Beer-Loving Country: Who Tops The List Globally?

Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks worldwide, with a long history dating back thousands of years. While China consumes the greatest total volume of beer, the Czech Republic has consistently topped the list for per-capita consumption over the last three decades. This trend has been attributed to various factors, including the affordability of beer compared to water in the Czech Republic and the country's cultural significance as the birthplace of pilsner.

Czech Republic: 30 years in a row as the highest per-capita beer consumption

The Czech Republic has been the number one country in the world for per-capita beer consumption for 30 years in a row. In 2022, the average person in the Czech Republic consumed 188.5 litres of beer per year, which is equivalent to drinking more than one bottle of beer per day. This is almost double the per-capita consumption of Austria, which is second on the list.

The Czech Republic's beer drinking culture has a long history. Beer has been an integral part of social and communal spaces in the country, and it is often cheaper than bottled water, at around $1 USD for a half-litre. The country is also the birthplace of the pilsner, a pale lager first invented in 1842 from Czech hops. Pilsner Urquell, the country's largest brewer, is currently owned by the Asahi Breweries conglomerate based in Japan.

The Czech Republic's high per-capita beer consumption is also due in part to its relatively small population of just under 10.5 million people. In comparison, China, which has a population of 1.425 billion people, consumes the greatest total volume of beer but does not rank in the top 35 countries for per-capita consumption.

The latest rankings from the Kirin Brewery Company's poll, which examines total per-capita beer consumption by country, placed the Czech Republic at the top once again in 2021, with 184.1 litres consumed per capita. This is the equivalent of each person drinking 290.8 633ml bottles of beer per year.

The Czech Republic's dominance in per-capita beer consumption has been a consistent trend for three decades, and it continues to be a key part of the country's culture and social fabric.

China: largest overall beer consumer for 20 straight years

China has been the largest overall beer consumer in the world for 20 straight years. In 2021, China consumed 34,979 thousand tons of beer, the largest volume of any country. In 2023, China's beer output stood at 360 million hectoliters, with the United States in second place producing 193 million hectoliters.

Beer has a long history in China, dating back to around 7000 BC when Chinese villagers brewed beer-type drinks with rice, honey, grape, and hawthorn fruits. Beer was an important part of rituals during the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties and was called Lao Li. However, after the Han dynasty, beer was overshadowed by huangjiu, a type of rice wine.

Modern brewing techniques were introduced to China in the late 1800s by Europeans, who brewed pale lagers such as Tsingtao. In the 20th century, both the production and consumption of beer grew in popularity. Today, Snow Beer, produced by CR Snow, is the best-selling beer in China, with a market share of around 21.7% to 31.1%. Tsingtao Beer, produced by Tsingtao Brewery, is the second most popular brand in China and is the most widely exported.

The emergence of craft beer in China began in large metropolitan areas like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, initially catering to expatriate communities. However, local interest in premium and craft beers is on the rise, and brewpubs are gaining popularity, particularly in major cities with a western resident population.

Despite the popularity of beer in China, government regulations have been cited as a challenge for new breweries or those seeking to expand their bottling distribution. Additionally, health-conscious consumers are driving a trend towards less strong beers with lower alcohol content and calories.

UK: heavy drinkers but not in the top 10

The UK has a reputation for binge drinking, with many assuming it would be placed within the top 10 countries for beer consumption. However, according to the latest rankings, the UK is 25th in the world for beer consumption per capita, with the USA in 17th place.

In 2021, the Czech Republic topped the list for the 29th year in a row, with 140.12 litres consumed per capita. This is close to double the amount consumed in Austria, which came in second place. The average person in the Czech Republic drinks more than one bottle of beer a day, with beer often cheaper than bottled water.

In 2022, the Czech Republic remained in the top spot for per-capita beer consumption for the 30th consecutive year, with 188.5 litres consumed per capita. China, meanwhile, was the largest beer-consuming country in the world in terms of total volume for the 20th year in a row.

Despite its reputation for heavy drinking, the UK did not make it into the top 10 or even the top 20 in terms of beer consumption per capita. This may be surprising to some, but it is important to consider the impact of population size on these rankings. For example, while China consumes the greatest total volume of beer, it does not break the top 35 countries in beer drunk per capita due to its large population.

Africa, Latin America, Asia: Namibia, Panama, and Cambodia are the top beer-drinking countries in their regions

While the Czech Republic has the highest per capita beer consumption globally, at 140.12 litres per person, other countries also have impressive beer-drinking statistics. Africa, Latin America, and Asia have their top beer-drinking countries, with Namibia, Panama, and Cambodia leading the way in their respective regions.

Namibia, located in southern Africa, has a vibrant drinking culture. While specific data on beer consumption is not readily available, Namibia's overall alcohol consumption is notable. The country has one of the highest alcohol consumption rates in Africa, with drinking patterns influenced by social and cultural factors.

In Latin America, Panama stands out for its beer consumption. While Argentina has the highest overall alcohol consumption in the region, Panama, which is known for its vibrant nightlife and beach culture, has implemented specific laws to curb youth drinking. As of March 1, 2018, Panama's government enforced Spring Break laws, including designating the beach as an alcohol-free zone and imposing early cut-off times for alcohol sales in March.

In Asia, Cambodia is notable for its beer consumption. While countries like South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand have higher overall alcohol consumption per capita, Cambodia's drinking habits are on the rise. With an average alcohol consumption of 6.1 litres per year, Cambodia is witnessing an increasing trend in its drinking culture, especially with the ongoing urbanisation.

While Namibia, Panama, and Cambodia are regional leaders in beer consumption, it is important to note that these rankings are based on available data, and drinking cultures and preferences can vary across different regions and countries.

Overall, the popularity of beer varies globally, influenced by factors such as cultural norms, social dynamics, and economic accessibility. While some countries favour beer, others may prefer wine, spirits, or other alcoholic beverages, contributing to a diverse landscape of drinking cultures worldwide.

Beer history: ancient Egyptians used beer as currency

Beer is the third most popular drink in the world, with water and tea taking the top spots. It is also the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage on Earth. The country that consumes the most beer per capita is the Czech Republic, with 140.12 litres or 184.1 litres per person per year, depending on the source.

Beer was central to ancient Egyptian society. It was enjoyed by both adults and children and was considered a source of nutrition. It was also used as currency, with workers receiving beer three times a day as part of their wages and rations. Brewing was traditionally a female activity, through which women could earn extra money or barter goods for themselves and their families.

The ancient Egyptian word for beer was "Hqt" ("heqet" or "heket"), but it was also called "tnmw" ("tenemu") and there was a type of beer known as "haAmt" ("kha-ahmet"). Beer was also mentioned in literature and sayings, such as the inscription: "The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with beer".

The god Osiris was believed to have taught the ancient Egyptians the art of brewing beer. However, the Sumerians were the first inventors of the process. The Egyptians adapted the Sumerian brewing method to create a lighter brew that could be poured. This is why Egyptian beer is often cited as the 'first beer' in the world, as it more closely resembles the beer we drink today.

Beer was also closely linked to religion in ancient Egypt. It was considered a gift from the gods and was offered to them as a way to show gratitude. Beer was also mentioned in the traditional offering formula and was central to the worship of certain goddesses, such as Bast, Sekhmet, and Hathor.

The process of brewing beer started with bread made from a rich yeasty dough, possibly including malt. The bread was lightly baked, crumbled into small pieces, and strained through a sieve with water. Flavour was added in the form of dates, and the mixture was then fermented in a large vat and stored in large jars.

Beer was also made from barley and emmer, which were heated and mixed with yeast and uncooked malt before being fermented. This method produced a thick, dark red brew with a higher alcohol content. For special occasions, honey was added to the beer, which was associated with the gods.

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