Posted on by Jerome Anthony

Nine top alcohol guzzling countries in the world: Check per capita liquor consumption trends

Most of us have that one favourite alcoholic beverage that we savour after a hectic day at work or when we socialise with friends and family. Although alcohol preferences differ according to geographies, climatic conditions, and social engagements, it is increasingly becoming a part of every adult's weekend schedule.
Most of us have that one favourite alcoholic beverage that we savour after a hectic day at work or when we socialise with friends and family. Although alcohol preferences differ according to demographics, climatic conditions, and social engagements, it is increasingly becoming a part of every adult’s weekend schedule. (Image: Shutterstock)
Be it a couple of beer pints, a few glasses of wine, cocktails or the hard drinks like whiskey, rum and vodka, people are increasingly consuming alcohol. Recent research conducted by Ireland's Health Research Board from data compiled from 38 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, concluded that Latvians consumed the most alcohol at 12.2 litres of alcohol consumed a year on average per person. Let's take a look at the top-10 alcohol guzzling countries in the world and their per capita alcohol consumption.
Be it a couple of beer pints, a few glasses of wine, cocktails or the hard drinks like whiskey, rum and vodka, people are increasingly consuming alcohol. Ireland’s Health Research Board compiled data from 38 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and concluded that Latvians consumed the most alcohol at 12.2 litres a year on average per person. Let’s take a look at the top-9 alcohol guzzling countries in the world and their per capita alcohol consumption. (Image: Shutterstock)
As of the latest available data, alcohol consumption per capita in India is approximately 5.7 liters of alcohol (hard drinks) per person per year. However, this list decodes the European Trend, which has declined by 0.5 litres between 2010 and 2020 according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Do note that alcohol consumption can vary significantly across different regions and demographics within a country.
As per latest available data, alcohol consumption per capita in India is approximately 5.7 liters (of hard drinks) per person per year. However, this list decodes the European Trend, which has declined by 0.5 litres between 2010 and 2020 according to the World Health Organization (WHO). (Image: Shutterstock)
No 9. Turkey | Consumption per capita: 1.4 liters | Charting as the lowest drinking nation per capita, Turkey's average consumption is only 1.4 liters per person annually.
No 9. Turkey | Alcohol consumption per capita: 1.7 liters | Charting as the lowest drinking nation per capita, Turkey’s average consumption is only 1.7 liters per person annually. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 8. United States | Alcohol consumption per capita: 1.4 liters | With an average consumption of 9.5 liters per person annually, the US secures the 18th spot on the list.
No 8. United States | Alcohol consumption per capita: 9.5 liters | With an average consumption of 9.5 liters per person annually, the US secures the 18th spot on the list. (Image: Reuters)
No 7. United Kingdom | Alcohol consumption per capita: 10 liters | The UK averages 10 liters of alcohol consumed per person annually, earning it the 15th spot in the rankings.
No 6. Ireland | Alcohol consumption per capita: 1.4 liters | Emerald Isle Indulgence: Despite efforts to reduce alcohol consumption, Ireland still ranks high, with an average of 9.9 liters per person annually, coming in sixth on the list. (Image: Reuters)
No 6. Ireland | Alcohol consumption per capita: 9.9 liters | Despite efforts to reduce alcohol consumption, Ireland still ranks high, with an average of 9.9 liters per person annually, coming in sixth on the list. (Image: Reuters)
No 5. Austria | Alcohol consumption per capita: 11 liters | Rounding Out the Top Five: Austria ties with Estonia, also boasting an average consumption of 11.1 liters per person annually.
No 5. Austria | Alcohol consumption per capita: 11 liters | Austria ties with Estonia, also boasting an average consumption of 11.1 liters per person annually. (Image: Reuters)
No 4. Estonia | Alcohol consumption per capita: 11.1 liters | With an average consumption of 11.1 liters per person annually, Estonia secures its spot in the top five alcohol-consuming countries.
No 4. Estonia | Alcohol consumption per capita: 11.1 liters | With an average consumption of 11.1 liters per person annually, Estonia secures its spot in the top five alcohol-consuming countries. (Image: Reuters)
No 3. Czech Republic | Alcohol consumption per capita: 11.6 liters | Known for its beer culture, the Czech Republic ranks third with an average consumption of 11.6 liters per person annually. (Image: Reuters)
No 3. Czech Republic | Alcohol consumption per capita: 11.6 liters | Known for its beer culture, the Czech Republic ranks third with an average consumption of 11.6 liters per person annually. (Image: Reuters)
No 2. Lithuania | Alcohol consumption per capita: 12.1 liters | Just behind Latvia, Lithuania follows closely with an average of 12.1 liters of alcohol consumed per person each year.
No 2. Lithuania | Alcohol consumption per capita: 12.1 liters | Just behind Latvia, Lithuania follows closely with an average of 12.1 liters of alcohol consumed per person each year. (Image: Reuters)
No 1. Latvia | Alcohol consumption per capita: 12.2 liters | With an average consumption of 12.2 liters per person annually, Latvia tops the list of alcohol-consuming countries.
No 1. Latvia | Alcohol consumption per capita: 12.2 liters | With an average consumption of 12.2 liters per person annually, Latvia tops the list of alcohol-consuming countries. (Image: Reuters)