Beer-Loving Nations: Per Capita Consumption Leaders

Beer is the world's most popular alcoholic drink, but which countries consume the most per capita? According to data from the Kirin Brewery Company, the Czech Republic tops the list, with 184.1 litres consumed per capita in 2021, marking the 29th year in a row it has held this position. This is almost double the amount of beer consumed per capita in Austria, which comes in second place. Other countries in the top ten include Namibia, Germany, Estonia, Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Croatia. Interestingly, the UK and the US do not make the top ten, ranking 25th and 17th, respectively.

Czech Republic: 6.30/184.1 litres per capita

The Czech Republic is the country whose citizens drink the most beer per capita. In 2021, the average Czech drank 6.30 litres of ethanol from beer per year, or 184.1 litres of beer per year. This has been the case for at least the last 29 years, and possibly for the last 30. This is the equivalent of each person drinking 290.8 633ml bottles of beer a year.

The Czech Republic's high beer consumption may be due in part to the low cost of beer in the country. In some parts of the country, beer can cost less than bottled water. One visitor to Prague noted that they drank eight beers a day while visiting the city and felt great. Another person commented that beer in Prague is "magical, cheap, tasty and plentiful".

The country's long brewing history may also be a factor in its high beer consumption. Budweiser, for example, originated in the Czech city of České Budějovice. The country is also known for its small brewers, which are expected to boost beer production over the next decade.

The Czech Republic's beer consumption far outpaces that of other countries. In second place for beer consumption per capita is Austria, where citizens consume 98.7 litres of beer per year—less than half the amount consumed in the Czech Republic.

Gabon: 6.37 litres per capita

In Gabon, citizens drink an average of 6.37 litres of ethanol from beer per capita, according to data from the Global Health Observatory (GHO) branch of the World Health Organization (WHO). This data captures the consumption of ethanol in litres from beer by people over the age of 15 in a single calendar year. Notably, Gabon is a country in Central Africa, and its beer consumption per capita is higher than that of well-known beer-drinking nations such as the Czech Republic and Austria, which consume 6.3 and 5.88 litres per capita, respectively.

Gabon's distinction as the top-ranked country in beer consumption per capita is intriguing, especially when compared to other countries with notable drinking cultures. For instance, the United States, known for its substantial beer consumption, does not even rank in the top 15 globally for beer consumption per capita. This highlights that per capita consumption can be influenced by a range of factors beyond cultural associations with drinking.

One factor that may contribute to Gabon's high per capita beer consumption is the affordability of beer within the country. The cost of beer relative to other goods, including bottled water, can influence drinking habits and make beer a more accessible and preferred beverage choice. Additionally, cultural and social factors unique to Gabon may also play a role in shaping drinking behaviours.

It is worth noting that the data on beer consumption per capita does not consider the varying strengths of different beers. The volume of ethanol consumed from beer may not directly translate into the volume of beer consumed, as the alcohol content can vary across different beer types and brands. Nonetheless, Gabon's position as the country with the highest beer consumption per capita is notable and suggests a high level of beer drinking among its citizens.

While Gabon leads the world in per capita beer consumption, it is worth mentioning that several countries, including Afghanistan, Kuwait, Libya, and Pakistan, report no beer consumption at all. These countries have different cultural and religious norms that influence their drinking habits, resulting in a stark contrast to Gabon's drinking culture.

Austria: 5.88 litres per capita

Austria is a country with a rich beer culture and a high per capita consumption of this beverage. With 5.88 litres per capita, Austria ranks third in the world for ethanol consumption from beer. This places it behind only Gabon and the Czech Republic, respectively.

Austria's beer culture is deeply ingrained in its society and history. The country has a long tradition of brewing and enjoying beer, with many local and regional varieties available. Austrian beer gardens and breweries are also popular destinations for tourists and locals alike, contributing to the country's high per capita consumption.

One factor that may contribute to Austria's high beer consumption is the affordability of beer within the country. In some parts of Austria, beer can be cheaper than bottled water, making it an economical choice for those looking to unwind or socialise. Additionally, the country's breweries often offer a wide range of unique and tasty beers, from light lagers to dark stouts, appealing to a diverse range of drinkers.

Austria's beer consumption is also influenced by its geographical location and cultural norms. Neighbouring countries, such as Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, also have strong beer cultures, which may contribute to a similar appreciation for beer in Austria. Social gatherings and celebrations in Austria often involve drinking beer, further normalising and encouraging its consumption.

It is worth noting that Austria's per capita beer consumption figure of 5.88 litres refers specifically to the amount of ethanol consumed from beer per person. This figure may not include all beer consumption, as some individuals may drink low-alcohol or non-alcoholic beers that contain less ethanol. Nonetheless, this statistic provides a valuable insight into the drinking habits and preferences of Austrians.

China: largest beer-consuming country in the world

China is the largest beer-consuming country in the world in terms of volume. In 2021, China consumed 34,979 thousand tons of beer, or 38,093 thousand kilolitres in 2023. However, due to its massive population of over 1.4 billion people, China does not rank highly in beer consumption per capita. In fact, it does not even break the top 35 countries in this regard.

The country that consumes the most beer per capita is the Czech Republic, which has held this position for 29 consecutive years. In 2021, the Czech Republic consumed 140.12 litres per capita, or 184.1 litres per capita in 2023. This is nearly double the amount of beer consumed per capita in Austria, which ranks second in this category.

In terms of beer production, China is also the world's leading producer. In 2023, China's beer output stood at 360 million hectoliters, with the United States in second place with 193 million hectoliters. A hectolitre is equivalent to 100 litres.

Beer is the world's most popular alcoholic beverage and is especially popular in the United States, which consumes 6.5 billion gallons of beer per year. However, the US does not even rank in the global top 15 in terms of beer consumption per capita.

UK: 25th place

The UK has a reputation for binge drinking, but it doesn't rank highly in terms of beer consumption per capita. In fact, the UK ranks 25th in the world for beer consumption per capita, falling outside of the top 20. This may come as a surprise to some, given the UK's drinking culture in cities like Cardiff, Newcastle, and Bristol.

The latest data from 2021 shows that the Czech Republic is the country that consumes the most beer per capita, with an average consumption of 184.1 litres per person annually. This is the 29th year in a row that the Czech Republic has topped this ranking. In some parts of the country, beer is even cheaper than bottled water, making it an affordable and popular drink of choice.

Following the Czech Republic, Austria ranks second with 98.7 litres per capita, and Gabon, a close third with 6.37 litres per capita. It is worth noting that several countries, including Afghanistan, Kuwait, Libya, and Pakistan, do not report any beer consumption at all.

While the UK may not rank in the top 20 for beer consumption per capita, it is still an important market for beer. The country has a strong drinking culture, and beer is widely consumed, just not at the same levels as some other countries.

Additionally, the UK has experienced a negative growth in beer consumption in recent years. Between 2019 and 2022, the UK saw a decrease in beer consumption, along with other countries like the United States, Germany, and Japan. This could be due to a variety of factors, including changing drinking preferences, economic conditions, or public health initiatives.

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