Tobacco around the world in 2026: key figures, prevalence and mortality by country
8 million deaths a year, 1.2 billion smokers, 80 % in low- and middle-income countries. The state of tobacco worldwide in 2026, in numbers and regions.
Half the planet smoking less, the other half where consumption is exploding. An industry endlessly reinventing its products while the death toll piles up. Here is the state of tobacco around the world in 2026 — the picture is not linear, and that is what makes it interesting.
The big picture in a few numbers
WHO, *WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000-2030*, 2025
The key numbers to remember:
| Indicator | Value 2025-2026 |
|---|---|
| Smokers (15+) worldwide | around 1.2 billion |
| Global prevalence 15+ | around 20 % |
| Deaths/year linked to active smoking | around 7 million |
| Deaths/year from second-hand smoke | more than 1 million |
| Life expectancy lost by a smoker | around 10 years |
| Share of smokers in low/middle-income countries | 80 % |
The trend: it is going down, but not everywhere
The WHO (2025) projects that global smoking prevalence will reach around 18-20 % in 2025 for ages 15 and over, against 33 % in 2000. That is a real drop, the result of decades of public-health policies (taxes, plain packaging, smoke-free spaces, prevention).
The gaps between countries are huge
Adult smoking (15+) ranges from less than 5 % in 'historically low' tobacco countries (Ethiopia, Ghana) to over 50 % in some Asian and Eastern European countries.
| Country / region | Adult prevalence (2024 figures) |
|---|---|
| France | around 24 % (17 % daily) |
| United Kingdom | around 11 % |
| Germany | around 25 % |
| Spain | around 26 % |
| Italy | around 24 % |
| Poland | around 21-25 % |
| Indonesia (men) | over 60 % |
| Russia | around 36 % |
| China | around 25 % |
| Sweden | less than 8 % (but snus very common) |
The countries that have (almost) won
Four countries have implemented the full set of MPOWER measures recommended by the WHO (high taxes, plain packaging, complete advertising bans, smoke-free spaces, helplines, visual warnings). Seven others are one measure away.
Three iconic examples:
Australia: one of the lowest prevalence rates (around 11 %), pioneer of plain packaging.
United Kingdom: 'Smokefree 2030' target (< 5 % prevalence). In 2024, for the first time, vapers outnumber smokers.
New Zealand: long-time champion of the 'smoke-free generation', approach partly rolled back since 2024.
The world is on track to reduce tobacco use, but we must accelerate. The industry keeps looking for new markets and new products to lock in another generation.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
WHO Director-General, 2025
Myth vs reality
Second-hand smoke, a continent within the continent
WHO, 2024 data
Second-hand smoke affects non-smokers living or working with smokers. It causes lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections in children. Smoke-free public spaces (transport, then cars carrying minors in several countries) have cut this burden significantly — but it remains substantial.
The new fronts: vape, IQOS, nicotine pouches
The tobacco industry has found ways to renew its offer. In 2025-2026:
E-cigarettes: global growth, intense health debates (ally for smokers / new trap for the young).
Heated tobacco (IQOS, glo, Ploom): present in over 70 countries, growing fast.
Nicotine pouches (ZYN, Velo): market booming, particularly in Poland and the UK.
Disposables (puffs): banned in several countries in 2024-2025 (UK, France, Belgium).
In United Kingdom
Your questions
-
How many people have quit smoking worldwide since 2000?
Hard to put an exact figure on, but the prevalence drop (from 33 % to 20 %) over 25 years represents the equivalent of several hundred million people leaving smoking — not counting those who never started thanks to prevention policies. -
Why is tobacco less of a force in East Africa?
Several reasons: historically low prevalence, strict bans, active public-health policy in several countries (Ethiopia, Kenya). But the industry is intensifying its marketing there. -
Is France a good or a bad student?
Rather medium-good. Prevalence is dropping fast (-4 million smokers in 10 years), particularly among the young (3.1 % daily smokers at age 16). But the adult level remains above several European neighbours (UK, Norway, Sweden). -
Which country in the world smokes the most?
For men, Indonesia leads (over 60 % of adult men). Globally, several Eastern European and Central Asian countries are close. -
Is the end goal zero tobacco?
The WHO aims for a continuous reduction rather than a zero target. Several countries (UK, NZ, Finland) have announced an objective of less than 5 % prevalence by 2030-2040.
sources
WHO, WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000-2030, 2025.
WHO, WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic 2025, 2025.
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Global Burden of Disease 2023, 2025.
Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), Statistics on smoking, England, annual statistical release, 2025.
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