The global tobacco market continues to expand and is expected to grow at a growth rate of 2.5% from 2024 to 2030, reaching an estimated $1,049.87 billion.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking is considered a dangerous and deadly habit, claiming more than 8 million lives every year. Alarmingly, about 1 billion people worldwide smoke, 80% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries.
The gender difference in smoking prevalence is significant, with less than 10% of women smoking globally compared to about 40% of men.
20. Cyprus
Total female smokers: 23.9%
Cyprus has a large female smoking population, but it has declined slightly. The prevalence of smoking among high school girls is 23.2%, with 19.0% of 17-18-year-olds smoking daily. Men are three times more likely than women to smoke, and 30.1% of men smoke daily. Smoking rates among adolescents aged 13-15 years are higher than in some countries, but lower than in others.
19. Austria
Total number of female smokers: 24%
In Austria, the prevalence of smoking, especially among women, is increasing year by year, making Austria one of the countries with a high prevalence of smoking among women. Between 1986 and 1995, the number of women who smoke regularly increased by 33.7 per cent to 24.2 per cent. About 31% of women aged 15 and older smoke regularly, with the 25-34 age group having the highest numbers. In 2022, the smoking rate among women was 24% and has fluctuated over time. In Austria, the health risks associated with smoking include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory diseases that affect individuals, families, and society.
18. Belgium
Total number of female smokers: 24.5%
In Belgium, daily smoking is more prevalent in men (18% as of 2018, with a higher prevalence of smoking than women (12%). In 2019, approximately 947,191 adult females smoked. Daily smoking prevalence is highest among people aged 15 years and older, with a downward trend since 1997. Lower levels of education are associated with higher smoking rates, and people with higher smoking rates have higher smoking rates. People with a middle school education are 3.1 times more likely to smoke every day than the general population. The economic cost of smoking in Belgium is €8.6 billion per year, including medical expenses and lost productivity. In Belgium, smoking accounts for 18% of all deaths, with a higher proportion of men.
17. Papua New Guinea
Total number of female smokers: 24.9%
Papua New Guinea has a high prevalence of female smoking, with a female smoking rate of 24.94% in 2022, placing Papua New Guinea among the countries with the highest female smoking prevalence. The study found that 8% of the NCD women interviewed were smokers, with the highest prevalence in 15- to 16-year-olds. The economic cost of smoking in Papua New Guinea is enormous, with smokers spending a significant portion of GDP per capita on cigarettes. Tobacco use causes noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes, and 13% of deaths in the country are attributed to smoking, with a higher proportion among men.
16. Lebanon
Total number of female smokers: 25.7%
Lebanon has one of the highest smoking rates in the Middle East. The average age of teens who smoke for the first time is about 13, and boys smoke more than girls. Smoking-related diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer are major health problems in Lebanon, leading to high mortality rates.
15. Czech Republic
Total number of female smokers: 26.5%
In the Czech Republic, there is a high rate of smoking among women, and in 2022, the smoking rate among adult women will reach 26.5%. Female doctors smoke more frequently than male doctors and the general female population. The costs associated with smoking are high due to the treatment of diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, and stroke.
14. Chile
Total number of female smokers: 26.7%
In 2022, the smoking rate among women in Chile was about 26.7%. Smoking accounts for 11% of all deaths in Chile, and female smokers are at higher risk of spontaneous abortion and early menopause. The economic cost of smoking is enormous, at about 3.01% of GDP per capita per year. More than 2.3 million adult women in Chile smoke, resulting in smoking-related illnesses, accounting for 16% of all deaths, about 16,472 in 2017. Chile is also one of the countries with the most serious smoking problems.
13. Kiribati
Total number of female smokers: 26.8%
In Kiribati, there is a high percentage of female smokers, with a smoking rate of 32.3% among adult women reaching 35.9%, and in 2022 it was reported to be 26.8%, making Kiribati one of the most smoked countries. Smoking poses a significant financial burden due to the cost of purchasing tobacco and treating related diseases. Smoking-related illnesses common among female smokers in Kiribati include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and other tobacco-related diseases, adding to the country's healthcare burden.
12. Spain
Total number of female smokers: 27.5%
In Spain, the prevalence of smoking among women has been increasing, and in 2022, the smoking rate reached 27.5%. Prevalence is highest in the 25 to 44 age group. Spain faces significant health challenges related to smoking, with common diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
11. Hungary
Total number of female smokers: 28.1%
In Hungary, the proportion of female smokers has increased, reaching 28.1% in 2022. The country faces huge economic costs due to smoking. Smoking-related diseases such as cancer and heart disease are major concerns, accounting for 21% of all deaths. The tobacco industry profits from the production and sale of tobacco products, with Hungary producing 8 billion cigarettes in 2016, leading to environmental hazards and health risks.
10. Slovakia
Total number of female smokers: 28.5%
In Slovakia, the prevalence of smoking among women is 28.5 per cent. Smoking leads to cigarette costs, health care for smoking-related diseases, and loss of productivity. Common smoking-related diseases include lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory diseases, posing significant health risks and financial burdens.
9. Greece
Total number of female smokers: 30.6%
In Greece, smoking remains an important public health issue, with a higher prevalence of smoking among men (44.3%) than among women (30.6%). At work, at home, and in public places, secondhand smoke exposure is noteworthy. The smoking epidemic has created a huge economic burden. The prevalence of smoking in Greece in 2018 was 34.50% despite the declining trend in hospitalization costs for smoking-related diseases.
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Total number of female smokers: 30.9%
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, about 30.9% of adult women smoke, placing Bosnia and Herzegovina among the countries with high female smoking rates. Tobacco-related diseases are a major problem, accounting for 25% of all deaths. Smokers spend a significant portion of their income on cigarettes, spending an average of 6.09% of GDP per capita per year to buy 100 packs of cigarettes. An estimated 730 tonnes of waste cigarette butts are generated each year, with an impact on the environment.
7. Montenegro
Total number of female smokers: 33.2%
Montenegro has a high smoking prevalence among women, reaching 33.2% in 2022. The overall smoking rate is 32% due to the rising smoking prevalence among women of all ages. Smoking-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and cancer, are of major concern.
6. France
Total number of female smokers: 33.7%
France has one of the highest rates of female smoking in the world, with more than one in five women aged 18-75 smoking daily. By the age of 17, nearly a quarter of girls smoke every day. The prevalence of smoking among young women increased from 19.2% in 2014 to 27.6% in 2019. From a financial point of view, French cigarette excise tax revenues amount to millions of euros per year, with a value of €4.22 per pack of cigarettes in 2019.
5. Croatia
Total number of female smokers: 37.3%
Croatia had a smoking prevalence of 36.7% in 2020, with the majority of smokers concentrated in the 25-44 age group, making it one of the countries with a higher smoking prevalence among women. Although the prevalence of smoking among women fell from 31.6 per cent to 21.7 per cent between 1999-2001 and 2002-2005, this remains a matter of concern. Smoking has been linked to a variety of diseases, including vascular stenosis, lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with stroke being the leading cause of death and disability.
4. Andorra
Total number of female smokers: 37.9%
In Andorra, about 37.9% of women smoke, and smoking rates often vary by age group. Among adolescents, more girls than boys smoke, but boys consume more cigarettes. Virginia tobacco is the first choice for 95% of smokers, more than half of whom use filters to roll cigarettes.
3. Bulgaria
Total number of female smokers: 38.7%
Bulgaria has a high smoking prevalence of 40.3% for men and 38.7% for women, making it one of the countries with a high smoking prevalence among women. Smoking accounts for 18% of all deaths, with 25.4% of male and 10.9% female deaths attributable to smoking.
2. Serbia
Total number of female smokers: 39.1%
In Serbia, there is a high rate of smoking, with 39.1% for women and 39.9% for men, making it one of the countries with the most smokers. The country has the second-highest percentage of daily smokers in Europe at 26%. Tobacco spending has increased significantly, accounting for 9% of the budget. Smoking-related diseases have a significant impact on mortality, with smokers dying an average of 16 years earlier than non-smokers. This leads to a significant loss of life span and working years, hence the need for effective smoking cessation measures.
1. 瑙鲁
Total number of female smokers: 48.1%
In Nauru, female smoking rates fluctuate but remain high, making it one of the most smoked countries. In 2022, the smoking prevalence among adult females was 48.1%, a decrease from previous years. It is important to note that the smoking rate is higher among women than among men in Nauru. The overall smoking prevalence decreased from 64% in 2000 to 42% in 2015 and is expected to fall further to 32% by 2025. Common smoking-related diseases include respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and various cancers.