Sweden Becomes First 'Smoke-Free' Nation, Smoking Rate Drops to 4.5% with Nicotine Alternatives

Nov.14.2024
Sweden Becomes First 'Smoke-Free' Nation, Smoking Rate Drops to 4.5% with Nicotine Alternatives
Sweden's government data shows it has become the world's first official "smoke-free" nation, with a smoking rate of just 4.5%, thanks to vapes and nicotine alternatives.

Government data released in Sweden reveals that the country has become the first to officially achieve a "smoke-free" status.

 

According to a report from Smoke Free Sweden on November 13th, the country's accomplishment surpasses the European Union's target by 16 years. While many other EU member states are still far from reaching this goal, Sweden has set a new benchmark.

 

Official data from Sweden’s public health agency shows that only 4.5% of adults in the country smoke, significantly lower than the globally recognized 5% threshold for non-smoking populations.

 

In addition, the average smoking rate in European countries is 24%, which is five times higher than in Sweden.

 

"This outstanding achievement marks a significant moment in global public health and stands as a testament to the progressive policies that have guided Sweden’s approach to tobacco control," said Dr. Delon Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden.

  

"In the early 1960s, nearly half of Swedish men smoked. By embracing and encouraging the use of alternative nicotine products such as snus, oral nicotine pouches and vapes, Sweden has paved a clear path to a smoke-free society while safeguarding public health," he said.

 

"They should serve as a beacon of hope for the rest of the world and as inspirational proof that a pragmatic, enlightened approach can deliver sensational public health gains and save lives," Dr. Delon Human said.

 

"The new statistics show that 5.3% of all adults in Sweden, including immigrants, currently smoke. Remarkably, the data also reveals that people born elsewhere in Europe would on average be three times more likely to smoke if they had not moved to Sweden," Dr. Delon Human said.

 

Dr. Anders Milton, a physician and former president and CEO of the Swedish Medical Association, said:  “Key to Sweden’s success is its pragmatic focus on harm reduction rather than prohibition. A wide range of safer nicotine products, with a variety of strengths and flavours, is legally available both online and in stores, supported by advertising, which raises awareness and encourages uptake."

 

"The Swedish government also applies a proportional excise tax, keeping smoke-free products more affordable than cigarettes. This tax policy, coupled with public education campaigns, has empowered Swedish consumers to make healthier choices and contributed to the country’s leading role in tobacco harm reduction," he said.

 

UK's First Week of Disposable E - cigarette Ban: Convenience Stores Suffer £5m Loss, Illegal Sales Still Exist
UK's First Week of Disposable E - cigarette Ban: Convenience Stores Suffer £5m Loss, Illegal Sales Still Exist
Disposable e-cigarette ban causes £5 million sales loss in UK convenience stores in first week, illegal sales continue.
Jun.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Interview with NASTY Founder: How a Market-Specific Brand Strategy Led to Rapid Success in South Africa
Interview with NASTY Founder: How a Market-Specific Brand Strategy Led to Rapid Success in South Africa
In an interview with 2Firsts, NASTY founder Pak Din explains how the brand quickly rose to the top of South Africa’s vape market by leveraging early planning and a localized strategy, successfully seizing the first-mover advantage in this emerging market.
Jul.03
Indian Tobacco Control Expert Contributes to 2Firsts: Understanding India’s Smokeless Landscape
Indian Tobacco Control Expert Contributes to 2Firsts: Understanding India’s Smokeless Landscape
On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2025, Indian tobacco control expert Dr. Kiran Melkote contributed an article to 2Firsts, providing a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of smokeless tobacco products in India, the associated risks, and his recommendations for the future.
Jun.03
China’s STMA Issues Draft Rules on Domestic Duty-Free Tobacco: Mandating Traceability and Banning Sales of New Tobacco Products
China’s STMA Issues Draft Rules on Domestic Duty-Free Tobacco: Mandating Traceability and Banning Sales of New Tobacco Products
China’s STMA has issued draft measures to tighten control of duty-free tobacco from 2026, expanding scope, enforcing quotas, digital traceability, and banning e-cigarettes and HTPs.
Jul.28
UK Nicotine Company Chill Brands Posts £164,000 Half-Year Revenue, Shuts U.S. Subsidiary to Focus on Distribution
UK Nicotine Company Chill Brands Posts £164,000 Half-Year Revenue, Shuts U.S. Subsidiary to Focus on Distribution
Chill Brands H1 revenue fell 90% to $210,000, with a $3.1M operating loss tied to governance issues and one-off legal costs. The company exited the U.S., regained chill.com in Dec 2024, launched its Chill Connect platform, and raised £1M ($1.35M) via convertible debt in Apr 2025.
Jul.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Photo Gallery| HQD, MEMERS, IGET, and Many Other Brands Launch Disposable Shisha Products
Photo Gallery| HQD, MEMERS, IGET, and Many Other Brands Launch Disposable Shisha Products
As the official media partner of the exhibition, 2Firsts conducted an in-depth visit to the exhibition hall and observed on-site that many brands, including HQD, MEMERS, and AAOK, have launched disposable shisha products.
Jun.18