5 Countries With The Highest Rates Of Smoking

4. Kiribati  

Total Smoking Rate: 37.5% 

A single pack of Marlboro cigarettes is priced at AU$10 in Bairiki, Kiribati. This relatively high cost reflects the financial burden smoking can place on individuals in the country making it one of the highest smoking countries in the world. Smoking remains a prevalent habit despite the price, and the percentage of smokers is higher among men than women. The impact of smoking extends beyond the financial aspect, as it has numerous adverse effects on the health of people living in Kiribati, including an increased risk of severe illnesses like lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. To address the smoking issue, the government needs to implement effective policies and raise awareness about the risks associated with smoking to improve public health and reduce the economic burden caused by smoking-related healthcare costs.