Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Harmful alcohol consumption causes 3 million deaths worldwide every year, making it one of the biggest health problems in the world. However, some countries forbid their citizens to manufacture, sell, import and consume alcoholic beverages.
So, what is the most sober country? Read on to see our team’s interesting findings.
Top 5 Most Sober Countries in the World
5. Egypt
The average pure alcohol consumption in Egypt amounts to 0.14 liters in 2019. It includes residents from 15 years old and older, with 0.24 liters of pure alcohol consumption by males and 0.037 liters by females.
Egyptians started brewing beer 3,000 years ago, but the country’s religious prohibitions and strict alcohol guidelines make it hard to drink this alcoholic beverage.
According to recent studies, beer consumption in Egypt only reached 1.14 liters, continuously declining from its all-time high record of 3.7 liters in 2007.
The Al-Ahram Beverages and Egyptian International Beverage Company are the top alcohol industry players in this country.
4. Yemen
In 2019, Yemen’s average pure alcohol consumption amounted to 0.034 liters, with 0.059 liters for male and 0.009 liters for female consumers.
Selling alcohol is illegal in the country, except for hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs in Sana’a and Aden.
From 1976 to 1990, during the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen, alcohol consumption was legal across the south.
After the reunification, the country prohibited alcohol trade and consumption following a constitution based on Sharia law.
However, non-Muslim tourists are allowed to have a limited alcohol volume, but they should only drink in their private places.
3. Libya
Libya closely followed Yemen’s average pure alcohol consumption for 2019 at 0.027 liters. Men in this country consumed 0.047 liters of pure alcohol while women had 0.007 liters.
The alcohol ban started in Libya in the first days of Colonel Qaddafi’s revolution in 1969.
Alcoholic beverages are quite famous in this country despite being illegal. But the high prices led the Libyans to turn to their homemade booze or the “bokha.”
One of the major alcohol poisonings in the world happened in Libya in 2013, affecting over one thousand citizens in the country [1].
This event prompted some arguments over legalizing alcohol in Libya for some time.
2. Afghanistan
According to the World Health Organization, pure alcohol consumption in Afghanistan is almost non-existent, with a record of 0.013 liters in 2019.
Men consumed at least 0.022 liters, while women almost had an insignificant consumption of 0.003 liters.
Alcohol is forbidden for Afghan nationals, but before the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, foreigners could bring in two liters or two bottles of alcoholic beverages.
There are severe punishments for people who violate the strict alcohol guidelines of the country, such as being jailed for three years and multiple lashes.
1. Bangladesh, Somalia, Mauritania, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia
These five countries are at the bottom of alcohol consumption charts, recording zero value in 2019. Manufacturing, trading, importing, and drinking alcoholic beverages are completely illegal to the residents of these countries.
Once found guilty, the authorities imposed strict punishments for violators.
Bangladesh, Somalia, Mauritania, and Kuwait allowed visiting foreigners and non-Muslims to drink alcoholic beverages in their private places.
However, since Saudi Arabia is the heartland of Islamic devotion and prayer, foreigners must be extremely cautious regarding alcoholic drinks [2]. It is better to abstain from drinking when visiting this country.
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What’s the Most Sober US State?
- The most sober state is Utah, with 1.36 gallons of per capita ethanol consumption in 2020.
- The main reason for this low alcohol consumption is that over half of Utah’s residents are Mormon, forbidding them to drink alcoholic beverages.
- Utah also implements restrictive laws regarding alcohol purchasing and drinking. For example, restaurants only serve alcoholic beverages with food, and bars must close at 2 am.
- In 2018, Utah was the first and only state to adopt the 0.05 blood alcohol concentration as the legal standard for driving [3].
FAQs Related to What is the most sober country?
What defines a “sober” country?
A “sober” country typically refers to a nation with low levels of alcohol consumption per capita and/or a culture that places less emphasis on alcohol in social settings. Factors contributing to a country’s sobriety include cultural attitudes toward alcohol, government policies and regulations, religious or moral beliefs, and socioeconomic factors.
In sober countries, alcohol may play a less prominent role in social gatherings, and individuals may be less likely to engage in heavy or binge drinking behaviors.
Additionally, there may be stricter regulations on alcohol sales and advertising, as well as public health campaigns promoting responsible drinking habits.
Why are Scandinavian countries often considered the most sober?
Scandinavian countries, such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, are often considered among the most sober nations due to several factors. Firstly, these countries have historically had strict government regulations on alcohol sales and distribution, including high taxes, limited availability, and strict advertising restrictions.
Additionally, cultural attitudes toward alcohol in Scandinavia tend to prioritize moderation and responsibility, with social norms discouraging excessive drinking.
Furthermore, the strong welfare systems in these countries provide support for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction or related issues, contributing to lower rates of alcohol abuse and dependency compared to other regions.
How do government regulations influence alcohol consumption?
Government regulations play a crucial role in influencing alcohol consumption patterns within a country. Policies such as minimum drinking ages, restrictions on alcohol sales hours, and taxes on alcohol can affect the availability, affordability, and accessibility of alcoholic beverages.
Higher taxes and pricing can discourage consumption by making alcohol less affordable, especially for younger or lower-income individuals. Regulations on advertising and marketing can also influence consumer behavior by shaping perceptions and attitudes toward alcohol.
Additionally, government interventions such as public health campaigns, education initiatives, and treatment programs can help raise awareness about the risks of excessive drinking and promote responsible alcohol use.
Overall, government regulations are instrumental in shaping the alcohol consumption landscape and mitigating alcohol-related harm within a society.
Are there cultural factors that contribute to lower alcohol consumption?
Yes, cultural factors can significantly influence alcohol consumption patterns, contributing to lower levels of alcohol intake in certain societies. Cultural norms and values surrounding alcohol, such as attitudes toward moderation, social drinking, and alcohol’s role in social gatherings, can shape individual behaviors and societal practices.
In cultures where alcohol is less central to social interactions or where moderation is emphasized, individuals may be less inclined to engage in heavy or binge drinking.
Additionally, religious or spiritual beliefs may influence attitudes toward alcohol, with some cultures promoting abstinence or moderation as part of religious observance. Cultural traditions, rituals, and customs related to alcohol consumption can also impact drinking behaviors, with some societies incorporating practices that encourage responsible drinking habits.
What are the health benefits of lower alcohol consumption?
Lower alcohol consumption is associated with several health benefits, both in the short term and long term. In the short term, reducing alcohol intake can lead to improved sleep quality, better hydration, and enhanced cognitive function.
It can also decrease the risk of alcohol-related accidents, injuries, and violence. In the long term, lower alcohol consumption is linked to a reduced risk of developing chronic health conditions such as liver disease, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and neurological disorders.
Additionally, moderating alcohol intake can support overall mental health and well-being by reducing the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Overall, adopting a pattern of responsible drinking or abstaining from alcohol altogether can contribute to better physical and mental health outcomes over time.
Does socioeconomic status influence alcohol consumption rates?
Socioeconomic factors can influence alcohol consumption, with higher-income individuals often having greater access to alcohol and consuming more than those with lower incomes. However, this correlation may vary depending on cultural norms and government policies within each country.
Who drank the most alcohol ever?
There are no official records of who drank the most alcohol ever because of the potential danger it imposed on people. However, there are some legendary drinking stories of famous personalities, such as Andre, the Giant. People around him claimed he used to drink 156 beers in one sitting, equivalent to 14.6 gallons.
What is the most alcoholic country?
Czechia is the most alcoholic country, with 14.26 liters of pure alcohol per capita consumption in 2019. Like other European countries, Czechia views drinking alcoholic beverages, particularly beer, as part of their national heritage. This alcohol drink is cheaper than water in this country, and most Czech residents drink beer with their traditional meals.
So, What is the most sober country?
The Prohibition Era only lasted for more than a decade in the United States, forbidding the residents to produce and consume alcoholic beverages.
But in some countries, consuming alcohol remains completely illegal, leading some of us to wonder, “What is the most sober country?”
It turns out that five countries tie at the bottom of worldwide alcohol consumption charts, with Saudi Arabia imposing the strictest guidelines even for visiting foreigners.
References:
- Libya’s ‘complicated relationship’ with alcohol
- 14 Countries Where Drinking Alcohol Is Illegal
- Utah ready to lower its drunken-driving threshold to .05
