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No Smoking Day 2026: Top 5 countries with the highest smoking rates – See where India stands

No Smoking Day 2026: Know which are the top 5 countries with the highest smoking rates worldwide and find out where India ranks in global tobacco consumption statistics.

Written by Muskan Gupta | Updated : March 12, 2026 1:35 PM IST

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Top 5 Countries Where People Smoke The Most

No Smoking Day 2026, observed every year in March, aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and encourage people to quit smoking. Even with the aggressive anti-tobacco campaigns and above-average reports on smoking rates in various countries, cultural practices, the availability and affordability of tobacco products, and inadequate regulations of tobacco use still exist in a number of countries. Here are the top 5 countries where people smoke the most, based on global smoking prevalence estimates among adults.

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Myanmar – Around 42.3% Smokers

Myanmar is second among the countries in the world with the highest smoking. The consumption of tobacco is highly encouraged through social norms and practices, and several individuals are smoking or using cigarettes or smoking fewer tobacco products, like betel quid with tobacco. Smokeless tobacco is linked to oral and esophageal cancers, while smoking causes severe respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

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Serbia – Around 39% Smokers

Serbia is one of the European countries that have the highest rate of smoking. Almost every fourth person smokes, and consumption of tobacco is still popular in numerous social places and among the populations. Though the government has initiated anti-smoking campaigns and laws, it is quite difficult to alter the old habits.  Also Read - No Smoking Day 2026: 7 science-backed tips from doctors to quit smoking successfully

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Bulgaria – Around 38.8% Smokers

Bulgaria boasts one of the greatest smoking rates in Europe. Along with tobacco control measures at the EU level and nationwide campaigns aimed at educating the population about smoking, the situation still remains the same in regard to smoking being widespread in adults.

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Where Does India Stand?

The rate of smoking in India can be considered to be comparatively lower than in many other countries characterised by high rates of smoking, but tobacco consumption is still a significant health issue. The level of tobacco consumption is about 28-29 per cent in India and includes both smoking and smokeless tobacco consumption (gutka and chewing tobacco, etc.). Both forms are highly addictive and, despite common misconceptions, both cause fatal diseases like cancer.