A look at some of the top smoking nations
Oct 16, 2012, 2:04 PM
(AP) – Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev declared war on tobacco Tuesday, calling for a ban on tobacco advertising, an end to smoking in public and a rise in the price of a pack. Russia’s smoking rates are among the world’s highest, led by Kiribati where 57 percent of the adult population lights up. Here’s a look at the ways some other top smoking nations are trying to bring down the number of smokers:
GREECE
Percentage of adults who smoke: 52
Marlboro pack costs $4.80
Since 2009, most tobacco advertising is banned except in places where cigarettes are sold, and smoking is not allowed in public spaces. The smoking ban is widely ignored, and most bars still have ashtrays on tables.
RUSSIA
Percentage of adults who smoke: 42
Marlboro pack costs $2
Tobacco advertising is limited to marketing drives at bars and printed ads that carry health warnings. Smoking is prohibited on trains, airplanes and some other public places, but is allowed at most bars and clubs. Many cafes and restaurants have non-smoking areas.
ALBANIA
Percentage of adults who smoke: 40
Marlboro pack costs $2.20
Tobacco advertising is banned in Albania, and the law prohibits smoking in bars, offices and other places where people gather, but the rules are sometimes flouted.
BULGARIA
Percentage of adults who smoke: 37
Marlboro pack costs $3.50
A program introduced last year to limit tobacco advertising is commonly ignored, with celebrities commonly appearing on billboard ads. A full ban on smoking in indoor public spaces was imposed in June, meeting fierce opposition from restaurant owners who say they’re losing up to 50 percent of their business.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Percentage of adults who smoke: 37
Marlboro pack costs $4
Advertising tobacco products is broadly banned except at points of sale. Smoking is banned in public places including train stations, but is allowed in bars and restaurants at the owners’ discretion.
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Sources: World Health Organization’s Global Health Observatory Data Repository with contributions from AP correspondents.
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