Russia Sees Record Low Number of Heavy Smokers, Survey Reveals
According to a comprehensive survey of living conditions conducted by Rosstat, the number of heavy smokers who consume a pack of cigarettes a day in Russia fell to a record low of 40% in 2024, down from 46.7% two years earlier.
The survey, which covers 60,000 households from various groups and strata of the population across all regions of Russia, found that one in four residents over the age of 15 smokes (25.5%), a slight decrease from 26.1% in 2022. Of these, 17.8% smoke daily, while 7.7% smoke occasionally. The majority of the population (64.9%) have never smoked, and 9.5% have successfully quit the habit.
Among smokers, 4.4% consume more than one pack of cigarettes a day, while 35.6% smoke up to one pack. These figures have decreased from 4.6% and 42.1% respectively, compared to two years ago. The proportion of those who smoke five to ten cigarettes a day has remained relatively stable, at 35.2% in 2024 and 35.9% in 2022. One in four smokers (24.8%) consumes one to five cigarettes a day, up from 18.1% two years ago.
The survey also revealed that the majority of people (65.3%) start smoking between the ages of 15 and 20, while 22.8% take up the habit between 21 and 30 years old. Only 2.5% of smokers begin after the age of 30.
There is a significant gender disparity in smoking prevalence, with 44.3% of men smoking daily or occasionally, compared to just 10.1% of women. Among daily smokers, 32.7% are men, while only 5.6% are women.
The Rosstat survey, conducted every two years, provides valuable insights into the smoking habits of the Russian population and the progress made in reducing the prevalence of heavy smoking in the country.
- News source: В России стало рекордно мало заядлых курильщиков
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