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Nearly a quarter of European Union citizens (24%) are smokers, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey on smoking.
The survey reveals that the smoking rate across the bloc has remained relatively unchanged since 2020, with just a 1% drop.
According to the Eurobarometer study, the highest concentration of smokers is in the 25-39 age range (32%), while the lowest rate is among those aged 55 and older.
Unemployed people are the most likely to smoke (40%), followed by manual workers (37%). Those in managerial positions make up 20%.
The percentage of smokers tends to be higher among people who have difficulty paying their bills (38%) rather than those without any financial stress (21%).
According to the survey, traditional packed cigarettes remain the most popular, with 77% of smokers choosing them. The remaining 23% prefer hand-rolled cigarettes.
The comprehensive study reveals that daily consumption of tobacco varies widely across the EU, with the average being 14 cigarettes a day. This rate has remained stable since 2020.
A Eurobarometer survey conducted in summer 2020 showed that more than one in 10 subjects had at least tried an e-cigarette. This latest overview suggests that the percentage of EU citizens who use e-cigarettes is just 3%.
In the EU, men are more likely to use tobacco products than women (28% vs 21%).
And of those surveyed, 56% say they have never smoked in their life. So, which EU countries have the highest and lowest rates of smokers?
Sweden has the lowest rate of smokers. According to Eurobarometer statistics, 3% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 28% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In the Netherlands, 13% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 30% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In Demark, 7% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 41% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In Finland, 6% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 34% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In Ireland, 12% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 37% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In Portugal, 20% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 52% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In the Czech Republic, 16% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 31% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In Germany, 7% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 35% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In Italy, 8% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 49% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In Spain, 16% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 29% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In Estonia, 6% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 23% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In Hungary, 4% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 55% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In Poland, 4% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 56% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In France, 20% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 34% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
Exact smoking rates for Lithuania and Cyprus are currently unavailable. However, based on previous data, the Eurobarometer survey calculates the EU average for these two nations at 29%.
In Austria, 13% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 42% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In Latvia, 3% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 31% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In Romania, 12% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 42% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In Croatia, 16% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 52% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
In Greece, 30% of the population smokes at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 48% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
The EU nation with the highest rate of smokers is Bulgaria, with 7% of the population smoking at least 21 cigarettes per day, while 52% smokes between 11 and 20 per day.
Smoking continues to be the leading preventable health risk in the European Union. According to the European Commission, tobacco consumption is responsible for nearly 700,000 deaths every year. Around 50% of smokers die prematurely (on average 14 years earlier).
Smoking is also the main cause of preventable cancer, with 27% of all tumors attributed to the habit, according to the World Health Organization.
Sources: (European Commission) (Euronews) (World Health Organization)
See also: Rare cancers that challenge the medical profession
A study conducted by the European Commission has highlighted smoking trends across the European Union (EU). According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, one in four EU citizens smoke, with eastern and southeastern European countries showing the highest rates of tobacco use. Elsewhere, usage is far lower. So, where is the habit most prevalent, and who's more likely to crave nicotine?
Click through the following gallery and find out how much these countries smoke.
What European Union countries have the highest smoking rates?
Who reaches for the tobacco more than others?
HEALTH Society
A study conducted by the European Commission has highlighted smoking trends across the European Union (EU). According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, one in four EU citizens smoke, with eastern and southeastern European countries showing the highest rates of tobacco use. Elsewhere, usage is far lower. So, where is the habit most prevalent, and who's more likely to crave nicotine?
Click through the following gallery and find out how much these countries smoke.