18.12.2017 Svetlana Afanasyevna 8

Rating of the most drinking countries in the world

The World Health Organization has published a ranking of drinking countries in the world for 2018-19. According to WHO, alcoholic beverages are directly or indirectly considered one of the three main causes of increased mortality. At the same time, the share of alcohol consumed per adult is growing every year.

WHO specialists collect such data annually; this helps to determine the overall degree of dependence and the percentage of alcohol consumed.

For more than ten years, states have topped the list of Eastern Europe and formed from former republics THE USSR. Russia is almost always in the middle of the drinking list.

The world began to drink more. WHO has been keeping such statistics since 1961; based on these data, special programs are being developed to combat the spread of alcohol. However, almost every nation adopts its own rules for drinking or not drinking.

The summary is compiled not only by the amount of pure ethanol drunk. All produced alcohol, imported or purchased, is accepted for accounting. At the same time, as a rule, in the leading territories themselves, the population does not consider drunkenness a national problem.

Statistics from the world's heaviest drinking countries in 2018-19 show that, due to containment policies, the share of alcohol consumed has greatly increased in countries with open economic borders. In an explanation of the study, WHO provided a rationale for this situation. The organization noted that a lot of alcohol considered consumed in the top three countries is not bought for the sake of drinking. Most often, such sales occur for the purpose of further distribution.

The permanent states included in the world ranking are countries where the culture of consumption of so-called light alcohol is very developed - wine, beer, local fruit brews. Austria, Slovenia, Poland, Italy and others are leading in another statistical list - consumption of low-alcohol drinks per capita. This year they were joined by African countries and South Korea.

Beer consumption per capita for 2018-19

Top 18 most drinking countries in the world

The global level of alcohol consumption has increased on the planet. In 2018-19, every person over 15 years old consumed 6.6 liters of pure alcohol per year. Since 2014, this figure has been growing by 0.2 percent.

Looking at countries with strong economies, experts have found that every fifth resident is a chronic alcoholic. Europe has held the leading position in suicides under the influence of systematic drunkenness for five years. Every 4th attempt to take one's life here is related to drinking.

This year’s ranking is represented almost entirely by countries in Europe and the post-Soviet space. Australia closes the top 18 of the world list. For the first time, she came to 20 countries with increased interest in alcohol.

And the most drinking country in the world in 2019 - Belarus, and the share of consumption of all categories of drinks has increased here.

Australia

18th line of the rating. Just three years ago, this state was one of the top thirty drinkers. But, due to the widespread distribution of local varieties of wine and beer, the country of kangaroos was faced with the problem of alcoholism among the aborigines. The health of many of them had deteriorated so much that in some territories it was necessary to introduce compulsory treatment drunkenness.

Slovenia and Denmark

17th and 16th place. Traditionally, countries have the same rate of alcoholism among the population. In these states, beer is not considered an alcoholic beverage; its sale is permitted to persons over 15 years of age. People often start drinking alcohol much earlier. It is noteworthy that local health care does not consider these national traditions a threat. Many medicines are made from beer and derivatives.

Hungary

15th place. Two-thirds of the territory of this state is occupied by vineyards. Even more wine is produced here than in Italy. This alcoholic drink is considered a national treasure and is drunk everywhere. Hungary remains the only country in Europe where you can get behind the wheel if you are fairly tipsy. Criminal prosecution begins only for systematic alcohol consumption leading to death from an accident.

Portugal

14th place. This country closes the list of territories where lovers of low-alcohol drinks live. Despite the fact that we often remember the national port wine, the Portuguese themselves prefer local wine and beer. The latter is considered tastier than Slovenian and Czech, since it is produced with the addition of grape sugar.

Spain

13th place. Spanish wines are a frequent export product. Over the past two years, the percentage of strong alcohol consumption here has increased. Grape vodka and moonshine took the main places on the Spaniards' table. Behind Last year Temperance societies have become popular in the country. Many believe that in this way wine producers are trying to fight those who make strong alcohol.

Ireland

12th place. Classic Irish whiskey is produced annually up to 30 liters for every Irishman living in the world (!). There was an alcohol riot in the country within 4 years. And today, local producers have reached a high global level in the production of various alcohol-containing drinks based on malt and distillates.

Germany

11th place. It is still the only EU country where drinking alcohol is allowed everywhere. Local and imported drinks are so popular that they are taught about them in high school classes. The authorities believe that such awareness will help young people do right choice and stop drinking alcohol.

France and Great Britain

10th and 9th line of the rating. These countries have consistently high alcohol ratings. Local traditions of production and consumption of alcoholic beverages date back to the very beginnings of statehood. More than half culinary recipes These states are based on wine, beer, whiskey, etc. Until recently, some faiths considered the regular consumption of wine by children from the first year of life to be the norm.

South Korea

8th place. Asian countries are not often included in alcohol statistics. South Caucasus owes this attention to the production and consumption of quite European drinks - vodka, moonshine, tinctures, liqueurs. 10 years ago, drinking was completely prohibited in the country; the lifting of restrictions led to so many alcoholics that the authorities started talking about returning the taboo.

Italy

7th place. The country of wine and sun is always among the top ten drinking nations. Here, alcoholic drinks are used as refreshments. Surprisingly, in Italy, which has a fairly high rating, you practically won’t find drunk people. However, here the percentage of regular drinkers of strong alcohol has reached high levels. According to statistics, every third Italian adult is a chronic alcoholic.

Russia

6th place. Just 5 years ago, our country was one of the top five drinking countries in the world. In general, Russians began to drink less. Experts attribute this to the general impoverishment of the population. Not a small role in the fight against bad habits development program is playing healthy image life.

Lithuania

Closes the top five. Residents of this small state quickly responded to quite poor performance, the local parliament literally a few days later approved a program to combat alcohol addiction. Starting next year, you can only drink any alcoholic beverages if you are 20 years old. Alcohol advertising will be completely banned in the country. The concept of time without alcohol has been introduced - 2-3 weekdays and all holidays; it will be impossible to buy booze anywhere.

Czech

Takes a stable fourth place. The situation in the country has not changed for five years now. Neither restrictions nor propaganda help stop alcoholism. Most people drink beer here, but strong alcohol is also drunk here.

Estonia

This is the first time this country has found itself in the top three; it usually ranks in the second ten. This is due to the lifting of age restrictions on the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Now any Estonian over 16 years old can drink. It is noteworthy that this measure also applies to foreigners. Alcohol tours in this Baltic country have become a frequent tourist destination.

Ukraine

Second place. The dismal result is the result of an almost unregulated alcohol market. In a country with strong traditions of moonshine brewing and winemaking, today every 4 people under 25 years old is considered a chronic alcoholic.

Belarus

First place in the ranking. Highest relative consumption of pure ethanol. Almost half of the respondents (47%) confirmed that they regularly drink strong alcoholic beverages 2-3 times a week. Over the past three years, the system of combating drunkenness has been almost completely destroyed. And most likely, consumption data are greatly underestimated.

Summary statistics of drinking countries around the world

Based on the statistics, a summary table was created showing the dynamics of alcohol consumption over several years.

Place in the ranking	A country	Alcohol consumption per capita 2018 (l)	Alcohol consumption per capita 2017 (l)	Alcohol consumption per capita 2016 (l)	Relative percentage/ratio
1	Belarus	17,5	16,6	14	Increased by 25%
2	Ukraine	17,4	15,3	12	Increased by 45%
3	Estonia	17,2	17	16,5	Increased by 4%
4	Czech	16,4	16	16,2	Increased by 1%
5	Lithuania	16,3	14	15,8	Increased by 3%
6	Russia	16,2	15,8	16,2	Has not changed
7	Italy	16,1	16	16,1	Has not changed
8	South Korea	16	14	12	Increased by 33%
9	France	15,8	15,6	15,8	Has not changed
10	Great Britain	15,8	15,7	15	Increased by 1%
11	Germany	11,7	12,3	11,5	Increased by 1%
12	Ireland	11,6	11	8	Increased by 45%
13	Spain	11,4	11,3	11,6	Decreased by 2%
14	Portugal	11,4	11	11,2	Increased by 2%
15	Hungary	10,8	10	6	Increased by 18%
16	Slovenia	10,7	10,5	10,8	Decreased by 1%
17	Denmark	10,7	9	6,3	Increased by 69%
18	Australia	10,2	10	7	Increased by 45%

Alcohol-free areas of the world

In 41 countries of the world there is an absolute prohibition law. The governments of Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden have enshrined the principles of sobriety by law.

In the Scandinavian countries there is a social program sober city, according to it, in every locality Addiction Freedom Weeks take place every year.
Uzbekistan became the first prohibition country in the post-Soviet space. The sale, advertising, and production of alcohol is prohibited here. And the court talks to those who use it.
In many Muslim countries, drinking and selling alcohol is punishable by criminal law. And in Iran, Jordan and the UAE, the drinker will be publicly humiliated or even killed.
China became the first active fighter for sobriety. Almost everywhere there are laboratories where you can undergo free testing for diseases caused by alcohol.
There are more than 400 religious denominations in the world, and their adherents are not just against drinking alcohol. In many cults, drugs and alcohol-containing substances are strictly taboo.

As the WHO notes in its report, the share of drinkers is increasing mainly due to countries with developed economies. This is facilitated by the availability of alcoholic beverages and relatively low employment.

More than 2 billion people drink alcohol. The World Health Organization is sounding the alarm: alcohol consumption per capita is growing rapidly and more and more people are falling into alcohol addiction. More than half of the cases of disability and a third of mental disorders in the world are associated with alcohol consumption.

Aspects of the problem

Alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol) - the most popular narcotic substance. The level of consumption in the world is half of the total population of the planet. Drinking alcohol ranks third in the list of risk factors for diseases and premature death, behind tobacco smoking and hypertension.

The World Health Organization (WHO), one of the special agencies of the UN system, every five years ranks countries with indicators of alcohol consumption in liters per capita and publishes them in the publication “World Health Organization Global Reports on Alcohol and Health.”

In European countries, the concept of alcoholism does not exist. Therefore, no drug records are kept. There is the concept of “a person who has a problem with alcohol.” The rate of people with this symptomatology is about 15%.

European is the most drinking man in the world. Logic dictates that a large number of alcohol should significantly reduce life expectancy. But, as statistics for Europe show, there is no direct relationship between the indicators. For example, in Moldova, where per capita consumption of alcoholic beverages is the highest (wine), life expectancy is one of the highest in Europe.

Conclusion: the line between drinking alcohol and abuse depends on the level of culture and the type of alcoholic beverages. It has been proven that high social and financial situation imposes certain obligations, which prevents the alcoholization of developed European countries.

It so happens that in these countries drinking is not an end in itself. This is spending time with a pleasant company in a bar or pub. The fact that alcoholic drinks are not cheap in European countries is also taken into account. High prices are another barrier to drinking.

In addition, those around them are humane towards patients with alcoholism. A whole system of social and psychological assistance has been built and is operating: Alcoholics Anonymous groups, trainings, psychotherapy courses. This helps to get a job, improve family relationships, and makes it possible to feel important and included in the life around you.

Indicators for developed countries

Alcohol consumption statistics by per capita (liters per person per year):

France. Amount of alcohol consumed in pure form- 14.2. Beer - 35.5. It so happened culturally and historically that wine and food for the French are an indivisible whole, and almost every meal involves the consumption of this drink.
Italy. Alcohol consumption - 8 l. Italians mainly drink wine, which also has a strong position in Italian gastronomy.
Czech Republic. In its pure form - 11.8 liters per person, beer - 156.9 liters. This is a country with rich beer traditions and culture.
Germany. In its pure form - 10.5 liters, beer - 116.8 per person annually. Germany, like the Czech Republic, is a country of beer traditions. A foamy drink costs the same as water. In Germany you are allowed to drink beer in in public places. In honor of him, the country annually hosts the famous Oktoberfest beer festival (Munich, Bavaria).
Denmark. Alcohol consumption per capita is 11.5 liters annually, beer - 89.9 liters. According to statistics, the Danes are among the heaviest drinkers: almost 96% of the adult population drink alcohol. The attitude of the authorities towards this is quite loyal. Alcohol can be bought freely almost anywhere at any time.
Australia. In its pure form - 9.8 l, beer - 109.9. Traditionally, in this country, drinking alcohol is considered a common social phenomenon.
Great Britain. In its pure form - 10.4 l, beer - 99 l. The leader among countries in the world in the quantity and variety of alcoholic beverages served. The law allows the sale of alcohol at any point and at any time. According to medical statistics, the most common disease among the British is cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcohol abuse.
Finland. In its pure form - 9.9 liters per person. Harsh weather conditions, polar nights, low temperatures disposed to drink.
Ireland. Alcohol consumption - 14.2 liters, beer - 131.1 liters per person annually. The Irish are the heaviest drinking nation. In the country, drinking alcohol is considered a generally accepted norm. Half of men are drunk to the point of passing out once a week.

This video shows alcohol consumption statistics:

National problem

In Russia, alcohol consumption per person is 9.29 liters annually.

Therefore, the statement that Russian people drink the most is incorrect. This erroneous picture is due to the fact that in Russia there is no so-called civilized culture of drinking alcohol; strong drinks are preferred. In addition, the majority of Russians do not know a sense of proportion, and the amount they drink is measured not in milliliters, but in bottles and liters. Therefore, the amount of ethyl alcohol consumption in Russia puts the population in 4th place in the world. Drunkenness is directly related to low level income and social disadvantage. The national habit of drinking and drunkenness often accompanies basic instability and lack of prospects in life.

Year-on-year statistics show that teenage alcoholism is growing: by 2015, about 30% of boys and 20% of girls under 18 drink alcohol daily, and for every thousand teenagers, 25 suffer from chronic alcoholism.

This video shows the 10 most drinking countries in the world:

More than half a million people die from alcohol poisoning in the country every year. This terrible figure is greater than the number of all deaths during military conflicts, epidemics and natural disasters. These are only official statistics, but in reality the situation is much darker.

Alcohol has a long history and is distributed throughout the world. Alcohol consumption reflects the cultural characteristics of the population different countries. Strong drinks are used in religious sacraments and simply for fun during a feast.

However, alcohol is not at all harmless and can cause addiction, the consequences of which are extremely sad and sometimes fatal. That is why the World Health Organization (WHO) has been working to control and reduce alcohol consumption for many years.

Alcoholism is widespread throughout the world, but in some countries this problem is especially acute. Leading position long years occupied by members former USSR, and over the last decade, states have broken into the top five Western Europe. Those who are distinguished by enviable constancy are Muslim peoples who do not welcome the use of alcohol.

Rating of countries according to statistics for 2016–2017

WHO and a number of other authorities maintain statistics on alcohol consumption. For example, the OECD is an international economic organization of developed countries. The report is provided every few years.

The latest data was published on the Delphi portal in mid-May 2017. Gauden Galea, department director non-communicable diseases and health promotion, an authorized WHO representative shared official conclusions with the online publication and named the top five drinking leaders.

It should be noted that WHO statistics take into account the consumption of both legal and self-made alcohol. For example, the population of Moldova prefers homemade wines.

In addition, WHO cooperates with the UN, assesses tourist flows, smuggled drinks and adjusts statistics accordingly. The level of alcohol consumption is calculated in liters of pure ethyl alcohol drunk per capita of the population over 15 years of age. At the same time, 60% of people in the world do not drink at all and 16% suffer from chronic alcoholism.

Lithuania is ahead of the rest

This country took first place. According to WHO estimates, in the small Baltic state, one resident on average consumes 16.2 liters of pure ethanol per year. Giving an interview, Gauden Galea stated verbatim: “This, according to the latest estimates, makes Lithuania one of the most drinking countries in the world.” The indicated amount of ethanol is 400 liters of beer. It is the foamy drink that Lithuanians prefer (46%). Strong alcohol is consumed by 34% of the population, and wine by 8%.

In addition, statistics show that alcohol in Lithuania is drunk 90% of the time at home. For comparison, in other European countries (Greece, Spain and Great Britain) more than 60% of consumption occurs in entertainment establishments - restaurants, pubs, bars.

Belarus

From 2008 to 2015, Belarusians occupied an honorable first place in terms of alcohol consumption in the world. In 2016, the ranking of countries changed slightly. Belarus has managed to reduce the amount of pure alcohol consumed per year to 15 liters. This happened thanks to an increase in alcohol prices, which were minimal, a fight against producers of low-quality drinks, as well as tougher penalties for drunk driving. What do they prefer to drink in Belarus? According to statistics, the population predominantly drinks strong alcohol (47%). Beer (17%) and wine (5%) are held in less esteem.

Latvia

Another Baltic country closes the top three. Here, according to statistics, the local population drinks on average about 12.8 liters of pure alcohol per year. Moreover, the trend towards leadership has emerged in Latvia quite recently. Just 5–10 years ago, less than 10 liters of alcohol were consumed in the country per year.

Latvians prefer beer when it comes to drinks. According to one study, they spend almost 100 euros a year on alcohol, and spend half as much on attending cultural events. In order to reduce the popularity of alcohol, the authorities banned its advertising back in 2014, but this did not lead to positive changes.

Russia and Poland shared fourth place

Based on the results for 2016, both countries consume close to 12.2 liters per capita. For Russia, fourth place is a kind of achievement. Over the past 10 years, the level of alcohol consumed has decreased by about 5 liters. But Poland, on the contrary, began to drink more. Her traditional drinks are vodka, various honeys, beer. In Russia, the population prefers strong alcohol.

Estonia

It closes the top five drinking countries. The level of 11 liters of alcohol per capita in Estonia is the lowest in the last ten years. The authorities managed to achieve a similar result by raising the excise tax. However, this did not stop some citizens; they simply began purchasing alcoholic beverages in Latvia, where prices are 3 times lower. As for the preferences of Estonians, they drink strong alcohol and beer at approximately the same level - 37 and 41%, respectively.

Europe vs Russia

Many people ask where they drink more alcohol, in Russia or in Europe? The statistics speak for themselves. Over the past decade, the situation with alcoholism in Russia has noticeably improved, but in Europe, on the contrary. However, the amount of pure ethanol consumed is not the only criterion that is important to consider when talking about the health of the nation. The culture of drinking alcoholic beverages, their quality and acceptance therapeutic measures have great value. Thus, according to WHO data, it is in Russia and a number of other countries that were part of the USSR that the most high level mortality from alcohol-related injuries. They also lead in the frequency of deaths from cardiovascular diseases that developed from alcohol abuse.

But if Europe drinks more, why is Russia suffering? The point is the culture of consumption, cheap alcohol, and its availability, says WHO. In Europe, the population does not know what it is withdrawal syndrome, it is not customary for them to celebrate until they pass out. They drink regularly, but in moderation.

Moreover, many countries, for example Norway, sell alcohol exclusively in specialized stores. Moreover, in some cities they work only for tourists.

In Sweden, alcohol is so expensive that it is cheaper to take a ferry to the Germans to get it. As for Germany and Italy, although they are large suppliers of beer and wine, they themselves do not abuse it, thanks to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and education of the younger generation about the dangers of alcohol.

You can clearly see the statistics of total alcohol consumption in the world on WHO maps. The latest such graphics are available for 2015. The results of 2017 will be summed up in 2018, presumably also in the spring.

The problem of alcoholism in the world has been acute for many years. More than 3 million people die annually from the consequences of alcohol abuse, which exceeds the number deaths from AIDS.

Alcoholic beverages contribute to addiction and increase the risk of developing more than 200 diseases, including cirrhosis of the liver and some types of cancer. In addition, excessive drinking leads to violence and injury. The global average ethanol consumption is 6.2 liters. Moreover, every second person on the planet does not drink at all.

18.12.2017 Svetlana Afanasyevna 8

Rating of the most drinking countries in the world

WHO specialists collect such data annually; this helps to determine the overall degree of dependence and the percentage of alcohol consumed.

For more than ten years, the list has been headed by the states of Eastern Europe and those formed from the former republics of the USSR. Russia is almost always in the middle of the drinking list.

Beer consumption per capita for 2018-19

Top 18 most drinking countries in the world

And the most drinking country in the world in 2019 is Belarus, and the share of consumption of all categories of drinks has increased here.

Australia

18th line of the rating. Just three years ago, this state was one of the top thirty drinkers. But, due to the widespread distribution of local varieties of wine and beer, the country of kangaroos was faced with the problem of alcoholism among the aborigines. The health of many of them deteriorated so much that in some territories it was necessary to introduce compulsory treatment for drunkenness for local Indians.

Slovenia and Denmark

Hungary

15th place. Two-thirds of the territory of this state is occupied by vineyards. Even more wine is produced here than in Italy. This alcoholic drink is considered a national treasure and is drunk everywhere. Hungary remains the only country in Europe where you can get behind the wheel if you are fairly tipsy. Criminal prosecution begins only for the systematic use of alcohol leading to death from an accident.

Portugal

Spain

13th place. Spanish wines are a frequent export product. Over the past two years, the percentage of strong alcohol consumption here has increased. Grape vodka and moonshine took the main places on the Spaniards' table. Over the past year, temperance societies have become popular across the country. Many believe that in this way wine producers are trying to fight those who make strong alcohol.

Ireland

Germany

France and Great Britain

10th and 9th line of the rating. These countries have consistently high alcohol ratings. Local traditions of production and consumption of alcoholic beverages date back to the very beginnings of statehood. More than half of the culinary recipes of these countries are based on wine, beer, whiskey, etc. Until recently, some faiths considered the regular consumption of wine by children from the first year of life to be the norm.

South Korea

Italy

Russia

6th place. Just 5 years ago, our country was one of the top five drinking countries in the world. In general, Russians began to drink less. Experts attribute this to the general impoverishment of the population. A program for developing a healthy lifestyle plays an important role in the fight against bad habits.

Lithuania

Closes the top five. Residents of this small state quickly responded to the rather poor indicators; literally a few days later the local parliament approved a program to combat alcohol addiction. Starting next year, you can only drink any alcoholic beverages if you are 20 years old. Alcohol advertising will be completely banned in the country. The concept of time without alcohol has been introduced - 2-3 weekdays and all holidays; it will be impossible to buy booze anywhere.

Czech

Estonia

Ukraine

Belarus

Summary statistics of drinking countries around the world

Based on the statistics, a summary table was created showing the dynamics of alcohol consumption over several years.

Place in the ranking	A country	Alcohol consumption per capita 2018 (l)	Alcohol consumption per capita 2017 (l)	Alcohol consumption per capita 2016 (l)	Relative percentage/ratio
1	Belarus	17,5	16,6	14	Increased by 25%
2	Ukraine	17,4	15,3	12	Increased by 45%
3	Estonia	17,2	17	16,5	Increased by 4%
4	Czech	16,4	16	16,2	Increased by 1%
5	Lithuania	16,3	14	15,8	Increased by 3%
6	Russia	16,2	15,8	16,2	Has not changed
7	Italy	16,1	16	16,1	Has not changed
8	South Korea	16	14	12	Increased by 33%
9	France	15,8	15,6	15,8	Has not changed
10	Great Britain	15,8	15,7	15	Increased by 1%
11	Germany	11,7	12,3	11,5	Increased by 1%
12	Ireland	11,6	11	8	Increased by 45%
13	Spain	11,4	11,3	11,6	Decreased by 2%
14	Portugal	11,4	11	11,2	Increased by 2%
15	Hungary	10,8	10	6	Increased by 18%
16	Slovenia	10,7	10,5	10,8	Decreased by 1%
17	Denmark	10,7	9	6,3	Increased by 69%
18	Australia	10,2	10	7	Increased by 45%

Alcohol-free areas of the world

In 41 countries of the world there is an absolute prohibition law. The governments of Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden have enshrined the principles of sobriety by law.

In the Scandinavian countries there is a social program sober city, according to it, weeks of freedom from addiction are held annually in every locality.
Uzbekistan became the first prohibition country in the post-Soviet space. The sale, advertising, and production of alcohol is prohibited here. And the court talks to those who use it.
In many Muslim countries, drinking and selling alcohol is punishable by criminal law. And in Iran, Jordan and the UAE, the drinker will be publicly humiliated or even killed.
China became the first active fighter for sobriety. Almost everywhere there are laboratories where you can undergo free testing for diseases caused by alcohol.
There are more than 400 religious denominations in the world, and their adherents are not just against drinking alcohol. In many cults, drugs and alcohol-containing substances are strictly taboo.

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 for last 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 Non-Infectious Diseases chronic diseases and strengthening healthy lifestyles 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. IN Lately The number of Russians who prefer wine to other alcoholic drinks 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.