Mason Delacroix
Alcohol consumption is a global issue that varies across countries and regions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average global alcohol consumption in 2019 was 5.5 litres of pure alcohol per person aged 15 or older, a slight decrease from 5.7 litres in 2010. However, some countries significantly exceed this average. The latest data from 2019, published by WHO in 2024, revealed that Romania topped the list for the highest alcohol consumption per capita, followed by Georgia, Czechia, Latvia, and Germany. Belarus has also been noted by some sources to have the highest per-capita consumption, with its citizens consuming 14.4 litres of pure alcohol annually. Other countries with notably high consumption rates include Poland, Luxembourg, Lithuania, and Russia. These statistics highlight the diverse drinking cultures and patterns found around the world, with potential implications for public health and societal well-being.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country with the highest alcohol consumption per capita | Romania |
| Second highest alcohol consumption per capita | Georgia |
| Third highest alcohol consumption per capita | Czechia (Czech Republic) |
| Fourth highest alcohol consumption per capita | Latvia |
| Fifth highest alcohol consumption per capita | Germany |
| Highest alcohol consumption per capita in African countries | Uganda |
| Average alcohol consumption per capita worldwide | 5.5 litres (2019) / 5.8 litres (2025) |
| Unit of measurement | Litres of pure alcohol consumed per person aged 15 or older per year |
| Source of data | World Health Organization (WHO) |
| Year of data | 2019 (published in 2024) |
| Frequency of publication | Every 4 years |
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What You'll Learn
Belarus has the highest alcohol consumption per capita
Belarus's high alcohol consumption has had a significant impact on the country's health and society. It is among the countries with the most years of life lost due to alcohol consumption. The country has also been classified as having one of the riskiest drinking patterns, with excessive drinking contributing to early death, particularly in men. In response to these concerning trends, the Belarusian government has implemented national anti-alcohol programs to address the high level of alcohol consumption.
A review of Belarus's alcohol control policies and mortality trends reveals some interesting insights. Official data on alcohol consumption in Belarus are based on the production of alcohol within the country and do not include unrecorded forms of consumption, such as homebrews or smuggled alcohol. However, according to a nationwide study, 5% of alcohol consumers in Belarus drink unrecorded alcohol. Moonshine and homemade beer and wine are the most commonly consumed types of unrecorded alcohol in the country.
Historically, vodka has been the dominant alcoholic beverage in Belarus, accounting for 75% of all alcohol consumption in 1994. However, since then, vodka consumption has been on the decline, while fruit wine consumption has been increasing. By 2003, vodka accounted for 34% of alcohol consumption, while fruit wines had risen to 51%. This shift can be attributed to changes in excise taxes, which provided financial incentives for local authorities to increase fruit wine production.
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Latvia's alcohol consumption has spiked
Alcohol consumption in Latvia has been on the rise, with data showing a significant increase over the years. According to statistics, Latvia has one of the highest per capita alcohol consumptions in Europe. OECD data from 2019 revealed that each inhabitant of Latvia consumed 12.9 liters of alcoholic drinks, measured by sales. This figure represents a notable jump from the previous year's consumption levels and places Latvia ahead of other European countries with high alcohol consumption, such as the Czech Republic and Lithuania.
Latvia's history with alcohol is complex and deeply rooted in its cultural and political past. For five decades, Latvia was under the rule of the Soviet regime, which contributed to the cultural normalization of excessive alcohol consumption, particularly spirits. The transition to a free-market economy and the country's integration into the European Union brought about significant political and economic changes. However, these shifts also presented new challenges in addressing the country's drinking culture.
The Latvian government has implemented various alcohol control policies over the years to curb the rising consumption and its associated negative consequences. The State Program for the Reduction of Alcohol Consumption and Alcoholism, enacted in 2015, aimed to reduce alcohol availability and demand, as well as mitigate risky drinking behaviors. This program included a range of measures, such as ensuring the quality and safety of alcoholic beverage sales, restricting alcohol advertising, tackling illicit alcohol trafficking, and increasing access to treatment for alcohol use disorders.
Despite these efforts, Latvia continues to grapple with high alcohol consumption and its related social and health implications. Data from 2021 indicates that Latvia's per capita alcohol consumption further increased to 13.09 liters, marking a significant rise from 9.8 liters in 2010. Additionally, nearly 45% of Latvians report binge drinking at least once a month, according to OECD data. This trend underscores the persistent challenge of alcohol dependency in the country.
To address this ongoing issue, the Latvian Health Ministry developed the "Action Plan for Reducing Alcohol Consumption and Alcoholism 2020-2022." This plan aims to tackle alcohol dependency and mitigate the far-reaching consequences of alcohol misuse. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, and Latvia continues to face the challenge of reducing its high alcohol consumption and fostering a healthier relationship with alcohol among its population.
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Czechia's high per-capita spending on alcohol
Czechia, also known as the Czech Republic, has long been associated with high per-capita spending on alcohol. In 2021, the average Czech consumed more than 184 litres of beer, maintaining its position as the leader in per capita beer drinking for 29 consecutive years. Czechia's total consumption expenditure on alcoholic beverages amounted to 3.4% in 2019, one of the highest figures in the European Union. According to Eurostat, Czech households spent over CZK 90 billion on alcohol that year, a significant increase from the mid-1990s when the figure was approximately CZK 45 billion.
There are several factors contributing to Czechia's high per-capita spending on alcohol. Firstly, the country has a strong beer culture, with beer being the most popular drink among Czechs. The creation of the well-known beer type, pilsner, is credited to the country. Additionally, alcohol is readily available in Czechia. It can be purchased almost anywhere, including food stores, snack bars, public transport, and petrol stations. The legislation even permits the home production of beer or wine, up to 2000 litres per household.
The tolerant attitudes of the Czech population towards alcohol also play a role in the high spending. Around 31% of Czechs view regular alcohol consumption as acceptable, and they generally hold permissive views on alcohol advertising. According to statistics, only 25% would advocate for a ban on spirit advertisements, while the percentages are even lower for wine (13%) and beer (12%). This permissive attitude has consequences; alcohol-related deaths in the country reach 6-7 thousand annually, representing 6% of total mortality in the Czech Republic, with the highest relative burden in the 35-44 age group.
Furthermore, the prevalence of alcohol use in the adult population of Czechia is notable. Approximately 7-10% of adults consume alcohol daily or almost daily. Binge drinking, characterised by excessive consumption on one occasion, is also prevalent, with 12-13% of adults engaging in this behaviour at least once a week. While the government has implemented policies to address alcohol consumption, such as the National Strategy for the Prevention and Reduction of Harm Associated with Addictive Behaviours 2019-2027, the high spending and consumption in Czechia persist.
In summary, Czechia's high per-capita spending on alcohol can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong beer culture, easy availability of alcohol, tolerant societal attitudes, and a significant prevalence of alcohol consumption and binge drinking among adults. While there have been efforts to address these issues, Czechia continues to rank highly in alcohol consumption and spending.
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Uganda: highest alcohol consumption in Africa
Uganda has the highest alcohol consumption in Africa, with an average yearly per-capita alcohol consumption of 12.21 litres. This is much higher than the African regional average of 6.3 litres and the global average of 6.18 litres per person per year. Ugandan men consume an average of 19.93 litres of alcohol per year, compared to 4.88 litres for women.
Uganda's high alcohol consumption has been linked to a range of negative consequences, including increased poverty, reduced productivity, impaired decision-making, and a higher risk of disease and injury. Alcohol use has also been associated with a greater risk of road traffic accidents, HIV infection, risky sexual behaviours, sexual coercion, and intimate partner violence.
Recognising the harmful impact of alcohol, Uganda has taken significant steps to address this issue. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has implemented the SAFER initiative. This initiative aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by improving access to screening and treatment, enforcing drink-driving countermeasures, and increasing taxation on alcohol to reduce consumption and make it less affordable for vulnerable groups, such as adolescents.
Uganda's 2019 National Alcohol Control Policy and the 2022 Alcoholic Control Bill also seek to strengthen restrictions on alcohol availability and regulate its manufacture, importation, sale, and consumption by vulnerable populations, including minors and law enforcement officers. These efforts demonstrate Uganda's commitment to tackling the challenges posed by high alcohol consumption and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Germany: synonymous with beer
While Romania is the country with the highest alcohol consumption per capita, Germany is synonymous with beer. Beer has been an important part of German history and culture for centuries. It is so ingrained in the country's culture that Germany exported $1.38 billion worth of beer in 2021, making it the top beer exporter in the world.
Germans consumed an average of 88 litres of beer per person in 2023, far ahead of other European countries, with only the Czech Republic consuming more. Beer is the third most popular drink in the world, and Germans remain patriotic when it comes to their beer choices, with 52% opting for German-made beer as of 2022. Beer is definitely one of the mainstays of the German beverage market, and the country is famous for its Oktoberfest celebration in Munich.
The popularity of beer in Germany may be due in part to its long history in the country. Beer is one of the oldest beverages in the world, having been invented before written language. It is typically brewed from malted barley, although it can also be made from wheat, maize, or rice. The brewing process involves multiple stages, first converting the starches in the grain into sugars, and then fermenting them with yeast to produce beer. All beers are either lagers or ales, depending on the type of yeast used.
While beer consumption in Germany has been consistently declining since 1990, the industry remains active, with new breweries continuing to open. The decrease in beer consumption may be due to a growing selection of other beverages on the market, changes in price, and lifestyle and health choices among the German population. Despite these shifts, beer remains a significant aspect of German culture and a beloved beverage worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Romania has the highest alcohol consumption per person, with the average Romanian drinking an estimated 17 litres of pure alcohol per year.
Georgia is a close second, with an average alcohol consumption of 14.33 litres per person per year.
Yes, several other countries have high alcohol consumption per capita, including Czechia (14.6 litres), Latvia (13.09 litres), Germany, Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Slovakia.
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