Surely many have heard the statement that the most drinkers live in Russia. But if we study the consumption of alcohol by country, a rather interesting picture emerges. It turns out, due to historical moments and national traditions, the problem of alcohol is an acute problem in many states.
Key causes of alcoholism
Before moving on to statistics, it's worth figuring out what exactly makes people drink. Here are the main reasons:
- Urbanization. People who can not cope with the burden of the fast pace of life in a big city are increasingly relaxing with a glass of alcohol.
- Economic, political and social problems, as well as natural disasters. The modern man, without realizing it, is in constant fear for his life and well-being. As a rule, alcohol is used as a sedative.
- Low alcohol prices. Illiterate state pricing control policies make alcohol available. Probably, everyone heard a life joke that a bottle of beer is cheaper than a bottle of milk.
Uganda
Among African countries, the most disappointing indicators of alcohol consumption were recorded in Uganda. The bulk of the population drinks a strange banana-based drink, which, most likely, will not please a foreign tourist. Previously, this recipe was used to maintain the fighting spirit of warriors. Another popular Uganda drink is Ajono. This is a fermented beer that locals like to drink through a thin straw.
Italy
We can say that Italians drink relatively little - about 8 liters per person per year. Mass production of wine has made this drink a part of national culture. Each meal is accompanied by a glass of grape drink. In diluted form, wine is given to children from an early age.
Australia
About 9-10 liters of spirits are consumed annually by Australians. Addiction to alcohol is a historical feature. The fact is that in ancient times, strong rum was real monetary currency, which was actively used for settlement in trade operations and transactions. When Australia was a British colony, people considered drinking to be quite common and even normal. Now alcohol in the country is gradually losing popularity. Nevertheless, many honor the tradition of drinking unconscious.
Denmark
When studying alcohol consumption by country, one wonders why Denmark was in the ranking. Every citizen of the state drinks almost 10.7 liters of strong strong drinks every year. They especially like wine and beer. As a rule, dependence begins to form from adolescence (from about 15 years old). The situation is not catastrophic, but alarming. It is believed that the Danes still drink a little, since alcohol in the country is expensive.
Great Britain
A little more than 10 liters of strong alcohol each year falls on every Briton. It is believed that with the first glass drunk, they lose their sense of proportion. In this regard, it is not surprising that over the past decade the number of people suffering from cirrhosis has significantly increased. And all because alcohol in the UK can be consumed around the clock, pubs and bars also have flexible hours.
Spain
Alcohol consumption varies across countries. For example, in Spain, 11.4 liters of strong alcohol are produced per person per year. This is usually port, wine and beer. People’s addiction to alcohol is due to two factors. The first is developed winemaking. Thanks to large plantation areas, Spain has taken the third place in the world in wine production. The second reason is hot weather. During the siesta, the Spaniards like to quench their thirst with cold beer with ice. In the evening, multi-component cocktails are in demand.
Finland
Impressive volumes of consumption of strong alcohol can boast of Finland. Living in conditions of almost year-round cold is not easy at all. Low air temperature and lack of sunlight prompts people to seek solace in alcohol. Alcoholism is the leading cause of death in this country. Most cardiovascular and oncological diseases in people from 15 to 70 years of age are caused precisely by excessive alcohol consumption. Despite the fact that the authorities are intensely struggling with this problem and introduce all kinds of restrictive measures, ordinary people seem to ignore them.
Germany
When considering alcohol consumption by country, Germany cannot be ignored. About 12 liters of strong alcohol per person per year. Of course, the most impressive share is beer. This drink is sold literally everywhere. Even at newsstands. And it is quite inexpensive by local standards. In Germany, there is no ban on drinking in public places, and beer festivals are often held.
France
In France, alcohol consumption per capita is about 14 liters. Despite the fact that the main drink of refined Frenchmen is considered red wine, cheaper beer is in the first place for consumption. But still, do not write off the grape drink. The French love him and are well versed in him. Good red wine is considered an integral part of the daily meal.
Czech
Alcohol consumption in the world is growing steadily. About the same level with France is the Czech Republic. Residents of the country revere and actively drink their national treasure - becherovka. Also part of the Czech culture is beer. It is here that drinks of world famous brands are produced (for example, Velkopopovetsky Kozel, Pilsner and others). The wine industry is also developing thanks to the extensive plantations in Moravia.
Russia
Alcohol consumption in Russia is about 15 liters per person. The main share falls on vodka. In second place is beer. Russia's inclusion in the rating of drinking countries is also caused by the price of alcohol. Alcoholic drinks are many times cheaper than, for example, in Europe. Fortunately, thanks to state policy, the population’s craving for alcohol is gradually decreasing. There is also growing public interest in quality wine, which is less fatal to health than vodka.
Ukraine
Studying the most drinking countries, one cannot but say about Ukraine. Here, a person accounts for about 17 liters of alcohol per year. The whole problem lies in the weak regulatory policy of the state in relation to the alcohol market. Low prices and the availability of alcohol - all this becomes the reason for people to get involved in alcohol from a young age. In addition, there are many enterprises producing alcoholic beverages in the country. In the first place the popularity of vodka. The second is beer, and the third is wine.
Belarus
In 2016, Belarus took first place in the ranking of "The Most Drinking Countries in the World". For every resident of the country, almost 18 liters of alcohol per year are consumed. It is worth noting that when compiling statistics, the black alcohol market was not taken into account. And moonshining, as you know, is a problem of Belarus and other post-Soviet countries.
Who drinks the least
Statistics on alcohol consumption over the past few years indicate that the most non-drinking country is Yemen. For the year per capita accounts for several milliliters. And all because Islam, which is professed by the overwhelming majority of the population, forbids drinking alcohol, up to Sharia punishment. In Somalia, Pakistan, Kuwait, Libya and other Muslim countries near Yemen, the rate of alcohol consumption is also low.
Conclusion
The World Health Organization has been ranking countries for alcohol consumption for many years in a row. The boundary value is 8 liters per capita per year. It is believed that if such an indicator lasts for several years, we are talking about genetic alcoholism. This problem can cause health problems and mental development of future generations. Currently, most European countries are at risk.