Alcohol Consumption by Country — Every Decade Since 1800

Across the globe, the act of drinking is more than a simple metric; it is a profound reflection of how humans seek escape, connection, or relief. From the absolute abstinence found in countries like Kuwait, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia to the peak consumption of 16.8 liters/year in Romania, these statistics offer a window into how different societies navigate the stresses and celebrations of daily existence. Whether driven by religious mandate, cultural tradition, or social climate, the liquid in our glass often mirrors the complex reality of our environment.

The history of these habits reveals a shifting landscape of regulation and indulgence. Over the two centuries tracked by MYRIAD, consumption patterns have fluctuated alongside urbanization and economic development. While some nations maintain near-zero levels, such as the 0.01 liters/year recorded in Sudan, Afghanistan, and Libya, others have seen steady growth. Moving from the median 4.36 liters/year in North Macedonia toward the high-consumption tiers of Germany at 11.84 liters/year or Lithuania at 12.1 liters/year, the data charts the evolving ways humanity has managed the weight of time.

For an individual, these figures dictate the rhythm of local life. Being born in a place like Yemen at 0.04 liters/year or Pakistan at 0.08 liters/year presents a starkly different social reality than growing up in Latvia at 12.87 liters/year or Georgia at 14.41 liters/year. Every number in this table represents the cultural architecture of a life lived, defining the boundaries of what is considered normal, forbidden, or festive. Use our interactive tool to discover where you rank among everyone ever born by calculating your own parallel lives.