Latvia’s Men Lead EU Smoking Rates, Defying Health Trends

Nation’s male smokers surge as EU figures decline

Latvia is facing a significant public health challenge as its male population exhibits the second-highest smoking rates in the European Union, a stark contrast to the overall downward trend across the bloc.

Alarming Trends Emerge from Eurostat Data

Eurostat’s 2023 indicators reveal that 24% of EU residents aged 15 and older currently smoke, a decrease from 26% in 2017. However, within Latvia, the picture is far more concerning. While 20% of Latvian women abstain from tobacco, a staggering 48% of men continue to smoke, a figure surpassed only by Bulgaria.

This represents a substantial shift for Latvia. In 2020, the male smoking rate stood at 43%, with women at 22%. The latest data shows a 5% increase among men and a 2% drop among women. Back in 2017, the overall smoking rate was also 32% (21% of women, 47% of men), indicating Latvia is moving against the European tide towards reduced tobacco consumption.

Baltic Comparison Shows Latvia Lagging

Latvia also emerges as the heaviest smoking nation among the Baltic states. Lithuania reports a 29% overall smoking rate (43% men, 17% women), while Estonia’s rate is 25% (33% men, 18% women).

Lowest Rates Observed in Nordic Nations

Conversely, Sweden boasts the lowest smoking prevalence in the EU, with just 8% of its population smoking. Denmark and the Netherlands follow with 14% and 11% respectively. These nations also demonstrate significantly lower rates for both genders. Sweden reports 9% for men and 8% for women, the Netherlands 13% and 10%, and Denmark 16% and 12%.

The detrimental health impacts of smoking are well-documented, contributing to conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, with a significant portion of these deaths attributable to secondhand smoke.