Alcohol existed in antiquity, but the improvement of production technologies is taking place now. From year to year, new drinks containing a large or small amount of alcohol appear on the market, and the number of drinking citizens is growing. Alcohol consumption varies around the world. There are countries where drinks of this type are generally prohibited, but even there they are consumed in small quantities by visitors or tourists.

The most drinking countries in the world: dynamics and statistics

Statistical agencies, such as Statista, take as a basis:

• the level of sales of alcoholic beverages;
• population survey data;
• cultural characteristics and other factors.

It should be noted that the data sometimes differ slightly. The purpose of rankings and research is to indicate to the government of countries that there are serious problems.

• Belgium (12.6 l);
• France (11.5 l);
• Germany (11.03 l);
• Hungary (10.88 l);
• Poland (10.71 l).

The publication notes that it additionally took into account the level of beer consumption. Belgium has taken the very first place among drinking states due to the developed culture of drinking this drink. Here it is drunk very often. The country produces 1,600 different types of alcoholic beverages.

Analytical data from Statista

According to statistics, the level of alcohol consumption in the world is either rising or falling again. It cannot be argued that the low standard of living of the population encourages citizens to drink more. The charts show the opposite. In addition, cultural characteristics have an impact: Muslim countries are not aware of the problem of drunkenness. The exception is Nigeria. In this country, the number of Muslims is at least 50%, but this did not prevent her from becoming the most drinking on the African continent. In the world statistics of WHO, the state is in the top ten.

Top 18 most drinking countries in the world in 2020

In the list of the most drinking countries in the world, along with the poor and developing, there are economically developed people with a high level of income. This suggests that the main problem of drunkenness is the culture of drinking.

People are sometimes wary of strong alcohol, but they use a huge amount of wine, beer, cocktails. In Germany, the Czech Republic and other countries of the world, beer holidays are officially held. They have become traditional and attract a large number of tourists.

Oktoberfest in Germany

Another reason for the increase in the number of drinking people in the world and in certain countries is the fashion for alcohol. The appearance on the market of Russia, Belarus and other countries of low-alcohol cocktails in bright jars and bottles has led to the highest jump in drunkenness. A small amount of ethyl alcohol, and a person begins to think that nothing terrible will happen. It is noteworthy that two years ago, WHO recognized Belarus as the most drinking state. Today she occupies the 27th line.

Do not forget about the problem of the availability of alcohol. In residential areas of the Maldives, India, and the United Arab Emirates, it is extremely difficult to find a bottle of alcohol.

In the countries presented in the table above, alcohol is available, it is varied in price so that every resident can afford to drink.

Summary statistics of the states - leaders of the rating

Let's compare the performance of the countries represented over several years. This will allow you to find out how quickly the situation is changing. We will tell you what affects the performance and getting into the ranking of the most drinking countries.

In Western Europe, alcohol is sold to young people over the age of 18, sometimes earlier. There is no special control over this. Countries individually pass laws restricting the sale of the alcohol itself and the surrogate. In the Scandinavian countries, alcohol is very expensive, here the state is interested in curing dependent citizens.

Over the past years, WHO has observed a significant decrease in the consumption of alcoholic beverages in Russia. The Ministry of Health reported on the work done and said that a positive trend has emerged due to:

• a ban on the sale of strong products at night;
• a ban on the sale of alcohol in sports, medical and educational institutions, as well as in their immediate vicinity;
• increase in the excise rate.

Drinking citizens have abandoned the significant consumption of beer and cocktails, among young people they have begun to consume less of the strongest alcohol, vodka and cognac. The main unresolved problem is the availability of a surrogate. Recall that in 2016, 77 people died from the use of cosmetic lotion. The tincture was distributed officially through special machines.

Alcohol consumption statistics in the world

Strong alcohol consumption is on the rise in Eastern Europe. If we talk about Germany, then the inhabitants of this drinking country began to drink more wine.

In Poland, where traditional drinks are tinctures, they are struggling with the consequences of alcoholism. Doing business on tourists, the Poles quickly realized that this had become a problem. Teenagers and students began to drink.

As for the Seychelles, the appearance of the state among the eighteen drinkers is not accidental: the growth in the number of tourists affects the statistics of the list.

On the territory of the two Americas, the top three drinking leaders are as follows:

• Uruguay - 10.8 liters;
• Saint Lucia - 9.9 liters;
• USA - 9.8 liters.

The myth about Russia as the most drinking country in the world

Most recently, our country was among the top ten states that bear the title of drinkers. However, the myth about how much people drink in Russia has been around for a very long time. For foreigners, the largest country in the world is traditionally associated with balalaika, bear, matryoshka and vodka, whose homeland is not Russia. Why is this happening?

The reason for the association with drinkers lies in the culture of drinking. In Russia, it has long been customary to drink on any occasion: a holiday, grief, a heart-to-heart talk, a new acquaintance. The adult generation taught the youth, and there was no talk of any savoring of a strong drink.

Rosstat data by regions

Today Russia is not the most drinking state, but the problem cannot be ignored. The top 18 shows that we are in a vulnerable position: at the same time, a downward trend in alcohol consumption is outlined, on the other hand, the threshold value of dependent citizens. It is noteworthy that of all drinks the nation prefers vodka (51%). Beer consumption is 74.1 liters per capita per year. For comparison, in the Czech Republic this figure is twice as high.

So, the most drinking country in the world is Moldova. But are there countries where alcohol is prohibited?

Territories free from alcoholic beverages

It has long been known that "dry law" is not a method of combating drunkenness. According to statistics, the volume of consumption is increasing, and incomes fall into the pockets of dishonest people. But there are states where alcohol is prohibited due to cultural characteristics.

The main ban on drinks with ethanol for Muslims is not enshrined in law, but in the Koran. However, a number of countries hastened to write down this measure on paper. Among them:

• United Arab Emirates (3.8);
• Iran (1.0);
• Saudi Arabia (0.2).

In parentheses is the number of liters drunk by the population per year for each according to statistics. There is a ban on alcohol in some states of India. In this country, the attitude towards drunks is negative. In the state of Gujarat, alcohol is completely prohibited. So India is struggling with alcohol addiction, consumption per year is 5.7 liters per person.

Alcohol consumption in Kuwait is so low that the country is considered a non-drinking country

WHO classifies non-drinking countries as:

• Kuwait;
• Somalia;
• Libya;
• Mauritania;
• Bangladesh.

Everyone else drinks alcohol.

As can be seen from the statistics, the most drinking country in the world today is also struggling with the availability of wine on the market. Do not forget that any drinks containing ethanol in the composition are harmful to health. A drunk person cannot control himself, develop, enjoy life.

28.08.2015 at 18:07 · pavlofox · 139 470

Top 10. The most drinking countries in the world for 2018-2019

According to a long-established stereotype, it is commonly believed that the Russians, the Irish and the British are the most drinking nations in the world. But annual surveys paint a completely different picture. The listed peoples are not even among the top five countries whose population drinks the most. The most drinking countries in the world 2018-2019 - who is ahead of the planet in terms of drinking? More on this in our article.

I must say that there are many points of view regarding alcoholic beverages. Some doctors are categorical in their opinion that alcohol is evil. Others pay attention to the fact that when using it, it is important to observe the measure, and then wine, for example, can even act as a healing agent. Be that as it may, the number of those who abuse alcohol in many states exceeds all permissible norms, which cannot but worry.

10. Slovenia and Denmark

The tenth place among the most drinking countries in the world in 2018-2019 is shared by Slovenia and Denmark. Here the population consumes 10.6 liters of alcoholic beverages per year. Among the inhabitants of these countries, beer is highly valued, and wine is 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 the beer brands Tuborg and Carlsberg.

9.

In the ninth place of the most drinking countries is located, which is famous for its vineyards. 10.8 liters - this is how much alcohol is consumed here per year by an average resident aged 15 years and older.

8. Spain and Portugal

Next come and Portugal with an indicator of 11.4 liters of alcoholic beverages per year. The hot sun allows these countries to grow excellent vineyards. Therefore, the consumption of wine is in the first place in these two most drinking states. In second place in popularity is beer, which is much cheaper 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.

7.

The average Irish drink 11.6 liters of alcohol per year. Thus, it did not get into the top five most drinking countries in the world. Guinness, the most famous dark beer in the world, is produced here. In addition, Ireland is famous for several varieties 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 up to 25 euros.

6.

In sixth place among the most drinking countries is. Yes, we still got into this not the most pleasant list. Russians consume on average about 15 liters of alcohol per person per year. The most popular strong drinks among the inhabitants of Russia are vodka and beer. Researchers note that from year to year there are more people who choose wine from among alcoholic products.

5.

Where 16.30 liters of alcoholic beverages are consumed per year, it ranks fifth in the list of the most drinking countries in 2018-2019.

Did you know that Lithuanian midus is the oldest alcoholic drink based on honey, yeast and water? Lithuania produces three varieties of mead and many honey nectars, tinctures and balms.

4.

She took the fourth position in terms of the amount of alcohol consumed (16.47 liters).

Czech beer 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. Developed in the country and winemaking. Now it is the most promising branch 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 taste almost all local varieties of wine and beer - a large number of pubs and bars are located in the capital of the country.

3.

The third line in the list of countries whose population consumed the most alcohol in 2018 belongs to Estonia. Tallinn has been repeatedly recognized as the most calm, cultural and romantic European city. Nevertheless, 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 old buildings, but also spend the 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 is also suitable.

2.

The second in the list of countries where alcohol is consumed the most was. 17.47 liters - this is how much its inhabitants drink on average per year. The country is known for its national product - gorilka, known since the 17th century. At least, documentary evidence of Ukrainian vodka, which was then called "hot wine", dates back to that time. There are manufacturers of high-quality alcoholic products in Ukraine, which 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.

1.

She took first place in the list of the most drinking countries. According to the 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 home brewing, so the actual figures are higher than the official figures announced. Belarus thus became the most drinking country in the world for 2018-2019.

Critical alcohol consumption rate 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 global average consumption of alcoholic beverages, then it amounted to approximately 6 liters of alcohol per year per person.

What do they drink in different countries

It should be borne in mind that different types of alcoholic products are consumed in different regions of the world. In France, Portugal and Spain they drink mainly wine. Beer and wine are equally held in high esteem in countries such as Germany, Bulgaria, Belgium and Switzerland. The further north the country is located, the more strong alcoholic beverages are consumed in it. These include: Czech Republic, Canada, Slovakia, Denmark, USA, UK, Finland, Japan, Norway.

Did you know that about 48% of the world's population has never touched alcohol in their lives?

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Alcohol has long been considered an integral part of life for most people. Since then, little has changed. And even more, every year the number of drinking people only increases. Alcohol is drunk on holidays, on vacation, corporate parties. Some drink it purely symbolically, while others drink themselves unconscious.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a list of countries by the amount of alcohol consumed for 2017-2018 has been compiled. So, the 12 most drinking countries in the world!

1: Belarus

Belarus is the most drinking country in the world.

According to the World Health Organization, last year more Ukrainians and Russians drank only in Belarus. Here, each resident drinks an average of 17.5 liters. alcohol per year. Moreover, strong drinks are preferred by 47% of people, beer, only 17%, other alcohol -32%, and wine is very little - 4%. Women also like to drink, on average, 7 liters. in year. These figures are official, but the real ones are supposedly much higher, since data on moonshine production in conservative Belarus could not be obtained.

2: Ukraine

In Ukraine, there are 17.4 liters of alcohol per person per year. The alcohol market is very poorly regulated in the country, so the number of young people dependent on alcohol is increasing. Vodka and beer are the most popular alcohol, followed by wine in third place. Ukrainians prefer to drink domestically produced wines, mainly because of the affordable price compared to European brands.

3: Estonia

In third place on the list is Estonia. The national drink is Old Tallinn. Despite the fact that the capital of the country has received the title of "City of Culture" many times, Estonians drink even more than Russians: 17.2 liters. per person in year. Of the alcoholic beverages, beer is more preferred here. It costs $3 a glass, ale or other alcohol costs about $5. Locals like to spend time in crowded bars. It will be interesting for a tourist to visit the Old Town, where there are many stylized restaurants.

4: Czech Republic

The national drink is Becherovka. A resident of the Czech Republic drinks an average of 16.4 liters per year. hot drink. Beer accounts for almost 160 liters. 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 classics of 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, different 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 vineyards grow in Moravia.

5: Lithuania

According to the Director of the Department of Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases and Healthy Lifestyle Promotion of the WHO European Office, in Lithuania one resident consumes on average 16 liters of alcohol. As a WHO spokesperson told reporters:

“This, according to the latest estimates, makes it (Lithuania) one of the most drinking countries in the world.

6: Russia

In 2017-2018, the consumption of alcohol by the population decreased slightly, but the country still entered the ranking of the most drinkers in the world. 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, preference is given to vodka and beer, a 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 inclined, drinking alcohol, to reach a state of extreme intoxication , as fast as possible. Russia's entry into the ranking of the most drinking countries is largely due to the relatively low cost of alcohol, in comparison with Europe - $ 4 per half liter and a low standard of living. Recently, the number of Russians who prefer wine to other alcoholic beverages has increased.

7: France

In France, the consumption of pure alcohol per year per person is 14.2 liters. Beer alone in the country annually per capita is drunk 35.5 liters. The image of a 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 the “paddling pools” still have great taste. In this country, in addition to wine, they are well versed in 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 put more simply - rarely when eating is not accompanied by drinking wine.

8: Germany

The national drink is schnapps. On average, Germans consume 11.7 liters. alcoholic products. Especially here beer is held in high esteem, which is cheap by local standards. The country is deservedly included in the list of the most drinking countries in the world, as alcohol is sold everywhere: in shops, at gas stations, in newsstands. The Germans are liberal, it is not forbidden to drink beer in the park on a bench and in other public places. There are many beer festivals in Germany that last from a couple of days to two weeks. More than 12 million people attend Oktoberfest, the harvest festival, and beer here costs up to $13 per liter glass.

9: Ireland

According to official statistics, an ordinary Irishman drinks 11.6 liters. alcoholic drinks per year. Ireland is famous for its whiskey and the national beer brand Guinness, which is drunk by almost everyone, as it is considered low in calories (198 kcal). It was in this country that the Guinness Book of Records was created in 1954 to resolve the dispute over which beer is better. It’s impossible to get drunk in this country, alcohol is expensive: the average price of a glass of beer in bars is $6, and a bottle of whiskey can cost up to 30 euros.

10: Portugal

The Portuguese drink approximately 11.4 liters. alcohol for 1 person in year. The national drink is port, but more often they drink wine and beer. Portuguese winemakers are proud of their vineyards. This country prefers wine more, followed by beer, which is much cheaper: for a large glass of beer in a supermarket, you will have to pay almost 3.5 dollars.

11: Hungary

The next line in the ranking of the most drinking countries in the world is Hungary. Here they drink 100 g more - 10.8 liters. per person per year. The country is famous for its wines, Hungary has many vineyards and 22 wine growing areas. Wine is drunk here mainly in bars, where it costs from $2 per glass. Budapest has many uniquely designed bars where you can relax and dance, and Hungarians love and know how to have fun.

12: Slovenia

Completing the ranking of the most drinking countries in the world is Slovenia. Citizens of this country drink 10.7 liters. strong drinks per year for 1 person. And it doesn't have to be hard alcohol. In Slovenia, they drink beer and wine more often, and both are not cheap by European standards: the average cost of a half-liter bottle is $2.15. They love national drinks here: wine from their own ancient vineyards, beer from the Slovenian brand Union and Lasko.

Finally, I would like to add - take care of your health. And if you still want to drink, then buy high-quality alcoholic beverages and most importantly, do not abuse alcohol!

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There is a strong and well-established opinion that the Russians are one of the most abundant drinking nations. But there is one stubborn and indisputable thing - these are numbers and statistical indicators. Before arguing and carrying the idea to the masses, you need to arm yourself with statistics. "Dry" data does not carry an emotional connotation, they only offer to arm ourselves with the truth and compare the current state of affairs.

Judging by the latest data obtained by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, per capita alcohol consumption in Russia is heading towards a steady decline. In the analysis, experts compared the results adopted in 2010 and 2015. And how were things in 2016, do we have a reason to rejoice?

According to statistics, the amount of alcohol consumption in Russia is declining

According to accepted UN standards, per capita consumption of 8 liters of ethyl alcohol is an extremely alarming indicator. And not only for each person, but for the whole of a particular nation. By the way, a fairly large number of countries fall into the classification where this level is exceeded. In particular, according to the indicators for 2015, the rating of the most drinkers was as follows:

The use of alcoholic beverages per capita in the Russian Federation fell from 13.6 liters (according to 2015 data) to 11.6 liters (according to statistics as of December 2016).

So, given what the statistics of alcoholism in Russia show, Russians cannot be frivolously ranked among the “most drinkers”? If you study the figures obtained, it becomes clear that some of the countries with a developed culture overindulge in alcohol. And if they do not reach the "record" of our country, then the difference is practically imperceptible.

Comparative characteristics of alcohol consumption in Russia and the USSR

Given the results of previous statistics, the WHO forecast for our country is quite favorable. In Russia, there is a downward trend in this unflattering figure. So, is there any reason to rejoice? Yes, but unfortunately very small.

We keep on abusing

No matter how you juggle the received numbers, don’t compare them to one degree or another, the Russians drink alcohol and quite hard. According to available indicators, on average, against the background of the abuse of alcohol-containing products in the Russian Federation, the death rate ranges from 75-85,000 for every 100,500 people. That is, one can say, counting how many alcoholics there are in Russia, that every year each of 1,400 Russian citizens dies from alcohol abuse.

This figure is not small, considering the size of our country and the number of people living in it. It is important to know that people who are addicted to alcohol and who suffer from alcoholism have no chance of living safely into old age, because according to the same statistics, of them:

1. 60.70% will die from pancreatitis.
2. 62.10% will take their own lives.
3. 68.7% will die as a result of cirrhosis of the liver.
4. 24.5% will die due to diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Reasons that push people to alcohol

Studying the data given by the statistics of alcohol consumption in Russia and comparing them with the indicators of other countries, we can conclude that the problem of drunkenness is relevant for almost all world developed countries. What global causes are to blame for this state of affairs?

Active urbanization

Experts argue that urbanization is becoming one of the main culprits for the rapid development of alcoholism. It gave a sharp increase in the population of cities, occurring due to the outflow of residents from villages and villages. Historical facts show that, having exchanged a quiet and measured rural life for the dynamics of large cities, most people cannot cope with growing stresses and go into drunken calm.

Urbanization is one of the reasons for the growth of alcoholism

Cataclysms and social problems

In addition, and quite strongly increased the growth of alcoholism in Russia, economic crises, cataclysms, the growing threat of the use of weapons of mass destruction. By the way, in the realities of the Cold War against the backdrop of an impending nuclear catastrophe, a significant increase in the growth of alcoholism was noted. Other social problems also contributed. In particular, the rise in unemployment.

In the Russian Federation, the unemployment rate is 5.6%, while in the EU these figures are about 12%, which stimulates the growth of alcohol consumption. Here you can see the US figures taken in 2013. The country's authorities were able to reduce the unemployment rate from 9.5 to 5.4%. This also caused a pronounced downward trend in the total amount of alcohol consumption.

Social problems

As for Russia, the increase in the number of drinkers can be explained by the facts that over the previous 25-30 years our country has experienced a huge number of upheavals in:

• social;
• economic;
• political level.

The ruthless collapse of the huge, superpowerful state, which was the USSR, provoked the global destruction of all the values ​​\u200b\u200bestablished over the years and the inner worldview of our citizens. The growth of alcoholism intensified also due to the fact that a different worldview and values ​​(for that period) were never established. The population, which has lost protection at the social level, has sharply increased the level of poverty.

According to statistical results, about 10% of Russian citizens face constant difficulties with good and nutritious food.

And the decrease in the rise in prices for alcohol-containing products, which was observed during the collapse of the Union, also stimulated a sharp increase in alcoholism. People, having lost their jobs, not seeing a way out in the current situation, went for consolation to alcohol.

The consequences of alcohol addiction in the realities of the country

According to the established standards of the UN, it is considered that the consumption of alcohol more than 8 liters annually per capita is an extremely serious indicator. Upon crossing this line, the gradual degradation of a single nation will begin. Alcoholism leads to a decrease in life expectancy.

In Russia, the average life expectancy is on the rise

If we compare the average life expectancy, then in Russia it is 10-15 years less than in the EU countries.

What can we expect

The consumption of alcohol-containing products among the inhabitants of our country tends to decrease. This is evidenced by the statistics of alcohol consumption in Russia over the years, in particular, armed with data from Rosstat and WHO, we can see confirmation of this. Compare how the volume of alcohol products sold to Russians has changed. The figures are taken for the period of the first half of the year (January-August):

1. 2014: 72.3 million decalitres.
2. 2015: 65.5 million decaliters (-7.4%).
3. 2016: 64.7 million decaliters (-1.3%).

To complete the picture, you can arm yourself with statistics obtained by various public funds and the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. So:

The ratio of non-drinkers to drinkers

Foundation "Public Opinion". The statistics were carried out at the end of 2015:

• 42% drink alcohol several times a year;
• 37% of Russians lead a completely sober lifestyle;
• 19% drink 2-3 times a month;
• 12% use alcohol 3-4 times a week.

Analytical Center "Levada Center". The survey was conducted in 2017:

• 40% of our citizens do not drink alcohol at all;
• 38% drink several times a month;
• 22% relax with alcohol weekly.

Decline in consumption of alcoholic beverages

Ministry of Health of Russia. According to the data obtained, the following trend is observed:

• in 2015, there was a drop in alcohol consumption (per capita) from 13.6 liters to 11.7 liters;
• over the current decade (data as of December 2016), this level has decreased from 18.2 liters to 10.4 liters.

Narcological Scientific and Practical Center (Moscow). The use of alcohol-containing products in the period from 2011 to 2016 decreased by almost 1/3. That is, from the initial 18 liters per capita fell to 12.8 liters per year.

Decrease in the growth of consumption of hard liquor

In the period 2012-2015. vodka production in our country has decreased by almost 2 times. In particular:

1. The year 2013 was marked (for the first time in the history of the Russian Federation) by a sharp, almost 2-fold consumption of vodka. The share of use of this spirit has decreased by 50% compared to 1995.
2. In 2014, the share of vodka consumption was within the level of 45%, wine - 11%, beer - 41%, the rest was accounted for by other alcoholic beverages.

Reducing the number of alcohol intoxications

In the period from 2003-2013. the number of deaths due to alcohol poisoning in Russia has decreased by almost 3 times. If in 2003 this number fit into 30 deaths per 100,000, but in 2013 this figure varied by 10 cases.

Reducing the amount of alcohol produced in the Russian Federation

The production of vodka, due to the fall in its demand, tends to steadily decline. For example, in 2012, about 100 million decaliters of strong alcohol were produced. Then, as in 2015, this volume decreased to 60 million decaliters. If we consider the production of beer, then the picture is quite rosy there: its production is also falling: from 11.5 billion liters (2007) to 7.3 billion liters (2015).

MOSCOW, May 10 - RIA Novosti, Maxim Rubchenko. The Ministry of Health estimates that since 2006 alcohol consumption in Russia has fallen by almost 40 percent. The World Health Organization, in turn, states that today the average Russian drinks 3.5 liters of alcohol less per year than ten years ago. What is behind these indicators and in which countries they drink the most - in the material of RIA Novosti.

Statistics games

The widely held belief that Russians are the world's biggest drinkers is increasingly at odds with reality. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in the country has been declining for many years, and at a rapid pace. The data of different departments are somewhat different - WHO says about 13.9 liters per capita per year, the Ministry of Health and Rospotrebnadzor - about ten liters. In January, Russian Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova said that over the past five to seven years, alcohol consumption has been reduced by 80 percent. Be that as it may, everyone agrees that in Russia every year they drink less and less, and this trend has continued for more than a decade.

In 2017 alone, alcohol consumption decreased by 0.3 liters - this is one and a half bottles of vodka (0.5 liters of alcohol), 4.5 liters of dry wine or 10 liters of light beer.

As a result, Russia is now not even in the top three most drinking countries (Lithuania - 18.2 liters, Belarus - 16.4 liters, Moldova - 15.9 liters), occupying fourth place and quite a bit ahead of Romania, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Bulgaria .

According to WHO estimates, 13.9 liters of alcohol consumed in Russia per capita is equivalent to 34.75 liters of vodka. According to the Tsenomer portal, the average price of vodka today is 693 rubles per liter. So, on average, 24,081 rubles are spent on drinking. The average salary in 2017 is 35,845 rubles per month (430 thousand per year). This means that Russians spend 5.9 percent of their income on alcohol. That is, more than in the most problematic countries of the European Union in terms of drunkenness, and three times more than the average European.

On the other hand, the average salary in Estonia is 1242 euros per month, respectively 5.6 percent is 835 euros.

However, Märt Leesment, chief analyst at the Estonian Department of Statistics, claims that the average adult Estonian spends only 108 euros per year on alcohol, that is, seven times less. It is impossible to understand who is right, the Estonian Statistics Department or Eurostat, but it is clear that one should not take such ratings too seriously.

Unexpected conclusions

"For the first time, the population of several countries was studied in terms of lifestyle, health, and working conditions," said Terje Andreas Eikemu, professor of sociology at the Norwegian University of Natural and Technical Sciences, to the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten. "This has not been done before."

Some of the results were quite unexpected. In particular, it turned out that the wealthy and educated drink more than people with low social status.

“Alcohol consumption in general seems to be associated with higher education,” notes Eikemu. “This distinguishes alcohol, for example, from smoking, which is exclusive to the lower strata of society. However, well-to-do people drink “correctly,” problematic alcohol consumption is more characteristic of the lower strata.” .

Another surprising conclusion is that alcohol consumption begins to affect human health quite late compared to other factors. "Living conditions are more important and can tell us why we drink the way we drink," says Eikemu.

In addition, experts assure that bans (for example, on the sale of alcohol at certain times) are not the best way to fight for a healthy lifestyle. “Our research has shown that for the vast majority of countries it is more important to improve the well-being of citizens and improve working conditions,” states Eikemu. “The fight against drunkenness is, of course, important, but first we must give people the opportunity to live in dignity. to make people take care of their health as a habit.

The Russian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization are unlikely to agree with this conclusion, assuring that the decrease in alcohol consumption in Russia is connected precisely with restrictions.

The Ministry of Health of Russia believes that the ban on the retail sale of alcohol from 23:00 to 8:00 am, as well as the ban on alcoholic beverages in children's, educational, medical institutions and sports facilities, played an important role in positive statistical changes.

A question of culture

For obvious reasons, problems with drunkenness do not arise in countries and regions where Islam is widespread. Thus, according to WHO, citizens of Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania and Pakistan (0.1 liters per year per person), Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh (0.2 liters each), Egypt, Niger and Yemen (0 .3 liters).

The same is true in Russia. Experts from the federal project "Sober Russia" have compiled a rating of the most "sober" and most "drinking" regions of the country. Places were distributed in accordance with points, which were set taking into account the volume of sales of all types of alcoholic products, the number of deaths from alcohol poisoning, crimes committed while intoxicated, citizens registered with a narcologist, violations in the field of alcohol circulation and hours of prohibition on the sale of alcohol during the day.