Indonesia tops global smoking rates, alarming data revealed by World of Statistics

INDONESIA: In a startling revelation, Indonesia has taken the lead in global smoking rates, as per data released by the World of Statistics on Sunday (20 Aug).

The figures paint a concerning picture, with Indonesia’s smoking population reaching a staggering 70.5 per cent.

Following closely behind, Myanmar holds the second position with 70.2 per cent. Bangladesh secures the third position with 60.6 per cent, followed by Chile (49.2 per cent), China (47.7 per cent), South Africa (46.8 per cent), Greece (45.3 per cent), Sri Lanka (43.2 per cent), Malaysia (42.7 per cent), and Thailand ranking 10th with 42.5 per cent.

Share of men who smoke cigarettes:

🇮🇩 Indonesia: 70.5%
🇲🇲 Myanmar: 70.2%
🇧🇩 Bangladesh: 60.6%
🇨🇱 Chile: 49.2%
🇨🇳 China: 47.7%
🇿🇦 South Africa: 46.8%
🇬🇷 Greece: 45.3%
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka: 43.2%
🇲🇾 Malaysia: 42.7%
🇹🇭 Thailand: 42.5%
🇪🇬 Egypt: 42.3%
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan: 42.2%
🇮🇳 India: 42%
🇵🇭…

— World of Statistics (@stats_feed) August 20, 2023

Previously, data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in June 2023 indicated that the global number of smokers was 70.2 million people, approximately 34.5 per cent of the world’s total population, with Indonesia ranking third after China and India.

This eye-opening information has garnered the attention of over 3.7 million Twitter users, with 3,600 netizens sharing the viral data.

Smoking’s detrimental impact on health is already well-established. The more one indulges in smoking, the greater the risk of encountering serious health issues in the future.

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) highlights that one of the significant health risks associated with smoking is cancer, which affects not only active smokers but also passive ones.

Beyond cancer, smoking is also linked to an increased potential for chronic lung diseases, and dental problems including bad breath, strokes, heart attacks, and brittle bones.

On another note, smoking is known to contribute to eye disorders such as cataracts, cervical cancer in women leading to miscarriages, and even hair loss.

Indonesia’s alarming position at the top of the global smoking rates underscores the urgent need for comprehensive public health campaigns to educate citizens about the serious risks associated with smoking.