In this article, we will discuss the 15 countries that consume the most alcohol.
There are many countries in the world that consume large amounts of alcohol. This includes countries in Europe, North America, and even some parts of Asia. It is no surprise that these countries have high rates of alcoholism and related problems. In fact, alcohol is a leading cause of death in many of these countries. In these countries, alcohol consumption is often considered to be part of the culture and is often consumed in large quantities. This can lead to problems with alcohol abuse and addiction, as well as other health problems. According to Our World in Data, the global average alcohol consumption was 6.18 liters per person in 2018, which is the same as 53 bottles of wine per person of age greater than 15, per year.
An Analysis Of The Alcoholic Beverages Industry
The liquor industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that is responsible for the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages. The industry is comprised of three tiers: producers, distributors, and retailers. Producers include large multinational corporations as well as small, family-owned businesses. Distributors are responsible for the distribution of liquor products to retailers, and retailers are responsible for the sale of liquor products to consumers. The liquor industry is highly regulated, and laws governing the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol vary from country to country. In the United States, for example, each state government possesses the authority to regulate the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages. The liquor industry is a major contributor to the economy, and the tax revenue generated by the sale of alcohol is a significant source of government funding. In addition, the liquor industry provides employment for millions of people around the world.
According to Grand View Research’s report on the liquor industry, the global alcoholic beverages industry attained a value of $1.4 trillion in 2021. The industry is projected to attain a value of $2.8 trillion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 10.3% from 2022 through 2028. Region-wise, North America held the dominant market share of the global alcoholic beverages industry, at 33%. According to analysts at Grand View Research, the Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing region and register a CAGR print of 11.1% over the forecasted period, followed by Europe which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2022 through 2028.
Some of the top global brands of alcoholic beverages are owned by Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF), Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO), and Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ).
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Our Methodology
To determine the 15 countries that consume the most alcohol, we looked at data provided by Our World in Data which included countries and their alcohol consumption in liters of alcohol per person. We picked the 15 countries that reported the highest level of alcohol consumption and arranged them from least to most. Along with each country, we have mentioned the liters of pure alcohol consumed per person.
15 Countries That Consume The Most Alcohol
15. Slovenia
Liters of Pure Alcohol Per Person: 11.90 L
Slovenia is a culture-rich country in Central Europe and is known for its stunning scenery and delicious food. The country has a high alcohol consumption, roughly 11.90 liters of pure alcohol per person, almost double that of the global average which sits at 6.18 liters of pure alcohol per person. Slovenia ranks among the countries that consume the most alcohol.
Slovenia is home to many famous alcoholic beverages, including the world-renowned Slovenian wine. Slovenia’s wine region is one of the oldest in the world and produces some of the finest wines in the world. Other popular alcoholic beverages from Slovenia include the traditional Slovenian brandy, which is made from distilled grapes.
14. Austria
Liters of Pure Alcohol Per Person: 11.96 L
Austria is a landlocked country in the southern part of Central Europe and is known for its music, art, and cuisine. Though the country’s rate of premature deaths due to alcohol has declined from 50.23 per 100,000 in 1990 to 30.54 per 100,000 people in 2019, it still has a high alcohol consumption of 11.96 liters of pure alcohol per person and is ranked among the countries that consume the most alcohol.
Some of the most premium labels of alcoholic beverages belong to Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF), Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO), and Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ).
13. Portugal
Liters of Pure Alcohol Per Person: 12.03 L
Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe and has a population of over 10 million. The country is known for its stunning coastal towns, its rich history and culture, and its friendly people. Portugal recorded an alcohol consumption of 12.03 liters per person and is one of the countries that consume the most alcohol. In 2017, roughly 29% of road-related fatalities were linked to alcohol consumption in Portugal.
12. Burkina Faso
Liters of Pure Alcohol Per Person: 12.03 L
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is bordered by Niger to the east, Benin to the south, Ghana to the west, and Mali to the north. The capital of Burkina Faso is Ouagadougou. The country is known for its agriculture, gold mining, and textiles. Though more than half of the country’s population practices Islam, and Islam prohibits alcohol, Burkina Faso has one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption in the world. In 2018, the country’s alcohol consumption per person stood at 12.03 liters.
11. France
Liters of Pure Alcohol Per Person: 12.33 L
France is the home to French wine, which is among the most popular classes of wine in the world, and with good reason. The country has a long history of viticulture, and the climate is ideal for growing a wide variety of grapes. The wines produced in France are renowned for their complexity and elegance, and there is something to suit every taste. From the crisp whites of Burgundy to the rich reds of Bordeaux, French wine is sure to please. Some of the most famous French wines are Champagne, Bordeaux, and Burgundy. France is among the European countries with the highest levels of alcohol consumption. In 2018, the country’s alcohol consumption amounted to 12.33 liters per person.
10. Bulgaria
Liters of Pure Alcohol Per Person: 12.65 L
Bulgaria is one of the oldest states in Europe and is known for its resort towns, historic sites, mineral springs, and wine. Though alcohol consumption in the region is high, the laws related to driving under influence in Bulgaria are very strict. The blood alcohol limit in Bulgaria is only 0.05% and if the driver of a motor vehicle is found to have a blood alcohol level greater than this, they are fined and their license is suspended. In 2017, the share of deaths associated with drunken driving in Bulgaria amounted to a mere 0.9%.
9. Spain
Liters of Pure Alcohol Per Person: 12.72 L
Spain is known for its food, wine, flamenco dancing, bullfights, and relaxed lifestyle. The country has a long history of winemaking, and its wines are known for their quality and diversity. There are many different types of Spanish wines, from light and refreshing whites to rich and full-bodied reds. Spanish wines are often made with native grape varieties, such as Tempranillo and Garnacha, and they often have a strong regional character. Whether you’re looking for a wine to pair with food or just to enjoy on its own, Spanish wine is a great choice.
Though the region is home to some of the finest qualities of wine, Spain has a high level of alcohol consumption and is ranked among the countries that consume the most alcohol. In 2018, the country’s alcohol consumption amounted to 12.72 liters of pure alcohol per person. In 2017, the share of road fatalities caused by drunken driving amounted to 17% in Spain. In 2019, the rate of premature deaths from alcohol consumption in Spain declined from 47.41 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 21.36 per 100,000 people in 2019.
8. Latvia
Liters of Pure Alcohol Per Person: 12.77 L
Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe and is known for its forests, lakes, and meadows. The country has a concentration of alcoholic consumption and as of 2018, it sits at 12.77 liters per person. The rate of premature deaths due to alcohol in Latvia has increased from 35.31 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 59.15 in 2019. The share of road fatalities due to alcohol in Latvia amounted to 10.8% in 2017. The driving laws in Latvia are consistent with the majority of European countries and the legal level of blood alcohol in Latvia is 0.05%.
The key players in the European alcoholic beverages market include Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF), Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO), and Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ).
7. Ireland
Liters of Pure Alcohol Per Person: 12.88 L
Known for its superior quality beer and rich brewing history, Ireland is ranked high on our list of the countries that consume the most alcohol. The country recorded an alcohol consumption of 12.88 liters per person in 2018. Though the drink-drive limit in Ireland is standard, at 0.05 BAC, the share of deaths associated with driving under influence is significantly higher as compared to other regions. In 2019, about 38.5% of road-related deaths in Ireland were attributed to drunken driving.
6. Germany
Liters of Pure Alcohol Per Person: 12.91 L
In addition to being known for its cars and engineering, Germany is famed for its food, beer, and wine. Germany has a long and proud tradition of brewing beer, and its beers are some of the most popular in the world. In addition to beer, Germany is also well-known for its wines, and spirits, such as schnapps and Jägermeister. Germany is also home to a number of unique alcoholic beverages, such as Kölsch, a type of beer from Cologne, and Obstler, a type of fruit brandy. German alcohol is enjoyed by people of all ages and is an important part of the country’s culture. Germany has an alcohol consumption of 12.91 liters per person as of 2018, more than double of the global average which sits at 6.18 liters per person, and is ranked among the countries that consume the most alcohol.
5. Luxembourg
Liters of Pure Alcohol Per Person: 12.94 L
Luxembourg is a landlocked country in western Europe. It is bordered by Belgium to the west and north, Germany to the east, and France to the south. Luxembourg is ranked high among the countries that consume the most alcohol and has recorded an alcohol consumption of 12.94 liters per person. There are a variety of alcoholic beverages consumed in Luxembourg. The most popular alcoholic drink is beer, with many local and international brands available. Other common alcoholic beverages include wine, spirits, and liqueurs. Luxembourg has a long tradition of brewing beer, dating back to the Middle Ages. The country is home to a number of small, independent breweries that produce a variety of beer styles.
4. Lithuania
Liters of Pure Alcohol Per Person: 13.22 L
Lithuania is a country in the Baltic region of Europe that shares a long history with alcohol, dating back to the country’s pagan roots. Lithuanians have always had a strong culture of drinking, and this continues to this day. Alcohol is widely available in Lithuania and is very affordable. The most popular alcoholic beverages in Lithuania are beer and vodka. Lithuanians typically drink alcohol in social situations, such as at parties or gatherings. Drinking is often seen as a way to relax and have fun. Binge drinking is not uncommon, and alcohol-related problems, such as alcoholism, are a serious issue in Lithuania. The rate of premature deaths linked to alcohol use in Lithuania has increased from 42.10 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 56.95 per 100,000 people in 2019.
3. Czechia
Liters of Pure Alcohol Per Person: 14.45 L
Czechia, also known as The Czech Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Europe that is known for its castles, old town squares, glassmaking, and puppetry. The populace of Czechia is among the heaviest drinkers and the country is ranked high among the countries that consume the most alcohol. In 2018, alcohol consumption in Czechia was reported at 14.45 liters per person. However, the country’s rate of premature deaths due to alcohol consumption has declined from 57.39 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 36.90 per 100,000 people in 2019 and the share of road fatalities from driving under influence in Czechia was reported at 9.5% in 2017, less than other European countries where alcohol consumption is high.
2. Uganda
Liters of Pure Alcohol Per Person: 15.09 L
Uganda is known for its lush green landscapes, its friendly people, and its diverse wildlife. Though the legal drunk driving limit in Uganda is higher than it is in Europe, at 0.08% BAC, the country has reported fewer road fatalities linked to driving under influence as compared to European countries. In 2017, Uganda’s share of road deaths linked with drunk driving sat at 0.8%. However, due to poor healthcare infrastructure, the rate of premature deaths in Uganda due to alcohol consumption still sits at an alarmingly high level of 95.63 per 100,000 people as of 2019, but lower than 123.24 per 100,000 people in 1990. Uganda has an alcohol consumption of 15.09 liters of pure alcohol per person and is ranked among the countries that consume the most alcohol.
1. Seychelles
Liters of Pure Alcohol Per Person: 20.50 L
Another east African country with an alarmingly high level of alcohol consumption is Seychelles, known for its beaches, coral reefs, and biodiverse wildlife. As of 2018, Seychelles has an alcohol consumption of 20.50 liters per person and is ranked high among the countries that consume the most alcohol. The rate of premature deaths associated with alcohol has increased in Seychelles from 41.79 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 49.79 per 100,000 people in 2019. Some of the most popular alcoholic beverages in Seychelles is SeyBrew Beer, French Wine, Buka, and Palm Wine.
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Disclosure: None. 15 Countries That Consume The Most Alcohol is originally published on Insider Monkey.
