Here are 10 Countries with People Smoke the Most

VIVA – Smoking is usually an activity that done by many people around the world for centuries. Cigarettes use tobacco as a base material. Tobacco products are addictive and can be challenging to quit using due to the presence of the stimulant nicotine in the tobacco leaves.

According to the World Health Organization, tobacco kills more than 8 million people per year, including both smokers and non-smokers who experience second-hand smoke. The Centers for Disease Control points out that tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States.

Tobacco uses increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer, oral cancer, heart disease, and blood clots. Tobacco uses also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke and leads to tooth and gum decay and wrinkled skin.

However, there are some countries with people smoke the most.

1. Nauru

The micro–Pacific Ocean Island state of Nauru has the highest smoking rate in the world, with 52.10 % of the population being smokers. And with a population of just slightly over 10,000 people, this makes the number of smokers quite striking.

Indeed, Nauru’s population is the second smallest in the world after Vatican City. While several factors contribute to the high smoking rate, the traditional Polynesian society may be the leading reason for partaking in some sort of smoking, either through pipes or modern cigarettes. Oddly women smoke more than men here.

2. Kiribati

Kiribati is one of the highest percentages of smokers in the world at 52%. This micro-state includes 32 separate island atolls, covers an area of some 811 square kilometers, and is home to a population of 121,388.

The high prevalence of smokers here is largely among males, who comprise 68% of the total, while 35% of women are reported as smokers. As a result of this high smoking rate and other health issues, Kiribati’s life expectancy rate is only around 68 years.

3. Tuvalu

Tuvalu records some 48.70% of active smokers out of a population of 11,900. Indeed, heart disease is a leading cause of death among Tuvaluans, one of the many associated risk factors associated with smoking. Traditional Polynesian practices regarding tobacco may be one of the top reasons for the high rate of smoking in this tiny island nation.

4. Myanmar

Myanmar has a smoking rate of 45.50%. With a population of 57.5 million, it is most surprising that the country with several public smoking restrictions still reports such a high number of smokers.

The prohibition of smoking in indoor public spaces and public transportation does not seem to have significantly affected the total number of active people who smoke.

5. Chile

The only South American nation on the top ten list of most smokers, Chile reports some 44.70% of its population as active smokers. Home to some 18.4 million inhabitants, Chile also has many restrictive laws in place that aim to minimize smoking in public.

Several taxes on tobacco have been put in place, along with a ban on smoking in public transit and indoor public places.

These efforts have been moderately successful, but Chile still maintains a relatively high rate of smoking, especially in comparison to its South American neighbors.

6. Lebanon

Lebanon with an active smokers rate of 42.60%. Home to nearly 5.3 million people, Lebanon has some of the highest rates of lung cancer in the Middle East, which certainly has some correlation to the high rates of smoking. The country also has one of the world’s highest youth smoking rates, with nearly 65% of boys and 55% of girls smoking, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

7. Serbia

Of the nearly 6.7 million inhabitants of the Balkan nation of Serbia, 40.60 % are active smokers. According to data from the World Health Organization, more than 1.2 million premature deaths in Serbia can be traced to smoking, with some 58% of deaths related to cardiovascular illnesses.

Although laws are in place to limit smoking in public places, poor enforcement and a generally poor societal attitude towards curbing the amount of smoking make Serbia one of only three European nations on this top ten list.

8. Bangladesh

Bangladesh with a population of 165.1 million inhabitants, of which 39.10% are active smokers. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 14% of all yearly deaths in Bangladesh were attributed to tobacco inhalation. Including heart and lung disease, cancer, and stroke, smoking has indeed been a leading cause of concern for many Bangladeshis.

9. Greece

Greece’s population is active smokers. But with a population of just over 10.4 million, the percentage is much more prominent.

With the highest rate of smoking in the entire European Union, data from several surveys indicate that 44% of the population has never smoked. Despite several anti-smoking campaigns and legislations, Greeks have maintained their high level of tobacco consumption.

10. Bulgaria

Bulgaria has 38.90% of the population identifying as active smokers. With its population of 6.5 million people, more than 1 million premature deaths in the nation can be attributed to smoking, according to World Health Organization Data. Bulgarian men make up the bulk of active smokers in the country at 43%, while active female smokers make up about 27%.