Beer Consumption: Which Country Leads The World?

Beer is the world's most popular alcoholic drink, and different countries have different reputations when it comes to how much of it they consume. While the UK, for example, is known for binge drinking, it doesn't even make the top 20 in terms of beer drunk per capita. So, which country drinks the most beer?

Czech Republic: 140.12 litres per person in 2021

The Czech Republic is the country that consumes the most beer per capita in the world. In 2021, the Czechs drank 140.12 litres of beer per person, according to World Population Review. This is the equivalent of 290.8 633ml bottles of beer per person per year, or 4,816 ounces, which is about 241 standard 20-ounce beers per person annually.

The Czech Republic has a long history of brewing and is the birthplace of pilsner. Beer is also cheaper than bottled water in the country, at around $1 USD for a half-litre. This contributes to the high consumption of beer, which has been the case for many years. In 2014, the country produced 1,851,000 kl of beer, with an average consumption of 138.1 litres per person per year, placing them in third position globally. In 2015, the Czechs drank approximately 142.4 litres per person, retaining the top spot for beer consumption per person for the 23rd consecutive year.

The Czech Republic has a population of just under 10.5 million people, which helps to keep its beer consumption per capita high. In comparison, China consumes the greatest total volume of beer, but due to its large population, it does not rank highly for beer consumption per capita. The Czech Republic's per capita consumption makes up around 1.1% of the global beer market share.

China: highest total volume of beer

China may not be the first country that springs to mind when considering the world's biggest beer drinkers, but it is, in fact, the country that consumes the greatest total volume of beer. In 2021, China consumed 34,979 thousand tons of beer, or 38,093 thousand kilolitres according to another source.

Despite this, China doesn't feature in the top 35 countries in terms of beer consumption per capita. This is due to its huge population of 1.425 billion people. In other words, while China consumes the highest total volume of beer, it is not among the top countries for beer consumption per person.

The country that drinks the most beer per capita is the Czech Republic, which has held the top spot for 29 years in a row. In 2021, the Czech Republic consumed 140.12 litres per capita, or 184.1 litres per capita according to another source. That's almost double the amount consumed by Austria, which came second in the rankings.

The Czech Republic's love of beer may be due in part to the fact that it is the birthplace of pilsner, with the country's first brewery founded in 933 AD at Břevnov Monastery in the capital city of Prague. Beer in the Czech Republic is also cheaper than bottled water, typically costing around $1 USD for a half-litre.

Germany: 90.4 litres per capita

Germany is a country with a rich history of brewing and beer consumption. While it may not top the list for per-capita beer consumption, it consistently ranks highly among countries with the highest beer consumption. With 90.4 litres per capita, Germany places seventh in per-capita beer consumption according to a 2023 ranking.

Germany has a long and proud history of brewing, with many modern brewing processes and beer styles originating from the country. One notable example is Oktoberfest, a world-renowned beer festival that takes place annually in Munich, celebrating Bavarian culture and, of course, beer. This festival attracts visitors from all over the world, showcasing Germany's beer culture on a global stage.

In addition to its cultural significance, Germany also boasts impressive beer production numbers. In 2014, the country produced an impressive 9,560,000 kl of beer, further emphasising the important role that beer plays in German society and the country's historical connection to the beverage.

Germany's love for beer is also reflected in its performance in previous years' rankings. In 2015, Germany tied with Austria for third place in per-capita beer consumption, demonstrating its consistently high consumption rates.

While Germany's per-capita beer consumption of 90.4 litres is impressive, it is worth noting that other countries, such as the Czech Republic, have higher per-capita consumption rates. However, Germany's position as a top beer-drinking nation is solidified by its combination of cultural significance, historical connection, and high production and consumption numbers.

Beer is the world's most popular alcoholic drink

The popularity of beer varies across the world, with some countries consuming much more beer per capita than others. The country that consumes the most beer per capita is the Czech Republic, with an average consumption of 140.12 litres per person in 2021. This is the equivalent of 290.8 633ml bottles of beer per person per year. The Czech Republic has a long history of brewing, with a brewery founded in the country as far back as 933 AD. It is also the birthplace of pilsner.

While the Czech Republic leads in per capita consumption, China consumes the greatest total volume of beer. In 2021, China drank 34,979 thousand tons of beer, which equates to 1969 thousand kilolitres. However, due to its large population, China does not rank highly in per capita consumption.

Other countries that are known for their beer consumption include Germany, Austria, Poland, Ireland, and Romania, which all feature in the top ten for per capita consumption in different years. Beer is also popular in the United Kingdom, the United States, and many other European countries.

Beer is often associated with social gatherings and celebrations, and its sales peak during the holiday month of December. With its long history, global popularity, and diverse range of styles, beer has become an integral part of cultures worldwide.

UK: 25th place in global beer consumption

Despite its reputation for binge drinking, the UK is only ranked 25th in global beer consumption per capita. While the UK certainly enjoys its beer, with a long history of pub culture and social drinking, its per capita consumption lags behind many other countries. This ranking may come as a surprise to some, especially considering the UK's reputation for heavy drinking, but it is important to note that this ranking takes into account the total amount of beer drunk per capita, not just the reputation or intensity of drinking sessions.

The latest data from 2021 places the UK at 25th, with an average consumption of 96.8 litres per person per year. This is a significant amount of beer, but when compared to the top-ranking countries, it becomes clear that the UK's beer consumption is relatively moderate. For context, the country that drinks the most beer per capita is the Czech Republic, which consumes 140.12- 184.1 litres per capita annually, according to different sources. This is nearly double the amount consumed in the UK.

The Czech Republic's love for beer is well-known, and it has held the top spot in beer consumption per capita for multiple consecutive years. Beer is deeply rooted in the country's culture and history, with breweries dating back to at least 933 AD. The Czech Republic is also the birthplace of pilsner, a popular style of beer, and beer is often cheaper than bottled water there. This combination of cultural, social, and economic factors contributes to the high per capita beer consumption in the Czech Republic.

While the UK may not rank in the top 10 or even the top 20, its beer consumption is still notable. The UK produced 4,120,400 kl of beer in 2014, and its per capita consumption is higher than that of many other countries. However, when it comes to the global ranking, the UK's beer consumption is relatively moderate compared to the top-consuming nations.

It is important to note that these rankings and consumption figures can fluctuate over time as social, cultural, and economic factors change. Additionally, other factors, such as the availability and popularity of other alcoholic beverages, can also influence a country's beer consumption. Nonetheless, the UK's ranking of 25th place in global beer consumption provides an interesting perspective on the nation's drinking habits.

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