Sweden on Track to Become Europe’s First Smoke-Free Nation as Snus and Nicotine Pouches Support Declining Smoking Rates

Dec.04.2025
Sweden on Track to Become Europe’s First Smoke-Free Nation as Snus and Nicotine Pouches Support Declining Smoking Rates
According to Gulf News, Sweden is nearing the World Health Organization’s smoke-free threshold, with daily smoking falling below 5%. Two decades of public health efforts and the growing use of lower-risk alternatives such as Snus and tobacco-free nicotine pouches have contributed to this shift, alongside declines in tobacco-related deaths and lung cancer cases.

2Firsts, 4 December 2025— According to Gulf News, Sweden is on course to become Europe’s first smoke-free nation as its daily smoking rate has dropped below the World Health Organization’s 5% benchmark. The rate fell from 15% in 2005 to 5.2% last year and has continued to decrease this year.

 

The report highlights that Sweden’s progress stems from sustained public health campaigns as well as the growing adoption of reduced-risk alternatives. Sweden is the only EU country that allows the commercial sale of Snus, and around 18% of the population uses Snus or similar nicotine products. Experts note that these products are not risk-free but are significantly less harmful than cigarettes.

 

Over the past decade, daily smoking has declined by 55%, while tobacco-related deaths among men have fallen by 38%, and lung cancer cases by 41%. Public health specialists say Sweden's combination of regulation, awareness, and safer alternatives offers a pragmatic model for countries seeking to reduce smoking prevalence.

 

Image source:Gulf News

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