Average Spirits Consumption Per Capita 2002
Average spirits consumption per capita highlights drinking habits in different countries, measured in liters annually.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Russia | 6.96 liters | |
2 | Saint Lucia | 6.619 liters | |
3 | Thailand | 6.11 liters | |
4 | Romania | 5.81 liters | |
5 | Dominica | 5.464 liters | |
6 | Estonia | 5.05 liters | |
7 | Kyrgyzstan | 4.95 liters | |
8 | Mauritius | 4.941 liters | |
9 | Bulgaria | 4.774 liters | |
10 | Belarus | 4.75 liters | |
11 | Ukraine | 4.584 liters | |
12 | Grenada | 4.407 liters | |
13 | Slovakia | 4.29 liters | |
14 | Hungary | 4.06 liters | |
15 | Czech Republic | 3.94 liters | |
16 | Barbados | 3.858 liters | |
17 | Laos | 3.688 liters | |
18 | Guyana | 3.687 liters | |
19 | Lithuania | 3.59 liters | |
20 | Haiti | 3.546 liters | |
21 | Antigua and Barbuda | 3.41 liters | |
22 | North Korea | 3.393 liters | |
23 | Philippines | 3.354 liters | |
24 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 3.353 liters | |
25 | Equatorial Guinea | 3.264 liters | |
26 | Bahamas | 3.238 liters | |
27 | Ireland | 3.19 liters | |
28 | Seychelles | 3.07 liters | |
29 | Latvia | 3.04 liters | |
30 | Serbia | 2.922 liters | |
31 | France | 2.74 liters | |
32 | Cuba | 2.733 liters | |
33 | Brazil | 2.73 liters | |
34 | Republic of Moldova | 2.691 liters | |
35 | Andorra | 2.665 liters | |
36 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 2.611 liters | |
37 | Zimbabwe | 2.61 liters | |
38 | Liberia | 2.603 liters | |
39 | Luxembourg | 2.59 liters | |
40 | Spain | 2.59 liters | |
41 | Dominican Republic | 2.559 liters | |
42 | Niue | 2.526 liters | |
43 | Angola | 2.508 liters | |
44 | Suriname | 2.472 liters | |
45 | Armenia | 2.463 liters | |
46 | Portugal | 2.46 liters | |
47 | Germany | 2.44 liters | |
48 | Nicaragua | 2.421 liters | |
49 | United States | 2.42 liters | |
50 | Peru | 2.394 liters | |
51 | Finland | 2.37 liters | |
52 | United Kingdom | 2.33 liters | |
53 | Trinidad and Tobago | 2.258 liters | |
54 | Greece | 2.249 liters | |
55 | Ecuador | 2.177 liters | |
56 | Cyprus | 2.141 liters | |
57 | United Arab Emirates | 2.122 liters | |
58 | Montenegro | 2.114 liters | |
59 | Canada | 2.1 liters | |
60 | Kazakhstan | 2.09 liters | |
61 | Poland | 2.07 liters | |
62 | Panama | 2.049 liters | |
63 | Netherlands | 2.04 liters | |
64 | Chile | 1.9 liters | |
65 | El Salvador | 1.773 liters | |
66 | Paraguay | 1.759 liters | |
67 | Belize | 1.732 liters | |
68 | Slovenia | 1.69 liters | |
69 | Georgia | 1.686 liters | |
70 | Albania | 1.677 liters | |
71 | Iceland | 1.65 liters | |
72 | Venezuela | 1.641 liters | |
73 | Switzerland | 1.61 liters | |
74 | Belgium | 1.59 liters | |
75 | Jamaica | 1.569 liters | |
76 | Bahrain | 1.566 liters | |
77 | Austria | 1.56 liters | |
78 | Honduras | 1.548 liters | |
79 | China | 1.53 liters | |
80 | Sri Lanka | 1.46 liters | |
81 | Botswana | 1.423 liters | |
82 | Denmark | 1.42 liters | |
83 | Malta | 1.395 liters | |
84 | Sweden | 1.39 liters | |
85 | New Zealand | 1.35 liters | |
86 | Croatia | 1.337 liters | |
87 | South Africa | 1.33 liters | |
88 | Guatemala | 1.305 liters | |
89 | Gabon | 1.264 liters | |
90 | Turkmenistan | 1.251 liters | |
91 | Australia | 1.25 liters | |
92 | Israel | 1.206 liters | |
93 | Uzbekistan | 1.192 liters | |
94 | Mongolia | 1.17 liters | |
95 | Norway | 1.12 liters | |
96 | Nauru | 1.109 liters | |
97 | Italy | 1.07 liters | |
98 | India | 1.018 liters | |
99 | Cabo Verde | 0.972 liters | |
100 | Uruguay | 0.94 liters | |
101 | Nepal | 0.89 liters | |
102 | Syrian Arab Republic | 0.852 liters | |
103 | North Macedonia | 0.821 liters | |
104 | Vanuatu | 0.802 liters | |
105 | Lebanon | 0.75 liters | |
106 | Namibia | 0.736 liters | |
107 | Costa Rica | 0.734 liters | |
108 | Côte d'Ivoire | 0.712 liters | |
109 | Maldives | 0.693 liters | |
110 | South Korea | 0.67 liters | |
111 | Fiji | 0.647 liters | |
112 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 0.64 liters | |
113 | Colombia | 0.625 liters | |
114 | Turkey | 0.607 liters | |
115 | Lesotho | 0.588 liters | |
116 | Guinea-Bissau | 0.537 liters | |
117 | Tonga | 0.51 liters | |
118 | Uganda | 0.509 liters | |
119 | Qatar | 0.507 liters | |
120 | Bolivia | 0.499 liters | |
121 | Kenya | 0.465 liters | |
122 | Tajikistan | 0.462 liters | |
123 | Myanmar | 0.447 liters | |
124 | Japan | 0.42 liters | |
125 | Argentina | 0.41 liters | |
126 | Oman | 0.387 liters | |
127 | Jordan | 0.353 liters | |
128 | Nigeria | 0.325 liters | |
129 | Tanzania | 0.311 liters | |
130 | Samoa | 0.309 liters | |
131 | Malawi | 0.306 liters | |
132 | Bhutan | 0.285 liters | |
133 | Sao Tome and Principe | 0.266 liters | |
134 | Congo | 0.266 liters | |
135 | Cambodia | 0.258 liters | |
136 | Djibouti | 0.229 liters | |
137 | Mexico | 0.221 liters | |
138 | Togo | 0.179 liters | |
139 | Benin | 0.174 liters | |
140 | Singapore | 0.17 liters | |
141 | Burkina Faso | 0.167 liters | |
142 | Tuvalu | 0.13 liters | |
143 | Mozambique | 0.129 liters | |
144 | Papua New Guinea | 0.105 liters | |
145 | Rwanda | 0.099 liters | |
146 | Ethiopia | 0.097 liters | |
147 | Tunisia | 0.096 liters | |
148 | Kuwait | 0.086 liters | |
149 | Vietnam | 0.081 liters | |
150 | Eswatini | 0.079 liters | |
151 | Algeria | 0.074 liters | |
152 | Malaysia | 0.072 liters | |
153 | Comoros | 0.071 liters | |
154 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 0.07 liters | |
155 | Madagascar | 0.067 liters | |
156 | Solomon Islands | 0.062 liters | |
157 | Niger | 0.056 liters | |
158 | Azerbaijan | 0.056 liters | |
159 | Egypt | 0.055 liters | |
160 | Iraq | 0.051 liters | |
161 | Ghana | 0.048 liters | |
162 | Morocco | 0.045 liters | |
163 | Central African Republic | 0.039 liters | |
164 | Senegal | 0.036 liters | |
165 | Brunei Darussalam | 0.031 liters | |
166 | Chad | 0.029 liters | |
167 | Sierra Leone | 0.028 liters | |
168 | Eritrea | 0.02 liters | |
169 | Timor-Leste | 0.016 liters | |
170 | Mali | 0.015 liters | |
171 | Gambia | 0.014 liters | |
172 | Guinea | 0.014 liters | |
173 | Pakistan | 0.01 liters | |
174 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 0.01 liters | |
175 | Cameroon | 0.006 liters | |
176 | Burundi | 0.004 liters | |
177 | Bangladesh | 0.003 liters | |
178 | Indonesia | 0.002 liters | |
179 | Afghanistan | 0 liters | |
180 | Iran | 0 liters | |
181 | Libya | 0 liters | |
182 | Mauritania | 0 liters | |
183 | Somalia | 0 liters | |
184 | Sudan | 0 liters | |
185 | Yemen | 0 liters |
- #1
Russia
- #2
Saint Lucia
- #3
Thailand
- #4
Romania
- #5
Dominica
- #6
Estonia
- #7
Kyrgyzstan
- #8
Mauritius
- #9
Bulgaria
- #10
Belarus
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #185
Yemen
- #184
Sudan
- #183
Somalia
- #182
Mauritania
- #181
Libya
- #180
Iran
- #179
Afghanistan
- #178
Indonesia
- #177
Bangladesh
- #176
Burundi
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Insights by country
Gambia
In 2002, Gambia had an Average Spirits Consumption Per Capita of 0.01413127 liters, ranking #171 out of 185 countries. This low consumption level reflects a cultural context where alcohol consumption is less prevalent compared to many other nations, particularly in the West African region. Factors such as economic constraints and a predominantly Muslim population contribute to limited spirits consumption in Gambia.
Jamaica
In 2002, Jamaica ranked #75 globally in Average Spirits Consumption Per Capita, with a value of 1.5689087 liters. This figure is relatively low compared to top-ranked countries, indicating a unique consumption pattern within the Caribbean region. Factors contributing to this statistic include Jamaica's rich cultural heritage, which emphasizes rum production, and economic conditions that influence consumer spending on alcoholic beverages.
Austria
In 2002, Austria ranked #77 globally for Average Spirits Consumption Per Capita, with a value of 1.56 liters. This figure is relatively low compared to countries like Belarus, which consistently ranks at the top for spirits consumption. The moderate consumption in Austria can be attributed to a strong beer culture and a focus on wine, reflecting the country's rich agricultural traditions and social drinking norms.
Algeria
In 2002, Algeria ranked #151 globally in Average Spirits Consumption Per Capita, with a value of 0.07376471 liters. This figure is significantly lower than many countries in North Africa, reflecting the region's cultural attitudes towards alcohol consumption. Strict Islamic laws and social norms in Algeria limit the availability and acceptance of spirits, contributing to this low consumption rate.
Gabon
In 2002, Gabon ranked #89 globally with an average spirits consumption per capita of 1.2636306 liters. This figure is relatively low compared to other countries in the region, reflecting cultural attitudes towards alcohol consumption. Gabon's economy, heavily reliant on oil exports, influences lifestyle choices and spending habits, while its diverse population exhibits varying preferences regarding alcohol, contributing to this consumption rate.
Chad
In 2002, Chad had an Average Spirits Consumption Per Capita of 0.029116517 liters, ranking #166 out of 185 countries. This figure is notably low compared to global averages, reflecting cultural and religious influences that discourage alcohol consumption in the region. Additionally, economic factors such as poverty and limited access to alcohol contribute to this low consumption rate.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka ranked #80 globally in 2002 with an average spirits consumption per capita of 1.46 liters. This figure is relatively low compared to top-ranked countries, where consumption can exceed 10 liters per capita. Factors influencing this statistic include Sri Lanka's predominantly Buddhist population, which traditionally discourages alcohol consumption, as well as government policies that regulate the sale and production of alcoholic beverages.
Ghana
In 2002, Ghana had an Average Spirits Consumption Per Capita of 0.04753355 liters, ranking #161 out of 185 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting the country's cultural and economic factors that influence alcohol consumption. Ghana's predominantly agricultural economy and strong community values may contribute to lower spirits consumption compared to countries with more industrialized economies and different social norms.
Iran
In 2002, Iran ranked #180 globally with an average spirits consumption per capita of 0 liters. This figure starkly contrasts with many countries in the Middle East, where alcohol consumption is often restricted due to cultural and religious norms. The Islamic Republic's strict regulations on alcohol, stemming from its adherence to Islamic law, significantly contribute to this low consumption rate.
Denmark
In 2002, Denmark ranked #82 globally with an average spirits consumption per capita of 1.42 liters. This figure is notably lower than some of its Nordic neighbors, reflecting a regional trend towards moderate alcohol consumption. The relatively high cost of spirits due to taxation and a strong cultural emphasis on responsible drinking contribute to Denmark's consumption patterns.
Analysis & Context
In 2002, Russia led the world in Average Spirits Consumption Per Capita with a consumption of 6.96 liters annually, while the global range extended from 0.00 to 6.96 liters. The global average was 1.52 liters, indicating diverse drinking habits across the 185 countries surveyed.
High Consumption Patterns in Eastern Europe and the Caribbean
Eastern European countries, such as Russia and Romania, and Caribbean nations like Saint Lucia and Dominica, are prominent in the top ten for spirits consumption per capita. This high consumption can often be attributed to cultural norms where spirits play a central role in social and ceremonial occasions. For example, Romania recorded a consumption of 5.81 liters, while Saint Lucia reached 6.6193976 liters. These figures reflect the integration of spirits into daily life, often influenced by historical production and consumption traditions.
Zero Consumption in Predominantly Muslim Countries
At the opposite end of the spectrum, several countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia, reported 0 liters of spirits consumption. This is largely due to religious and cultural restrictions against alcohol consumption in predominantly Muslim countries. These prohibitions are often enforced through strict legal frameworks, which contribute to the absence of spirits consumption in these regions.
Economic Influence on Spirits Consumption
Economic factors also play a significant role in influencing spirits consumption. Countries with developing economies, such as Kyrgyzstan and Mauritius, recorded higher consumption levels of 4.95 liters and 4.940555 liters respectively, potentially due to the affordability and availability of locally produced spirits. In contrast, countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh, with consumption levels of 0.002099511 liters and 0.002976111 liters respectively, may experience lower consumption due to economic constraints and policy restrictions.
Year-over-Year Changes Highlight Emerging Trends
The year-over-year data reveals notable shifts, with Estonia experiencing the largest increase in spirits consumption by 1.13 liters (28.8%), reaching a total of 5.05 liters. This increase may reflect changes in social attitudes or economic growth that facilitates greater access to spirits. Conversely, Niue saw a dramatic decrease of 4.03 liters (-61.5%), illustrating how policy changes or shifts in public health priorities can heavily influence consumption patterns.
Overall, the 0.4% average decrease in global spirits consumption suggests a gradual shift in alcohol consumption patterns, possibly driven by health awareness campaigns and changing social attitudes toward drinking. Understanding these dynamics provides valuable insight into how cultural, economic, and policy factors shape global spirits consumption habits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Average Spirits Consumption Per Capita in 2002
Which country had the highest average spirits consumption per capita in 2002?
Russia had the highest average spirits consumption per capita in 2002, with 6.96 liters.
Which country had the lowest average spirits consumption per capita in 2002?
Afghanistan had the lowest average spirits consumption per capita in 2002, with 0 liters.
What was the average spirits consumption per capita across all countries in 2002?
The average spirits consumption per capita across all countries in 2002 was 1.52 liters.
What was the median spirits consumption per capita among countries in 2002?
The median spirits consumption per capita among countries in 2002 was 1.19 liters.
How many countries are included in the dataset for average spirits consumption per capita in 2002?
The dataset includes 185 countries for average spirits consumption per capita in 2002.
Which countries were in the top 3 for spirits consumption per capita in 2002?
The top 3 countries for spirits consumption per capita in 2002 were Russia with 6.96 liters, Saint Lucia with 6.62 liters, and Thailand with 6.11 liters.
Data Source
Spirits consumption per person | World Health Organization – Global Health Observatory via Our World in Data
Data produced by World Health Organization – Global Health Observatory, compiled and published by Our World in Data as "Spirits consumption per person".
Visit Data SourceCite this page
Geo Factbook. (n.d.). Average Spirits Consumption Per Capita by Country, 2002. Retrieved November 13, 2026, from https://geofactbook.com/fact/average-spirits-consumption-per-capita/2002
The figures on this page come from Spirits consumption per person | World Health Organization – Global Health Observatory via Our World in Data. For academic work, cite the original source as well.
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