Definition: Alcohol consumption (worldwide)

Portugal 11.2 litres at 100%

France 10.8

Germany 10.6

Czech Republic 10.5

Hungary 9.9

Spain 9.9

Ireland 9.8

Denmark 9.7

Austria 9.4

Switzerland 9.2

Belgium 8.6

Greece 8.2

Netherlands 8.2

Great Britain 8.2

Italy 7.7

Australia 7.6

New Zealand 7.5

Finland 7.0

Poland 6.7

USA 6.6

Japan 6.5

Canada 6.4

Sweden 4.9

South Africa 4.9

Norway 4.1

These statistics show that we should not rely on preconceived ideas. The expression "drunk as a Pole" is contradicted by the reasonable consumption in that country. The United States has a rather high figure, certainly due to whisky consumption. Spain and Italy, as major producers, are far behind France. Portugal is surprisingly still the "champion in all categories". Let's return to the figures for Switzerland, which for 2002 break down as follows:

Per capita consumption of alcoholic beverages, in litres (no age limit):

Wine 41.8

Fermented cider 2.3

Beer 55.5

Spirits at 40% ABV 4.0

Converted to 100% alcohol by volume, this equates to 9.0 litres of pure alcohol in 2002. The trend is downward. The Swiss are drinking less, but better.