Sweden, the fifth-largest country in Europe, has become the first country in the world to eliminate cigarettes.
On November 13, Sweden officially achieved the distinction of being the world’s first smoke-free country.
According to data released by Sweden’s Department of Health, only 4.5% of the population smokes, which is below the global benchmark of 5%. Countries with smoking rates lower than this are considered smoke-free.
In Europe, 24% of people smoke, which is five times higher than Sweden’s rate.
Volunteers working to prevent the harms of tobacco use say that Sweden’s success in eliminating smoking is attributed to the government’s excellent policy of providing safe alternatives to cigarettes.
Dylan Heuman, the leader of the organization that helped make Sweden smoke-free, stated that Sweden’s achievement is a significant advancement in public health, reflecting the country’s commitment to implementing positive tobacco control policies.
He added that in the 1960s, more than half of the men in Sweden smoked, but the government implemented strict rules to curb the use of nicotine, vapes, and other tobacco-related products for public health.
Dylan Heuman said that Sweden’s achievement in becoming smoke-free is a beacon of hope for the world and a compelling proof that practical and progressive thinking can lead to positive outcomes in the public health sector, saving lives.
