Turkey ranks first globally in per capita cigarette consumption

Turkey ranks first globally in per capita daily cigarette consumption, according to pulmonary specialist Prof. Dr. Şevket Özkaya. Data indicates that Turkish citizens consume an average of 17.1 cigarettes per day, surpassing countries such as Greece (15.7), Israel (15.5), Japan (15.4), and Austria (15.4).

Prof. Dr. Özkaya noted that while smoking rates are declining in developed nations, consumption is increasing in developing and less developed countries. He attributed the high addiction rates in Turkey to various social, economic, and socio-cultural factors.

Regarding total volume, approximately 8 billion packs of cigarettes were sold in Turkey last year. This volume is equivalent to every person in the country—including newborns—having consumed at least 100 packs over the past year. Current statistics show that one in two men and one in four women over the age of 18 in Turkey are smokers.