There is not a single country in the world in which alcohol is not consumed at all. Even where its sale is limited, citizens find ways to serve the "green serpent." But of course, drinking alcohol becomes drunkenness only when its amount exceeds a reasonable norm. In which countries do they drink the most, according to the rating in 2018?

2018 World Beer Ranking According to WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO for short) regularly conducts research related to the health of the world's population and publishes ratings. The issue of alcoholism is no exception. According to the organization, alcohol is one of the three main causes that directly or indirectly increase mortality. Moreover, in general, the number of consumed alcoholic beverages per capita increases from year to year. Information on the amount of alcohol consumed is received by WHO from organizations controlling its sale.

Table: statistics of drinking states at the beginning of 2018

Ranking place	A country	Consumption of alcohol per capita of the population 2018 year (liters)	Consumption of alcohol per capita of the population 2017 year (liters)	Consumption of alcohol per capita of the population 2016 year (liters)	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	Grew by 1%
5	Lithuania	16,3	14	15,8	Increased by 3%
6	Russia	16,2	15,8	16,2	Not changed
7	Italy	16,1	16	16,1	Not changed
8	South Korea	16	14	12	Rose by 33%
9	France	15,8	15,6	15,8	Not changed
10	United Kingdom	15,8	15,7	15	Grew by 1%
11	Germany	11,7	12,3	11,5	Grew 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	Grew by 18%
16	Slovenia	10,7	10,5	10,8	Decreased by 1%
17	Denmark	10,7	9	6,3	Grew by 69%
18	Australia	10,2	10	7	Increased by 45%

Contrary to popular belief, a large amount of alcohol is not consumed due to poverty.   This can be seen from the rating above, where only a small part of the seats belong to developing countries. According to WHO, a number of European countries remain stably high. The reason for this is low employment and affordable alcohol in countries with a high standard of living. According to experts, every fifth resident of a developed country is a chronic alcoholic.

The leading countries of the rating are knocked out of the general picture for reasons of drunkenness and for its unexpected distribution. In Ukraine, due to political changes and economic instability, the alcohol market is almost not controlled. These reasons serve to increase the number of people drinking. In Belarus, in recent years, the system of combating alcoholism that existed before has been practically eliminated. True, in mid-2018, the government decided to launch a new large-scale anti-alcohol campaign.

The most drinking countries: statistics from the University of Washington and the Melissa Gates Foundation

Not only is WHO conducting research: in early September 2018, American scientists compiled their alcohol drinker rating, which was published in the medical journal Lancet. Country data vary depending on the gender of the person who drinks alcohol. The conventional unit of measurement was the “drink” - 100 milliliters of red wine or 30 milliliters of strong alcohol.

On average, around the world, representatives of the stronger sex drink 1.7 drinks per day, that is, 170 ml of wine or 51 ml of stronger alcohol. The first three places in terms of the number of men's booze are:

• Romania - 8.2 conditional drinks per day (820 ml of wine or 246 ml of strong alcohol);
• Portugal and Luxembourg - 7.2 drinks per day (720 ml of wine or 216 ml of strong alcohol);
• Lithuania and Ukraine - 7 drinks per day (700 ml of wine or 210 strong alcohol).

For women, statistics are much more modest: on average a day, beautiful ladies on the planet consume 0.73 drinks, which is equivalent to 73 ml of wine or 21.9 ml of strong alcohol. They are dominated by the number of alcohol consumed by women:

• Ukraine - 4.2 drinks per day (420 ml of wine or 126 ml of strong alcohol);
• Andorra, Luxembourg, Belarus - 3.4 drinks per day (340 ml of wine or 120 ml of strong alcohol);
• Sweden, Denmark, Ireland - 3.1 drinks per day (310 ml of wine or 93 ml of strong alcohol).

Interestingly, according to the University of Washington, the most sober men live in Pakistan, and women in Iran.

The most drinking countries in the world are our neighbors and European states. However, in Russia they still drink a lot. But the inhabitants of the Americas in excessive drinking are not seen.

Most alcohol is ignored by the inhabitants of the Islamic country of Yemen. The strict "dry law" of Sharia does not allow them to entertain their minds and body with beer, wine or vodka on holidays or on weekdays. Although many of them do not worry about the effect of this strict prohibition. Still, the eastern mentality takes its toll.

However, not every nation can boast of such sobriety. This is exactly the opposite rating - the TOP of the most drinking countries on the planet.

Note.   Statistics on alcohol consumption are expressed in units. 1 serving is 340 grams of beer, dry wine or 42 grams of vodka or 140 grams of fortified wine.

First Place - South Korea

Strange as it may seem, the list of the drunken dozen is headed by capitalist Korea. And all because the men and women of this country really like to drink the national drink of SooJ - rice vodka. It is transparent, has a sweetish flavor. And it contains as much as 20 to 40 percent alcohol. The appetite for a potent average potion of a Korean is 13, 7 (almost 14) servings per week. That is about 4.5 liters of dry wine.

The fact that "imaginary fun" harms the body, many South Koreans for the most part know, but deliberately reject. For them, sozhou, beer and other spirits are a universal cure for fatigue, antistress that tastes good. But they are tired, I must say, the inhabitants of this state are very strong. After all, the working day established by local legislation is one of the longest in the world. Here, in fact, the nation in the person of the working people relaxes as much as possible.

For example, Seoul banker So Song Pom prefers to establish business contacts over a glass of something strong. According to him, in the office it is difficult to find business understanding with partners. Another thing is the informal atmosphere in a restaurant or bar. As part of a warm meeting, business issues are successfully resolved, and no one has a desire to "get the hell out of it".

But as they say, this is only one of the concepts. The South Korean police have their own opinion about the fascination with the degrees of compatriots. Officer Chan, starting from his work experience and his colleagues in law enforcement, says that the scale of drunkenness of citizens, at least in certain areas of Seoul, is steadily increasing. “More and more, police have to detain drunken offenders,” says Chan.

Needless to say, contrasts ... Over the past 20 years, the South Korean Healthcare Association has been actively conducting various campaigns and events to reduce alcohol consumption in the country. In particular, at the direction of the organization, prices for alcohol are periodically raised, the sales volume and advertising of drinks with degrees is limited. Who knows, perhaps the organization’s efforts will pay off handsomely and in the state a healthy lifestyle will take on the status of a strict priority.

Second place - Russia

For some reason, the inhabitants of many countries around the world have an opinion about which Russia is based solely on stereotypes: balalaika, bears, cap with earflaps, nested dolls and, of course, vodka. Yes, especially vodka, and in large quantities, as an integral attribute of the Russian soul and, in fact, Russian traditions. Nevertheless, in the TOP “The Most Drinking Countries” Russia is losing an honorable first place. Russians consume alcohol almost 2 times less than Koreans. Their weekly rate of “green snake” averages 6, 3 servings. They prefer light drinks, wine and beer, fortified compounds - vodka, cognac, moonshine.

In contrast to the true Russian tradition of “Beer without vodka - money down the drain!” Russian health experts say that the population has still lost interest in a forty-degree “soul balm”. This is the merit of both anti-alcohol manifestos and public policy. A special struggle for sobriety in the regions of Russia began in the 2010s. A law was introduced prohibiting the sale of alcohol at night, increased excise taxes, and tightened measures to curb the illegal production of alcohol.

Third Place - Philippines

Not only exotic landscapes, a unique ecosystem and beautiful beaches of this country attract tourists. Along with the charms of mother nature, they still love to enjoy local drinks - rum and beer of various varieties. In fairness, it should be noted that Filipinos, Aboriginal islanders, are not averse to skipping a glass or two of some alcohol, especially in the sweltering heat. So, in aggregate, the approximate norm for one resident of the Philippines is obtained - 5.4 servings of alcohol.

The island’s pirate drink captivates even absolutely indifferent people with its aromas and tastes. Local craftsmen use fruit, molasses, caramel and vanilla to make white rum. It is considered a light drink. But for sophisticated "gourmets", masters produce a special type of rum - "strong". The alcohol content in it can reach more than 75%. Some tourists-tasters "acquaintance" with this explosive liquid remember for a long time. Filipinos are called aged rum a golden drink made from cane sugar and caramel with light shades of wood. So, if you plan to spend a vacation in the Philippines, do not let yourself be swallowed up by alcoholic temptations.

Fourth Place - Thailand

One of the best travel oases in the world. And, as you know, where there is rest and entertainment, there is alcohol. Alcohol in Thai bars, restaurants, discotheques can be found not only in a fair amount, but also in the variety causing light-headedness. Cocktails, mixes, necks, and just classic light and strong drinks “in pure form” - all of them in cool condensed bottles insidiously invite vacationers and locals to get rid of thirst and improve their mood. And you know, many succumb to this temptation. The statistics are as follows: 4.5 drinks per week.

The greatest demand in Thailand is Bia - Thai beer. In supermarkets, a bottle of this drink can be bought for 35-100 baht, or for $ 1-3. Moreover, both local and foreign production: Singha Light, Chang Draught, Leo, Archa, Phuket Beer, Federbräu, Heineken. For a greater antipyretic effect, Thais add pieces of ice to beer.

Thrill-seekers don't miss Thai rum and Mekhong whiskey. Locals recommend using Mekong with soda or cola. (Perhaps it is these “advisers” that increase the statistics on the consumption of liquids with degrees in the country.)

Fifth Place - Japan

Residents of the land of the rising sun consume alcohol at lunch and dinner, in public transport, on the subway or train, to pass the trip. And in the spring, to sip fortified drinks, they gather in large noisy companies in the parks. Especially when sakura blossoms. And imagine, law enforcement officers do not bother them exactly until they cause any damage or disrupt public order. That is, observing the limits of decency, in Japan you can drink even in public places. But only, of course, if you are not driving. In this case, other legislative rules work. A ride under the hop threatens with job loss and imprisonment.

On average, the Japanese consume 4.4 drinks per week. The diet of fortified drinks consists of beer, whiskey and traditional sake (rice vodka).

Sixth place - Bulgaria

When they start a conversation with the Bulgarians about alcohol, they immediately recall the saying: “Russians drink and have a snack, and Bulgarians eat and drink.” Although the level of alcoholism in Bulgaria exceeds pan-European rates. The favorite drink of the population of this country is “rakiya” (fruit moonshine). Not a single celebration or significant event is complete without it. Make brandy homegrown and industrial methods. Quality varieties of this drink are not inferior in the number of degrees and taste properties of brandy. And Bulgarians consume about 3.9 servings of alcohol per week.

Seventh place - Ukraine

Ukrainians, like Bulgarians, in terms of alcohol prefer national traditions. More precisely, Ukrainian vodka - “vodka”. The first samples of this national product with a solid number of degrees appeared in the XVII century. This is evidenced by many historical documents. In those days, the vodka was also called “hot wine”. Well, nowadays, gorilki in combination with beer and wine per one Ukrainian in terms of portions account for 3.9 units per 1 week.

Eighth place - Slovakia

The main drink of the country is wine. From year to year, the grape-growing regions of Slovakia delight the inhabitants with a harvest and inspire them to exquisite winemaking. The final product, that is, wine, turns out to be delicious and healthy for them. What is the variety "Slovak sparkling Hubert" worth. However, nobler and stronger drinks of Slovak production - brandy Karpatsk, liqueurs Torec and Demnovka. In terms of statistics, Slovakia consumes about 3.8 servings per week.

Ninth Place - Brazil

Brazilian alcohol addiction is somewhat similar to Russian. 30% of Brazilians frankly admit that they are not averse to sipping something fortified at least once a week. And in the ratio of servings, the amount of alcohol they consume is 3.6 units.

Tenth place - USA

America in the top alcoholic countries got the last place. Yes, there are plenty of establishments where you can be tempted by alcohol. There are hundreds, thousands of bars, discos, casinos, and restaurants in every US state. But strict federal laws do not really allow Americans to indulge in alcohol. In particular, the country has an age limit - alcohol is allowed for boys and girls over 21 years of age. As a result, one citizen of the United States accounts for 3.3 drinks.

Of course, looking at the TOP, it becomes clear that every nation has its favorite alcoholic beverage, however, like its traditions, holidays. However, the health organizations of each of the presented countries (without exception!) Also traditionally persistently warn: “Dear citizens! Alcohol harms your health! ”

Global alcohol statistics are dealt with by the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization conducts a large-scale study of this problem every five years. The most recent analytical report on this topic was published by WHO in 2014.

In the European tradition there is no such stigma as "patients with alcoholism." They usually talk about "people who have problems with alcohol." The figure is 10-15% of people from the entire population who have such problems of varying severity.

Narcological registration of alcoholics in Europe does not exist, therefore it is impossible to name the percentage of patients with alcoholism in our understanding of this phrase.

Europeans are the most drinking people in the world. It is logical to assume that in countries with a large amount of alcohol consumed, a higher percentage of alcohol-dependent people and shorter life expectancy. However, statistics show that there is no rigid relationship between these factors.

The conversion of alcohol into abuse is influenced by indirect factors, namely:

• The standard of living of people.
• The culture of alcohol.
• Types of alcoholic beverages that the population predominantly consumes.
• Attitude to patients with alcoholism.

Alcoholism, according to the generally accepted opinion, is characteristic of social groups with a low status, education and income. Of course, alcoholism also affects affluent members of society, for example, those belonging to show business and the entertainment industry. However, these cases are single and, like any exceptions, only confirm the general rule. A high standard of living is associated with well-paid work, certain obligations, an appropriate circle of acquaintances. Together, these factors did not initially suggest alcohol abuse.

The European drinking culture also prevents people from rolling into abuse. It is customary to drink there in bars and pubs, while the drink does not turn into an end in itself, but accompanies pastime in a pleasant company.

Here it should be borne in mind that alcohol in European countries is not cheap and at times exceeds the cost of domestic alcoholic drinks.

This applies to both regular vodka and branded drinks. The high price puts barriers to drunkenness. Connoisseurs of quality alcoholic drinks do not drink much.

The types of alcoholic beverages used have an effect on the alcoholization of the population. In theory, over long periods of time, alcoholism can be formed by drinking beer, wine, or any other drink. However, the abuse of spirits makes the formation of alcoholism faster and more aggressive. For example, in Moldova, with one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption (mainly in the form of wine), life expectancy is one of the highest in Europe.

Finally, the attitude towards people with alcoholism in Europe is characterized by humanity and the promotion of their inclusion in the environment. To this end, there are groups of Alcoholics Anonymous, various trainings and psychotherapeutic courses that help addicted people not to feel like outcasts to no one. A high level of socio-psychological assistance to patients with alcoholism prevents the occurrence of relapses and promotes the socialization of patients with alcoholism, they are helped by:

• Get a job.
• To start a family.
• In hard situations.

In general, it can be noted that in Europe the problem of alcoholism is not considered paramount. European society is more concerned with the treatment of somatic diseases, which are caused by the use of alcohol in any quantity.

The situation in Russia

A deep delusion is the belief that in Russia they drink more than everywhere else. They drink a lot, but at the same time there are countries where they drink more. The erroneous opinion about the extreme spread of alcoholism in Russia is formed against the background of the general situation with the use of alcohol, which in Russia has its own local specifics:

These nuances of drinking in Russia determine what is called the national drinking habit.

With regard to alcoholism, it is difficult to talk about objective figures. First, not all countries maintain official records of alcohol abusers.

Secondly, even where it is conducted, for example, in Russia, it is difficult to understand how official figures reflect the real picture: in addition to those registered in the drug treatment center, a significant proportion of abusers do not fall into these statistics.

It is proved that in societies in which alcoholic beverages are in the open market, the percentage of people seeking medical help in connection with addiction is stable and amounts to 2%. The indicator may fluctuate at the level of statistical error from country to country.

Percentage of people with "alcohol problems", i.e. Abusers, but not yet seeking medical help due to addiction, is stable and ranges from 10% to 15%. This indicator is universal in nature and is true for all countries and societies in which alcohol is freely sold.

If these percentages are translated into the number of people using the example of Russia, we get the following picture. The first figure for those registered or seeking medical help for addiction is 2.8 million people. The second figure, indicating the number of people with "problems with alcohol" or who abuse alcohol, is 14-21 million.

For the European Union, with a population of 500 million people, these figures are 10 million and 51-76 million people, respectively.

Despite the fact that the first lines in the leaders in alcohol consumption are confidently and traditionally occupied by European countries, the attitude of European residents to alcohol is heterogeneous and differentiated by country.

Consider the countries that entered the top five with the highest alcohol consumption per capita. Data based on the 2014 WHO report.

Belarus:

• The country with the most drinking population: 17.5 liters in alcohol equivalent per capita per year.
• 26.5% of the population drink alcohol.
• The proportion of deaths associated with the consequences of alcohol consumption is 34.7%.
• Life expectancy - 72.1 g.

• 16.8 liters in alcohol equivalent per year.
• 32.2% of the population drinks alcohol.
• The proportion of deaths associated with the consequences of alcohol consumption is 33.1%.
• Life expectancy - 81.4 g.

• Life expectancy - 73.9 g.
• The proportion of deaths associated with the consequences of alcohol consumption is 30.9%.
• 36.7% of the population drinks alcohol.
• 15.4 liters in alcohol equivalent per year.

• 15.1 liters in alcohol equivalent per year.
• 19.3% of the population drinks alcohol.
• The proportion of deaths associated with the consequences of drinking alcohol is 30.5%.
• Life expectancy - 70.5 g.

• 14.4 liters of alcohol equivalent per year.
• 7.9% of the population drinks alcohol.
• The proportion of deaths associated with the consequences of alcohol consumption is 8.9%.
• Life expectancy - 68.7 g.

The top ten countries with the highest alcohol consumption also included other countries in central and eastern Europe:

• Ukraine (13.9 L).
• Andorra (13.8 L).
• Hungary (13.3 L).
• Czech Republic (13 L).
• Slovakia (13 L).

Economically developed countries are ranked in the following positions:

• 18th place - France (12.2 L).
• 23rd place - Germany (11.8 liters).
• 25th place - Great Britain (11.6 liters).
• 42nd place - the Netherlands (9.9 liters).
• 48th place - USA (9.2 L).
• 141 place - Israel (2.8 L)

When talking about mortality from alcoholism, they have in mind a complex of causes associated with alcohol abuse. It:

• Accidents - 29.6%.
• Oncological diseases - 21.6%.
• Cirrhosis of the liver - 16.6%.
• Cardiovascular diseases - 14%.
• Other reasons - 18.2%.

On average, annually in the world 4% of deaths are caused by excessive drinking. This corresponds to 2.5 million people.

Alcohol is an indispensable companion of relaxation. At the same time, in some countries of the world they drink purely symbolically, while in others there is a real cult of strong drinks. Among countries where alcohol is held in high esteem, France and Ireland can be distinguished. It turns out that the harsh Finns love to get drunk to insensibility, but the Italians are much more restrained in this regard.

The organization of economic cooperation and development tried to give an answer to the question about the drinking country itself. Based on the results of her research, 10 countries were identified whose citizens beat all records for alcohol consumption. They do not drink there because of a feeling of thirst or a solemn occasion; for this, the reason is not needed. The criterion for determining leaders is simple - the number of liters per year of alcohol consumed per capita.

Interestingly, testing was carried out in countries around the world, but the first 15 places belong to European countries, the exception was only distant Australia. It is also worth taking into account the existence of a culture of drinking and a penchant for hard drinking. This largely determines the predisposition of the nation to alcoholism. So, where do they drink the most, at meetings, holidays, when eating and just like that?

France (consumption of pure alcohol - 14.2 liters per year per person). Only one beer in the country is drunk annually per capita 35.5 liters. 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 the “paddling pools” have the same excellent taste. In this country, in addition to wine, they are well versed in food. In general, in France, exquisite wine goes hand in hand with delicious food, these two concepts here are inseparable, like baguette and brie cheese. It can be said simply - rarely when a meal is not accompanied by a meal. It is interesting that cheeses, pastries and fatty sauces are considered national products in France, only here residents of the country suffer from obesity and heart disease quite rarely. The reason for this is the food culture. In America, people usually eat fast, spending a minimum of time on it, as if participating in some kind of competition. The French, on the other hand, eat slowly, trying to feel the full taste of the products they ingest. Here it’s customary to sit by the TV after work, enjoying a multi-course dinner, wine and a cigarette. Also, the French are very talkative, not ceasing to communicate even for food and drink. Thus, even a certain ritual developed. There are quite a few favorite alcoholic beverages in France - Bordeaux, Burgundy, champagne, Beaujolais and this list is truly endless.

Italy (consumption of pure alcohol - 8 liters per year per person). Italy is one of those countries where wine is not only drunk, but also mass produced. As in the previous case, wine is an indispensable part of the Italian food culture. In this country, a grape drink is enjoyed with food and even children are allowed to do this, diluting only strong degrees. Italians even encourage their descendants in their addiction to a truly national drink. And you can understand the strong connection of food and wine only by looking at the local groves - here the vine is adjacent to olive trees. The US Department of Commerce in 2007 estimated that most of the vermouth and table wine in the country is imported from Italy. The statistics took into account the most diverse varieties of famous wines. The increase in exports was the result of increased demand for Italian wines, all of which improved the quality of alcohol products created in the European country. For example, in the Chianti region, they do not pursue the quantity of wine produced, but pay special attention to its quality. This area is famous for the manufacture of alcoholic drinks exclusively from red grapes Sangiovese. The variety is considered the most refined, and therefore expensive in the whole country. But in the recent past, Chianti was an ordinary red wine, in which white was added. The pride of Italy is such a liquor as grappa. It is made from grape marc, observing a number of strict conditions. The ripeness of the berries, the method and nature of wine production affect the quality of the final product.

Czech Republic (consumption of pure alcohol - 11.8 liters per year per person). But beer in the country accounts for 157 liters per year per person. And this is no coincidence, because in the Czech Republic the traditions of brewing and consumption of a foamy drink are centuries-old. And since the 1930s, local beer has become known and popular throughout the world. The process of production of the drink here is original. Beer pasteurization is not carried out, open fermenters are used. After the Velvet Revolution in the country, corporations significantly increased production volumes, which affected the quality. But still, the Czech “lager” and “Pilsner” are considered to be classics of beer varieties. Any guest who has visited this country is simply obliged to try draft beer in one of the many pubs. What is only U Fleku - the famous brewery restaurant, existing in Prague for more than 500 years! In such an institution you can feel the real Czech Republic, get acquainted with its cuisine and, of course, beer. Lager or Pilsner beer is a classic of the alcoholic genre in this country. Light, dark, banana, coffee - eyes widen out of diversity.

Germany (consumption of pure alcohol - 10.8 liters per year per person). And in this country much attention is paid to beer - they consume an average of 117 liters per year per person. Is it any wonder, knowing that such a drink here is not much more expensive than plain water? Germany is known for its liberalism, which is why alcoholic beverages are sold everywhere - at newsstands, small shops, and even at gas stations. The country is famous for the fact that it is allowed to drink alcohol in public places. This alone puts her at the highest places in the ranking of drinkers. So no one will pay attention if you open a bottle of beer at a bus stop or in a park. In general, Germans are very fond of having a barbecue in nature, and a plentiful amount of food will certainly be washed down with an alcoholic foamy drink. It is beer that is dedicated to national festivals that attract thousands of guests. The most famous of them is Oktoberfest. It is held annually in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. The beer festival lasts for 16 days in October. So harvest is celebrated. At the same time, the Germans eat their traditional sausages, eat sauerkraut, sing national songs and drink rivers of beer. Even mugs here are used in liter volume, immediately making it clear that no one intends to hack. In Germany, there are several varieties of wheat beer popular outside the country - Weizen, Weizenbock, Berliner Weisse and Leipziger Gose.

Denmark (consumption of pure alcohol - 11.5 liters per year per person). A lot of beer is also consumed in this country - 90 liters per month per person. The country is generally quite loyal to drinking alcohol - about 96% of Danes over 14 years old drink openly. It is not surprising that this small country unexpectedly became one of the leaders in terms of drinking alcohol. Such statistics are quite frightening, it suggests that in Denmark, as in other European countries, the attitude towards drinking is quite calm. In addition, in this country, cheap alcohol relative to Scandinavia, that’s why many Swedes come here for a drink. There are many different drinking establishments in Denmark, connoisseurs will like vinstues in traditional wine bars, and those who want to save money will have to visit vaertshus. In these smoky stalls, it’s also bad with lighting and full of suspicious personalities. French-style cafes are represented by bodegas, and in kaffebars taverns you can taste coarse greasy food and drink alcohol directly from the throat. The most famous Danish beers are Tuborg, Carlsberg and Lager.

Australia (consumption of pure alcohol - 9.8 liters per year per person). It is also worth considering about 110 liters of beer drunk per year per person. This country is the only one that does not represent Europe on this list. And the thing is that in the era when Western Australia was only conquered, this huge mainland, which was a British colony, used strong rum as a type of currency. Is it any wonder that the inhabitants of the colony were almost always in a state of drinking? Friendly drinking and drinking was considered quite a routine here. Since then, in Australia it is considered indecent to drink alone. Residents themselves are constantly looking for someone to share a drink with. Until the 1970s, Australia was generally among the leaders, competing in drinking alcohol with Ireland and Germany. But since then, the passion for drinking has gradually lost fashion. But there is still a tradition to order a drink for everyone present in the bar, just wait until one of the visitors gets drunk to insensibility. Such a ritual makes Australia one of the most drinkers. One of the most famous alcoholic drinks in the country is wine made from the Shiraz grape variety. ” The berry has taken root perfectly on the mainland, they say that the taste of the drink from it is rich and vibrant, which is impossible not to appreciate for gourmets.

Russia (consumption of pure alcohol - 9.29 liters per year per person). The word "vodka" has become one of the synonyms of our country. We invented this legendary already alcoholic drink from us. Vodka allows you to quickly get drunk before losing consciousness, which is often done by Russians. In an alcoholic dope it will be easy to get away from reality, only what to do with a terrible hangover? Russia is not a country where they pay attention to refined alcoholic cocktails. Martini, popular in Europe, is just an overseas curiosity. And why experiment when there is a proven national product? And the point is not only in patriotism, but in the fact that vodka is really cool alcohol. In Russia, it is used in its pure form, without additives in the form of soda, as in the West. The most zealous experimenters add even vodka to beer or drink it with this foamy drink. It’s hard for subtle connoisseurs of Russian drinks to drink, but such cocktails are quite common here. No wonder in Russia they say - "Vodka without beer is money down the drain." Vodka is usually served chilled, in small piles, and drunk in one gulp.

England (consumption of pure alcohol - 10.4 liters per year per person). Another 99 liters a year is drunk here in the form of beer. When the British begin to drink, they no longer feel the measures. Light or dark beer, ale, porter, whiskey pour in. Keeping up with the European Union, the country adopted a law according to which alcohol is allowed to drink around the clock. And before the adoption of such a decision, the British did not particularly restrain themselves. Now it has become possible to drink beer even at breakfast. The fact that drinking for England is a special passion is proved by the increase over the past 10 years in the number of diseases associated with alcohol consumption. And where without classical liver cirrhosis? There was a time when almost all English pubs closed at 11 pm. This fact provided fairly low rates of alcohol consumption. But today, nothing prevents drinkers in a hug with a bottle hanging around in such institutions around the clock. A break is only for sleep. It is believed that in England they love warm beer. In fact, it cools here, as elsewhere. It's just that in America, the drink is served generally icy. Among the favorites in England are ale and light bitter beer, they are drunk from simple half-liter glass mugs.

Finland (consumption of pure alcohol - 9.9 liters per year per person). Living in this northern country is not so fun. In winter it is cold, dark and boring. The air temperature drops to minus 30, and the night gives up its power to the day for only a few hours. Is it easy to resist drinking in such conditions? So the Finns seem to drink to forget and not notice the cold. In 2005, a study was conducted in Scandinavia, which showed that alcoholism is the main cause of death in these countries. Drinking killed more people between the ages of 15 and 64 than cancer or cardiovascular disease. The tradition of drinking in Finland is so rooted that the prohibitions of the authorities are perplexed. During the Prohibition period, even his hero appeared in the country, a resident of Helsinki Algot Niska (1888-1954), nicknamed the “king of smugglers”. All his exploits were carried out on the basis of illegal import of alcohol in the country, which the grateful Finns could not appreciate. Guinness vodka and beer are the most favorite spirits in the country. Strong strong drinks are in fashion, as in Russia. In addition, there are many Irish pubs in the country where you can taste the real Guinness.

Ireland (consumption of pure alcohol - 14.2 liters per year per person). Another 131 liters per person is drunk in the country of beer. Sometimes it seems that a sober Irishman is nonsense. In the country, drinking has long become commonplace. The stamina of the Irish in terms of drinking can best be seen at the St. Patrick's Day parade. Studies conducted by the London Press Associated show that at least once a week, about 48% of Irish drink alcohol. For comparison, in England this figure is 40%, and in France - 9%. Over time, beer was able to become an integral part of the island's life, now being mentioned in all the stories about it. The most famous brand, the subject of pride of Ireland, was Guinness. This beer is a legend, a symbol of St. Patrick's Day, the patron saint of Ireland. On this day, the slogan sounds everywhere in the country: “Kiss me, I am Irish,” and all the inhabitants put on green clothes. It is not surprising that in other countries, Ireland appears as the land of the Celts, where they drink without stopping. That is why this country takes first place in our ranking. And in addition to Guinness beer, it is worth noting the famous Harp beer. But is it possible to forget about Irish whiskey, known since the XII century?

The World Health Organization (WHO) published in 2014 a report on world alcohol consumption (as of 2010), which presented data on how many residents of different countries over 15 drink per liter of pure alcohol per year. Let's see who is in the top ten drinking countries in the world.

10 PHOTOS

10th place. Slovakia. Alcohol consumption by the average resident of this country in terms of pure alcohol is 13 liters, with an average consumption in the European region of 10.9 liters. At the same time, the male population of Slovakia drinks 20.5 liters per person, the female - 6.1 liters. (Photo: Renata Opprecht / flickr.com).

How much pure alcohol does alcoholic beverages contain, for example, wine with a strength of 13 degrees? 750 milliliters of such wine contains only 97.5 milliliters of pure alcohol. Now try to imagine how much you need to drink so that the average consumption in the country is equal to that of the “world record holder for alcohol consumption” or 17.5 liters of pure alcohol per year !?

  9th place. Czech. The average annual consumption of pure alcohol per 1 citizen over 15 years old is 13 liters, including 18.6 liters for men and 7.8 liters for women. (Photo: flamedot / flickr.com).
  8th place. Hungary. Every resident of this country over 15 drinks 13.3 liters of pure alcohol per year, with men - 20.4 liters, women - 7.1 liters. (Photo: Matteo Muratore / flickr.com).
  7th place. Andorra. An average resident of this country over 15 years old drinks 13.8 liters of pure alcohol per year, while among men consumption is 19.5 liters per person, among women - 8.2 liters. (Photo: JK04 / flickr.com).
  6th place. Ukraine. Each resident of this country over 15 drinks 13.9 liters of pure alcohol per year, with men - 22 liters, women - 7.2 liters. (Photo: alxpn / flickr.com).
  5th place. Romania. An average resident (over 15 years old) of Romania drinks 14.3 liters of pure alcohol per year, with men - 22.6 liters, women - 6.8 liters. (Photo: Matt Bigwood / flickr.com).
  4th place. Russia. The average annual consumption of pure alcohol per 1 resident of Russia aged 15 years and older is 15.1 liters. Men drink 23.9 liters a year, women - 7.8 liters. (Photo: Ilya Klenkov / flickr.com).
  3rd place. Lithuania. 15.4 liters of pure alcohol per year are drunk by an average resident (over 15 years old) of Lithuania, while men consume on average 24.4 liters, women 7.9 liters. (Photo: Michael Pretzsch / flickr.com).
2nd place. Moldova. The average annual consumption of pure alcohol per Moldovan resident over 15 years is 16.8 liters, including 25.9 liters per man and 8.9 liters per woman. (Photo: Andreas G / flickr.com).
  1st place. Belarus has become the world record holder for the consumption of pure alcohol per capita. For a year, an average Belarusian citizen over 15 drinks 17.5 liters of pure alcohol, while men drink 27.5 liters on average and 9.1 liters for women. (Photo: Radio Svaboda / flickr.com).

In the world today, alcohol takes more lives than HIV / AIDS, pneumonia and violence combined. In Belarus, the problem of alcoholism is becoming truly disastrous, it affects almost every family. And the social and economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption are becoming a heavy burden not only for a single family, but for the whole society. The only way to get rid of alcohol addiction is treatment. There are many methods for the complex treatment of alcoholism, both drug and non-drug, as well as innovative programs that can be found on netzavisimosti.by. Help your loved ones! Alcoholism is a disease that must be treated like any other!