Drunkest Countries in the World Ranked by Alcohol Consumption 2025

Alcohol plays a major role in social life across the globe. From celebrations to casual gatherings, drinking is often embedded in tradition and culture. But not all countries consume alcohol equally.

In 2025, alcohol consumption patterns reveal much about national habits, public health, and societal norms. This article explores the drunkest countries in the world ranked by alcohol consumption in 2025 using the latest available data. We break down global trends, spotlight high-consuming nations, and highlight regional shifts in drinking behavior.

How the Rankings Were Determined

Data Sources and Methodology

To create a fair and accurate ranking, this list is based on liters of pure alcohol consumed per capita (ages 15 and up), as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), OECD, and IHME (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation). The data includes:

• Recorded consumption: Legal alcohol sales
• Unrecorded consumption: Homemade or illegally produced alcohol
• Per capita figures: Average amount per person aged 15+

What Does “Alcohol Consumption” Mean?

The WHO defines alcohol consumption as the average annual intake of pure ethanol, expressed in liters. One liter of pure alcohol equals roughly:

• 100 beers (330ml, 5%)
• 40 bottles of wine (750ml, 12.5%)
• 25 bottles of spirits (700ml, 40%)

Top 15 Drunkest Countries in the World (2025 Ranking Table)

The table below ranks countries by total alcohol consumption per capita in 2025:

Most countries in the top 15 are from Europe, with beer and spirits as dominant choices.

Europe – Still the Epicenter of Alcohol Use

Cultural Acceptance of Drinking

Europe has long held the top spot for alcohol consumption. Drinking is deeply woven into the social and cultural fabric of many European nations. Countries like the Czech Republic, Germany, and France treat alcohol, especially beer and wine, as part of daily life rather than just for special occasions.

Popular Alcohol Types in Europe

Why European Countries Dominate

• Long-standing alcohol production traditions
• Liberal alcohol laws
• Affordability and accessibility
• Strong pub and bar culture

Other Regions: Surprising Trends

Asia and Africa: Lower but Growing

Many Asian and African countries have traditionally had low alcohol consumption due to cultural, religious, or legal restrictions. However, countries like Vietnam, China, and South Africa are seeing rising consumption due to urbanization, economic growth, and Western influence.

Latin America: Mixed Patterns

Latin America shows mixed drinking patterns. While Mexico and Argentina have moderate levels, some countries like Brazil are experiencing rising binge drinking, especially among youth.

Middle East: Lowest Alcohol Consumption

Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Pakistan report the lowest alcohol use globally, often less than 1 liter per capita, due to religious prohibitions and strict legal controls.

Health, Social, and Economic Impact of High Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol and Public Health

Excessive drinking leads to serious health issues, including:

• Liver cirrhosis
• Cancers (especially oral and liver)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Mental health disorders

According to the WHO, alcohol contributes to over 3 million deaths annually worldwide.

Social Consequences

Heavy alcohol use affects society in multiple ways:

• Increased accidents and injuries
• Domestic violence
• Reduced productivity
• Burden on healthcare systems

Government Responses

Many countries are

• Increasing taxes on alcohol
• Running public awareness campaigns
• Restricting marketing and sales

Country Spotlights

Czech Republic—Still on Top

The Czech Republic has led global alcohol consumption for several years. Beer is a national pride, with the highest beer consumption per capita in the world. Pilsner and lager are staples of Czech social life.

Moldova—Wine Culture Meets Overconsumption

Moldova has a deep-rooted wine culture, but high homemade wine production has contributed to excessive unrecorded alcohol use. Poverty and lack of regulation are also contributing factors.

Germany—A Beer Giant

Germany’s Oktoberfest is world-famous, but its drinking culture extends beyond that. Beer is cheap and widely available, and drinking in public is legally permitted.

Countries With Declining Alcohol Consumption

France and the UK

Once top alcohol consumers, both countries are seeing a gradual decline thanks to:

• Public health efforts
• Youth-led moderation trends
• Greater interest in wellness

Nordic Countries

Countries like Sweden and Norway have seen reduced consumption due to:

• High alcohol taxes
• Government-run alcohol monopolies
• Emphasis on public health

Future Forecast—Global Alcohol Consumption Trends

Rise of the “Sober-Curious” Movement

Globally, young people are showing less interest in alcohol. Movements promoting sobriety, health, and mental well-being are gaining traction, especially in the U.S., U.K., and parts of Asia.

Growth of Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

The market for non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits is expanding rapidly. Consumers are choosing drinks that allow them to socialize without the side effects of alcohol.

Digital Monitoring and Personalized Health

Apps and wearables are helping people track their alcohol intake and understand its impact on their health, encouraging more mindful drinking.

FAQs on Global Alcohol Use

Q: What is considered high alcohol consumption?

More than 10 liters of pure alcohol per person per year is often considered high.

Q: Why do European countries dominate these rankings?

Cultural normalization, easy access, and historical traditions play major roles.

Q: Which country drinks the most beer, wine, or spirits?

• Beer: Czech Republic
• Wine: France (per capita)
• Spirits: Russia or South Korea (depending on data source)

Takeaways

The 2025 global ranking of the drunkest countries in the world shows Europe continues to lead, though regional trends are shifting. Cultural norms, economic conditions, and public policies all influence alcohol consumption. As we look forward, the rise of health-conscious habits and technological tools may help curb excessive drinking. But for now, countries like the Czech Republic, Latvia, and Moldova remain at the top of the list.

Understanding these patterns is essential for shaping smarter health policies, social awareness campaigns, and personal lifestyle choices. Whether you’re a policymaker, health advocate, or simply curious, staying informed on global alcohol trends is more important than ever.