In terms of consumption, beer occupies an honorable third place in the world, yielding to water and tea. They drink this low-alcohol drink in all countries, except for some Muslim states, where laws generally prohibit the use of alcohol. Let's go on an interesting journey to find out which countries consume the most beer.
- The figures given in the article were taken from several sources. They differ slightly from each other and change over time, but overall beer statistics have remained the same for many years.
1
Czech Republic
The Eastern European country is the undisputed leader in beer consumption per capita, but it all began in the distant Middle Ages. Czech brewers agreed on a “mile principle” when breweries were allowed to build a mile apart. Therefore, many cities in the Czech Republic, according to historians, began their history with small breweries.
By the way, on our site thebiggest.ru you can find out about the most popular beer brands in the world.
2
Namibia
This African country from 1890 until the end of World War I was a colony of Germany. Many years have passed, and German influence is still felt. Namibians are used to order, and they are also the most disciplined among Africans. It is not surprising that Namibia brews the best beer on the continent, which is why one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world takes the second place in the world in the consumption of this drink.
3
Austria
Austria shares the second place with Namibia. Austrian brewing began in monasteries, and now in Austria the largest density of breweries. There is 1 brewery per 37 thousand inhabitants of this European country. In a relatively small country, 220 breweries and 123 home breweries fit in. Together, they annually replenish the Austrian treasury with 700 million euros.
4
Germany
Year to year is not necessary, and Germany and Austria alternate places. Germany loves beer, and the law on the regulation of beer quality was adopted back in 1516. The monks freely consumed beer during fasting, calling the drink "liquid bread."
The modern beer lovers are struck by the variety of varieties and species. If you try a new brand every day, it will take 15 years to try everything.
5
Poland
According to statistics, one Pole drinks one bottle of beer in two days. In a year it leaves a little more than 98 liters a year. In recent years, Poland has experienced a real beer fever, and real drink connoisseurs rush to Piwnica Świdnicka, one of the oldest beer bars in Europe. Although quality beer can be tasted in any part of Poland.
6
Ireland
At the mention of Ireland immediately recalls "Guinness", one of the most famous brands of Irish beer. About 10 million glasses of Guinness are sold daily around the world, and on September 24 the whole country celebrates Arthur's Day. This holiday is dedicated to the famous heady Irish drink and its creator Arthur Guinness.
7
Romania
In Romania, they know how to brew beer, but the state has almost no control over the conformity of the declared content of additives. Because of this, it is better to choose classic, time-tested varieties. The most popular are Ursus, Skol, Ciuc. After Romania joined the European Union, well-known world brands entered here, which significantly increased beer consumption.
8
Estonia
Calm Estonians know how and love to have fun. In early July of each year, Estonians gather in the famous Singing Field near Tallinn for the beer festival “Ollesummer”. Against the backdrop of concerts, competitions, amusement rides and salutes soaring into the sky, a sea of beer of various sorts is drunk. The holiday lasts 4 days, and whole families come to it.
9
Lithuania
Beer traditions have developed in a small Baltic country, and the city of beer of the Lithuanian state has been the city of Birzai since time immemorial. Among the gloomy medieval walls of the Birzai Castle there is a unique beer museum. It should be noted that the Lithuanian beer “Švyturys” has been recognized as the best at international exhibitions for several years in a row.
10
Latvia
Lovers of a low-alcohol drink when they come to Latvia are lost, because local breweries offer a wide range of different types of beer. Latvian brewers have mastered modern technology and accepted the centuries-old experience in making a popular drink. Even women brew beer in Latvia, and therefore the country occupies such a high place in the number of beer drunk per year.
11
Slovenia
In this country, two leaders in the production of beer, producing drinks under the brands "Union" and "Lasko". Tourists who come to Slovenia prefer to drink local wines, but Slovenes are happy to drink various types of domestic beer. There is also its own beer attraction. In 2016, a beer fountain “scored” in the town of алalec.
12
Venezuela
The economic crisis that has swept the country creates difficulties in the development of any business, including brewing. But Venezuelan brewers learned to survive. Beer is sold in bottles of 220 milliliters, which is slightly more than a glass. For locals, the price is sky-high, but compared to world prices, Venezuelan craft beer is the cheapest in the world.
13
Croatia
A quiet and calm country where people come to relax, enjoy the beauties of nature, swim in the sea and try excellent Croatian beer. Beer was brewed on these lands at the beginning of the 19th century, and Karlovachko is considered the oldest brand. This is a bright camp, which is enjoyed by locals. The drink is exported to the United States, European countries and even to Australia.
We advise you to see: The most beautiful resorts in Croatia.
14
Finland
Beer in this country is not just a hoppy drink, but part of the national history. It is mentioned in the ancient epic of Kalevala. Each Finnish family’s Christmas table cannot do without a foamy drink, and any Finn with a glass will be happy to tell a stranger about his country. The love of beer also manifests itself in the fact that in Finland three times a year beer festivals are held.
15
Bulgaria
For many years the country was ruled by the Ottoman Empire, and therefore beer was brewed here from the middle of the 19th century. The first brewery was launched in the town of Shumen, which became a kind of Bulgarian beer center.
When buying beer in Bulgaria, you can see two prices on the label. One for the drink, the other for the bottle. After drinking beer on the spot, you can hand over the bottle and get back part of the amount.
16
Panama
In the Central American state, beer ranks first among alcoholic beverages. Panamanian peasants, to quench their thirst, mix beer with milk, and in the cities they prefer light varieties. The most popular brands are “Balboa” and “Soberana”
17
USA
In recent years, the United States has become a leader in beer consumption. During Prohibition, home brewing in the United States was banned, and President Carter in 1979 legitimized this type of beverage production and exempted home brewers from federal taxes.
There is also a beer museum in the country, which is located in Kentucky. This is the largest of these beer museums in other parts of the world.
18
Australia
The English colonialists brought the intoxicated drink to Australia, and it quickly gained popularity on the Green Continent and nearby islands. The first pint brought on his ship the famous James Cook.
The oldest Cascade Brewery brewery was opened back in 1824. Back in 2004, Australians were fourth in the world in beer consumption, but gradually lost ground.
19
Belgium
Beer in the territories that later became the Belgian state began to brew in 1530, and Belgium itself was formed in 1830. It turns out that Belgian beer is older than Belgium itself.
In this country they love a refreshing and heady drink, and therefore they blow special beer glasses so that when pouring, a foam forms. Only Belgians consider foam beer quality.
20
Russia
Low alcohol drink is mentioned in Russian annals, but because brewing in Russia has centuries-old traditions. To list all brands you will need a separate article, and how many songs are written about beer.
It’s worth remembering the famous “It’s not beer that kills people!” performed by Vyacheslav Innocent. But still, beer is not the most popular alcoholic beverage in the vastness of Russia, and its consumption has declined slightly in recent years.
Summarize
In conclusion, a small historical background. In the cellars of the ancient cities of Sumer, clay tablets were found on which a beer recipe was carved. The Sumerians rinsed their mouth with a drink to get rid of toothache. The pyramid builders in Egypt were given 4 liters of beer along with food, so drinking it was much safer than the river water from the Nile. And medieval healers prescribed beer to patients for the treatment of kidney stones. TheBiggest hopes that our readers who drink beer will also benefit. Beer consumption statistics show that most of the countries that drink the most beer are developed, economically successful states.