the largest unmanufactured tobacco producer in the globe, producing approximately 2.2 million tons which accounts for 37.9% of the global production of 5.8 million tons.

In 2022, 8.2% of Colombians used tobacco, with higher rates among men (12.1%) compared to women (4.5%). Tobacco use contributed to 13.2 thousand deaths in 2021, making it a major public health concern. Despite regulatory efforts, the illicit cigarette market grew to 33.5% of the market in 2022.

In 2022, 8.8% of Costa Rica's population used tobacco, with males (13.2%) having a much higher prevalence than females (4.5%). Despite strong public health measures, including comprehensive smoking bans, illicit cigarette trade has surged, reaching 41.5% in 2022. Additionally, tobacco production has decreased by 40.2% since 2010, with less land

In Croatia, tobacco use remains widespread, with 32.6% of the population using tobacco products in 2022, including 34.2% of men and 31.1% of women. The country saw a modest decrease in cigarette consumption per capita from 2002 to 2022, but the demand for fine-cut tobacco remained relatively steady. Despite the

In 2022, 18.5% of Cubans used tobacco, with higher rates among males (26.9%) than females (10.4%). Tobacco was the leading cause of death and disability, responsible for 24.8% of all deaths.

In Cyprus, 34% of adults used tobacco in 2022, with a significant gender difference: 46% of men compared to 22.1% of women. Tobacco use has been linked to severe health impacts, contributing to 24.5% of total deaths, including a high number of fatalities from ischemic heart disease and lung cancer.

In 2022, 27.4% of Czechia's adult population used tobacco, with men showing a higher prevalence (31.7%) than women (23.3%). Tobacco use contributed to 22.9% of total deaths in 2021, with significant impacts on ischemic heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Notably, cigarette demand has declined by

In 2022, 16.2% of the Danish population used tobacco, with smoking rates nearly equal between genders. Tobacco use was the leading cause of death and disability in Denmark, responsible for 34.1% of all deaths. Denmark has implemented strong tobacco control measures, including high taxation and plain packaging.

Dominican Republic

In 2022, 10.2% of the population in the Dominican Republic used tobacco, with 14% of males and 6.5% of females. Despite regulatory efforts, the illicit cigarette trade reached 40.4%. The country produced 10.1 thousand tons of tobacco in 2022, a 25.4% increase since 2010, while land use for cultivation dropped

In Ecuador, 10.1% of adults used tobacco in 2022, with males (17.6%) significantly outnumbering females (2.6%). Youth tobacco use remains concerning, with 13% of adolescents reporting usage in 2016. Despite smoking and advertising bans, illicit cigarette trade surged, reaching 71.9% in 2022. Ecuador produced 10.2 thousand tons of tobacco in

In Estonia, 25.5% of adults used tobacco in 2022, with men (32.9%) showing a significantly higher rate than women (19.1%). Regulations restrict e-cigarette flavors to menthol and tobacco, impose health warnings on HTPs and e-cigs, and tax cigarettes at 88.2%.

In 2022, 19.6% of Finland's population used tobacco, with males at 23.9% and females at 15.4%. Finland enforces strict regulations on tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, with heavy taxes and plain packaging. The illicit cigarette trade accounted for 11% of the market in 2022.

Annual cigarette consumption has been falling steadily between 2004 and 2020 – down by 40% (from 53.8 to 32.4 packs) per adult and down by 35% (from 175.2 to 114.3 packs) per smoker.

In 2022, 28.9% of Georgia's population used tobacco, with a significant gender disparity—54.7% of males and 7.1% of females. Tobacco use caused 23.4% of deaths in 2021, contributing to major health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

In Germany, tobacco smoking rates are higher than other EU countries, and cessation rates are lower despite a variety of tobacco control strategies that have been in place since the mid-2000s.

In 2022, an estimated ~2.7 million adults (1.4 million male and 1.2 million female) aged 15 years and over in Greece were tobacco products users. This positions the country as the 54th globally and the 14th in the WHO European Region in terms of the number of tobacco users.

In 2022, Guatemala had an estimated 1.4 million tobacco users, with a much higher prevalence among males (22.7%) compared to females (1.7%). Youth tobacco use, last surveyed in 2015, showed high rates with 17.1% of 13-15-year-olds using tobacco products, including 12.9% smoking cigarettes. Despite a tax rate of 49% on

In 2022, an estimated 10.4% of the population in Guyana used tobacco, with higher usage among males (19.3%) compared to females (2.2%). Youth tobacco use, last assessed in 2015, showed 14.8% of 13-15-year-olds using tobacco products. Tobacco-related illnesses accounted for 8.4% of all deaths, with significant impacts on ischemic heart

In 2022, about 7.4% of the Haitian population used tobacco products, with a higher prevalence among men (12.6%) than women (2.3%). Despite Haiti’s signing of the WHO FCTC in 2003, smoking and advertising bans remain weak.

In 2022, 12.3% of Honduras's population used tobacco, with a significant gap between male (22.7%) and female (1.7%) users. Tobacco use contributed to 14.1% of total deaths.

In Hungary, tobacco use in 2022 was significant, with 29.3% of adults using tobacco products, including 34.7% of men and 24.5% of women. Despite a decline in cigarette consumption per capita since 2002, the rise and subsequent fall of roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco demand reflects shifting habits. Nicotine alternatives like e-cigarettes

With 253 million tobacco users, India has some of the highest rates of tobacco use in the world. Tobacco drives a large burden of communicable and noncommunicable diseases.

Despite the Indonesia's legal measures to control tobacco use, which include imposing tobacco excise taxes, various regulations, the country’s smoking prevalence has not markedly declined.

In Ireland, 18.2% of the population (20.5% of men and 16.1% of women) used tobacco products in 2022. Tobacco use in Ireland has significantly declined over time, especially in cigarette consumption per capita, dropping by 71% since 2002. Despite strong tobacco control efforts, illicit cigarette trade remains at 8.6% in

The overall smoking rate in Israel is 19.8% but smoking rates have declined in men and women from 38.6% and 22.1% in 2000 to 27.3% and 12.6% in 2013, according to the latest data available.

In 2022, 20.4% of the Italian population used tobacco, with higher rates among males (24.1%) than females (16.8%). Tobacco use remains a major public health issue in Italy, responsible for 18.6% of all deaths. Although the demand for cigarettes has decreased by 44% since 2002, the rise in the prevalence

In Jamaica, 9.6% of the population used tobacco products in 2022, with men showing a higher prevalence (15.8%) than women (3.5%). Youth tobacco use remains a concern, with 15.6% of adolescents reported as current tobacco users. The country has adopted WHO FCTC measures, including graphical health warnings and a 38.8%

There were an estimated 18.6 million tobacco products users in Japan and the demand for cigarettes reduced by 56% from 82.1 packs per capita in 2010 to 36.2 packs per capita in 2022.

In Kazakhstan, 21.5% of the population used tobacco products in 2022, with men (38.2%) significantly outpacing women (6.9%). While cigarette consumption per capita has fallen by over 50% since 2010, illicit trade has increased, reaching 5.4% in 2022. Nicotine alternatives, such as e-cigarettes, are still relatively uncommon, with 1.3% of

In 2022, 26.4% of the population in Kyrgyzstan used tobacco products, with a significant gender disparity: 51.3% of men compared to only 3.3% of women. Tobacco is a major health risk, responsible for 24.7% of all deaths in 2021.

In Latvia, tobacco use remains high, with 30.1% of adults (45.6% of men and 17.2% of women) using tobacco products in 2022, and smoking rates among youths aged 13-15 years are significant, with 23% identified as tobacco users. Despite compliance with WHO FCTC protocols and a high tax rate (81.4%)

In Lithuania, tobacco use in 2022 reached 27.8% (40.1% of men and 17.3% of women), with significant smoking rates among youth; 21% of youths aged 15-16 years smoked cigarettes in 2019, and 31% used e-cigarettes. Despite compliance with WHO FCTC protocols and an 80.5% tax rate on cigarettes, the country

Malawi is one of the most economically tobacco-dependent countries, with exports accounting for 55.6% of total merchandise exports. Tobacco comprises 12-15% of the country’s GDP.

In 2022, there were approximately 6 million tobacco product users in Malaysia.

In 2022, tobacco use in Malta stood at 23.1% overall (25.5% in men and 20.6% in women). Youth usage is also notable, with 10% of youths aged 15-16 years smoking cigarettes and 7.1% using e-cigarettes in 2019. A 77.6% tax rate applies to cigarettes, but illicit trade is a concern,

In 2022, 14.7% of Mexico's population used tobacco, with a marked gender disparity as 23.1% of males and 6.9% of females were users. Mexico's regulatory environment stands out for its ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. On the agricultural side, Mexico has seen a significant 136.5% increase in tobacco

In 2022, 28% of the population in the Republic of Moldova used tobacco products, with men (52.7%) having a significantly higher prevalence than women (6.3%). Among youths aged 13-15 years, 16.3% were tobacco users in 2019. Tobacco use remains a major health risk in the country, responsible for 19.2% of

In 2022, tobacco use in Montenegro reached 32.1%, with smoking rates similar among men (30.1%) and women (30.6%). Tobacco-related deaths accounted for 26.8% of all mortality, impacting ischemic heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and COPD significantly. Among youth aged 15-16, 16% were cigarette smokers, and 7% used e-cigarettes.

In 2022, there were approximately 5.4 million tobacco product users in Nepal.

In 2022, 20.1% of the population in the Netherlands used tobacco, with smoking rates slightly higher among males (22.5%) than females (17.7%). Despite strong regulatory measures, including high taxation and plain packaging, the demand for fine-cut tobacco has been increasing, and illicit cigarette trade remains a challenge, with 18.4% of

New Zealanders are well educated on the dangers of smoking. Media coverage includes the benefits of smoke-free environments and the use of vaping and e-cigarettes as alternative to cigarettes.

In 2022, 14% of Norway's population used tobacco, with usage rates slightly higher among males (14.8%) than females (13.2%). Tobacco use was the leading risk factor for death and disability, responsible for 20.9% of all deaths. Norway has implemented a ban on heated tobacco products and the introduction of plain

An estimated 25.4 million adults are tobacco users. This positions Pakistan, the 7th globally and 1st in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region in terms of the number of tobacco product users.

In 2022, tobacco use in Panama was 5.1%, with men (8.4%) smoking more than women (1.9%). Panama's youth also showed some tobacco exposure, with 7.6% of adolescents aged 13-15 years as users in 2018. Both heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes are banned. Tobacco production remains modest, with a slight increase

In Paraguay, tobacco use in 2022 was estimated at 10.6%, with higher usage among males (17.4%) than females (3.8%). Youth e-cigarette usage rose significantly from 3.7% in 2014 to 12.5% in 2019.

In Peru, tobacco use in 2022 affected 7% of the population, with higher rates among males (11.6%) compared to females (2.6%). Illicit cigarette trade surged to 55.1% of the market in 2022, following a rapid increase since 2020.

In 2022, an estimated 16.4 million adults in the Philippines were tobacco products users. It is estimated that demand for cigarettes fell by 51% from 53.6 packs in 2010 to 26.3 packs per capita in 2022.

In 2022, 23.2% of Poland’s population used tobacco, with men (27.6%) having a higher prevalence than women (19.1%). Cigarette smoking is dominant, with a decrease in per capita cigarette consumption by 44% between 2002 and 2021. Smoking among youths remains high, particularly with 30% of 15-16-year-olds using e-cigarettes in 2019.

In 2022, 20.9% of the population in Portugal used tobacco, with men (27.1%) having a significantly higher prevalence than women (15.5%). Despite a 45% decline in cigarette consumption per capita since 2002, the use of fine-cut tobacco saw a notable increase before beginning to decline.

Republic of Korea

In 2022, 19% of South Korea's population used tobacco, with a significant gender disparity as 32.7% of males and 5.4% of females were tobacco users. While the demand for cigarettes has decreased by 45.6% since 2010, the use of alternative nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, has

In Romania, tobacco use in 2022 affected 27.5% of the population, with higher rates among men (37.4%) compared to women (18.5%). Tobacco-related health impacts are significant, causing approximately 29,500 deaths annually. Romania's tobacco regulation includes a tax rate on cigarettes at 69.1% of retail prices, with progressive increases planned for

In the Russian Federation, 32.2 million adults are tobacco product users. It is estimated that the demand for cigarettes per capita fell by 55% from 134.1 packs in 2010 to 61 packs in 2022.

In 2022, 17.8% of Saudi Arabia's population used tobacco, with a stark gender difference as 28.4% of males and only 2.1% of females were users. Both heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes are allowed and marketed, with a high tax rate of 100% on e-liquids and devices,

In 2022, 36.6% of the population in Serbia used tobacco, with a relatively even distribution between men (38.8%) and women (34.6%). Despite a reduction in cigarette consumption by 51.3% since 2010, tobacco use remains prevalent. E-cigarettes have not gained much traction among adults, with only 1% using them, though 5.5%

In 2022, 16.5% of Singapore's population used tobacco, with a significant gender gap as 27.9% of males and only 4% of females were users. Singapore has implemented a complete ban on heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes, and introduced plain packaging for cigarettes in 2020.

In Slovakia, tobacco use affected 30.2% of the population in 2022, with higher rates among males (35.4%) compared to females (25.4%). Tobacco-related health impacts are substantial, accounting for approximately 7,000 deaths annually and causing significant losses in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), particularly from ischemic heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and

In Slovenia, tobacco use impacts 18.1% of the population, with males (20.2%) slightly more affected than females (15.9%). Tobacco accounts for significant health burdens, being the 2nd highest risk factor contributing to deaths and disabilities. Slovenia imposes an excise tax on tobacco products, with 79% tax on cigarettes and differential

The smoking rate in South Africa is 18.2% which accounts for approximately 7 million adults. An increasing number of smokers have expressed interest in safer alternatives to cigarettes.

In 2022, 24.9% of Spain's population used tobacco, with smoking rates higher among males (27.5%) than females (22.5%). Tobacco use was a leading cause of death and disability in Spain, accounting for 23.2% of all deaths. Spain has seen a decline in tobacco production, with a 40.3% decrease since 2010,

In 2022, 22.1% of Sweden's population used tobacco, with a higher prevalence among males (28.3%) compared to females (15.9%). While the demand for cigarettes has steadily decreased, Sweden has a notable proportion of smokeless tobacco users, primarily using snus, with 14% of adults using these products.

In 2022, 23.3% of Switzerland's population used tobacco. Particularly striking is the high percentage of female tobacco users, especially among youth, where 16.6% of 15-year-old girls were current cigarette smokers—higher than their male counterparts. Despite a significant decline in overall cigarette consumption, tobacco remains the leading risk factor for death

In 2022, 19% of Thailand's population used tobacco, with a stark contrast between male (37.7%) and female (1.8%) users. While cigarette consumption has declined by 24% since its peak in 2014, Thailand continues to be a major tobacco producer, with a notable 11.6% increase in production since 2010.

In 2022, an estimated 20 million adults were using tobacco products. Demand for cigarettes increased by 5.5% from 63.8 packs per capita in 2010 to 67.3 packs per capita in 2022.

In 2022, Ukraine had an estimated 7.0 million tobacco users, with men (38.3%) smoking at significantly higher rates than women (8.5%). Smoking remains common among youths, with 22% of 15-16-year-olds being current smokers. While the demand for cigarettes has fallen by 30% since 2010, e-cigarette use has grown, with 3.3%

United Arab Emirates

In 2022, 11.9% of the United Arab Emirates' population used tobacco, with a significant gender disparity as 15.5% of males and 2.5% of females were users. Tobacco remains a major public health issue, contributing to 18.9% of all deaths in the country, particularly from ischemic heart disease, stroke, and lung

The UK has 6.4 million adults are smokers and prevalence is marginally higher among men (15.9%) than women (12.5%). This is the lowest proportion of current smokers since 2011.

In 2022, an estimated 62.9 million adults were tobacco product users. The USA was the 5th largest unmanufactured tobacco producer globally with approximately 202.9 thousand tons in 2022.

In Uruguay, tobacco use affected 19.3% of the population in 2022, with a higher prevalence among males (23%) than females (16%). Uruguay has implemented strict regulatory measures, including graphic health warnings on cigarette packages (covering 80%) and plain packaging since 2019. Illicit cigarette trade has surged, reaching 33.3% in 2022,

In 2022, Uzbekistan had an estimated 4.0 million tobacco users, with a sharp contrast between male and female prevalence (31.8% vs. 1%). The country saw fluctuating cigarette consumption, dropping by over 50% from its peak in 2010. Tobacco production has also significantly decreased, with an 80.7% drop in output since

In 2022, Vietnam had a high prevalence of tobacco use, with 22.7% of the population using tobacco, and a striking gender disparity where 44.3% of males and only 2.2% of females were tobacco users. There was a slight increase in per capita cigarette demand. Vietnam has seen a significant reduction