Zimbabwe has topped the global rankings for alcohol consumption per capita, consuming an average of 62.8 liters annually—nearly four times the global average of 16 liters—according to a report by Wisevoter. The figures put Zimbabwe significantly ahead of second-place Tunisia, which reports an average of 36.6 liters per capita.
The top 10 alcohol-consuming countries, as listed in the report, are:
1. Zimbabwe – 62.8 liters
2. Tunisia – 36.6 liters
3. Eswatini – 34.4 liters
4. Maldives – 33.7 liters
5. Afghanistan – 33.5 liters
6. Namibia – 32.4 liters
7. South Africa – 29.9 liters
8. Algeria – 29.1 liters
9. Turkey – 28.5 liters
10. Iran – 28.4 liters
Wisevoter detailed its methodology, defining “a drink” as 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol, corresponding to one 12-ounce beer, a five-ounce glass of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor. The rankings were based on consumption of pure alcohol through beer, wine, and spirits.
The report’s findings have sparked significant debate and concern, particularly in Zimbabwe, where the data highlights troubling trends.
Economist and podcast host Tinashe Murapata, also known as Baba Nyenyedzi, called the statistics alarming:
“The average Zimbabwean consumes a staggering 62.8 liters of pure alcohol annually. If this is true, then we have a national disaster!”
Other commentators raised concerns about the proliferation of unregulated alcohol in Zimbabwe. Social media user @CeeeClef criticized the ease of access to cheap, unregulated alcohol, saying:
“Anyone can buy ethanol, mix it with water, add color and flavor, and sell it as brandy or gin. These products are everywhere and destroying the youth and the poor.”
Opinions on the report’s accuracy and implications were divided. Some questioned the methodology, while others doubted Zimbabwe’s ranking. Twitter user @SaChiri__ wrote:
“Is the data free of confounding variables? Our unique economic situation may skew the measurements.”
Others expressed skepticism about Zimbabwe surpassing South Africa in alcohol consumption. User @sm_chauke commented:
“No way Zimbabweans can outdrink South Africans.”
Meanwhile, some attributed the findings to broader socioeconomic factors. User @jqsh4 remarked:
“Alcohol is always affordable and available because it keeps the masses docile.”
The report also highlighted surprising entries like Afghanistan and Iran, both predominantly Muslim nations with strict alcohol bans, ranking in the top 10. This sparked curiosity online, with user @enza2363 asking:
“How is Afghanistan fifth, ahead of the UK and Ireland?”
Wisevoter emphasized the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, warning of risks such as liver damage, cancer, and impaired motor skills. The findings have raised questions about the accessibility and regulation of alcohol, as well as the societal factors driving high consumption rates.
Source: Iharare.com
