The Top 5 Countries that Drink the Most Beer

Czech People Drink Loads of Beer

At 141.0 litres per person (37 gallons) the Czech Republic completely trashes other beer drinking countries. No other country drinks as much beer in relation to its population as the Czechs do, and even more amazingly they've been number one in per capita beer drinking on a global scale for the last 26 years straight. To put it in perspective, the United States, although number two in the world in total beer consumption, ranks 20th in per capita beer consumption. The United States has 328.2 million people where the Czech Republic has 10.6 million people and the Czechs drink almost double the per capita amount of beer as the U.S. and the U.K.

64% of Czech beer drinking is done at home and 36% is done in pubs and restaurants. Czech beer is pretty cheap with the average price of store-bought retail beer being 0.89 cents per litre. In restaurants the average price per litre for beer is 2.38€, which is relatively inexpensive when you look at the average United Kingdom price of 7.48€ for a litre of beer in a pub.

The drinking habits in the Czech Republic are also heavily influenced by the country's beer culture. A tasty brew is seen as an essential part of the Czech way of life and is enjoyed at all times of the day, from breakfast to late at night. Many Czechs also brew their own beer at home and have a deep knowledge and appreciation of the different types of beer available. The Czech beer drinking culture is also reflected in the country's many beer festivals, which are held throughout the year. The largest and most famous of these festivals is the "Czech Beer Festival", which is held in Prague, usually in May, and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.

Here's a Run-down on Some of The World's Beer-iest, Beer Drinking Countries

Czech Republic - The Czech Republic is the undisputed king of beer consumption, with an average of 142.4 liters of beer per capita each year. The Czechs have been brewing beer for over 1,000 years and take their beer seriously. Most of the beer consumed in the country is Pilsner, which originated in the city of Pilsen.

Austria - Austria comes in second on the list, with an average of 108.3 liters of beer per capita each year. The country is known for its excellent beer gardens, where people gather to enjoy a beer with friends. Austrian beer is typically light and refreshing, perfect for a hot summer day.

Germany - Germany is famous for its beer, and for good reason. The country consumes an average of 106.1 liters of beer per capita each year. German beer is known for its high quality and variety, with over 1,300 breweries across the country producing different styles of beer.

Namibia - Despite being a relatively small country, Namibia has a serious love affair with beer. The country consumes an average of 102.7 liters of beer per capita each year, making it one of the highest beer-consuming countries in the world. Most of the beer consumed in Namibia is German-style lager.

Poland - Poland is another country that takes its beer seriously, with an average consumption of 98.5 liters of beer per capita each year. Polish beer is known for its strong, full-bodied flavor, and is typically brewed using traditional methods.

Ireland - Ireland may be better known for its whiskey, but the country also has a thriving beer scene. The average Irish person drinks 97.5 liters of beer per year, with the most popular beer being Guinness, which is brewed in Dublin.

Spain - Spain may be famous for its wine, but the country also has a love of beer. The average Spaniard drinks 86.4 liters of beer per year, with the most popular beer being Mahou, which is brewed in Madrid.

The United States - The United States may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of beer consumption, but it actually has a significant beer culture. The average American drinks 76.5 liters of beer per year, with the most popular beers being Budweiser and Coors.

Here's more information on how Americans drink beer:

1. Popular beer styles in the U.S.: The most popular beer styles in the US are lagers, IPAs, and wheat beers.
2. Beer sales in The United States: In 2020, the US beer industry generated approximately $116 billion in sales.
3. Craft beer: The craft beer industry in the US continues to grow, with over 8,000 craft breweries operating in 2020. According to the Brewers Association, craft beer sales increased by 6% in 2020.
4. Regional differences in the USA: The Midwest and Northeast regions of the US have the highest per capita beer consumption, while the West and South have lower consumption rates.
5. Drinking locations: Bars and restaurants are the most popular locations for beer consumption in the US, followed by sporting events, concerts, and festivals.
6. Gender differences: Men are more likely to consume beer than women, with 57% of men and 33% of women reporting that they drank beer in the past month, according to a 2019 survey by the National Institutes of Health.
7. Age differences: Beer consumption tends to be highest among adults aged 26-35, with older adults (age 65+) reporting the lowest rates of beer consumption.
8. Health concerns: Some studies have linked excessive beer consumption to various health concerns in the United States, including liver disease, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Belgium - Belgium is famous for its beer, with over 1,500 different beers produced in the country. The average Belgian drinks 74 liters of beer per year, with the most popular beers being strong and full-bodied.

Mexico - Mexico is known for its tequila and margaritas, but the country also has a love of beer. The average Mexican drinks 63.2 liters of beer per year, with the most popular beer being Corona.

Alcohol, Maybe Not As Fun As You Think

It's not a surprising fact that alcohol is consumed by large proportions of adults in most countries around the world and although it's safe to say that alcohol doesn't cause significant problems for most drinkers. On the dark side of things though, alcohol use and more specifically, abuse, is also associated with numerous negative consequences for the drinker and society at large.

Alcohol causes 3.2% of all deaths globally or 1.8 million deaths annually and accounts for 4.0% of the disease burden carried by humanity. Many of these deaths are the result of injuries caused by hazardous and harmful drinking. Of the total number of alcohol-attributable deaths, 32.0% are from unintentional injuries, and 13.7% are from intentional injuries. This means that about half of the deaths attributable to alcohol are from injuries.

Beer What Now?

And here's a bit of a shocker when it comes to beer and your health...The American Academy of Dermatology warns that beer can also cause a skin condition called "beer dermatitis," which is an allergic reaction to the hops in beer. Symptoms may include redness, itching, and swelling. Beer dermatitis, also known as "brewer's droop," is a type of allergic contact dermatitis that occurs due to skin exposure to beer ingredients, such as hops or barley. It is a relatively rare condition and primarily affects people who work in the beer brewing industry, but can also affect frequent beer drinkers.

Symptoms of beer dermatitis include redness, itching, and inflammation of the skin, usually in the areas of the body that come into contact with beer. In severe cases, blisters and oozing can occur. The condition is usually not life-threatening, but can be uncomfortable and cause significant discomfort for those affected. Beer dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction to one or more ingredients in beer, most commonly hops. Some people may also develop an allergic reaction to barley or other ingredients in beer. The condition is diagnosed through a patch test, where small amounts of beer ingredients are applied to the skin to see if a reaction occurs. The best way to prevent beer dermatitis is to avoid prolonged skin exposure to beer and beer ingredients, particularly for those who work in the brewing industry. In some cases, wearing protective clothing, such as gloves or long-sleeved shirts, may be necessary. If you suspect you have beer dermatitis, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

But...are There Any Health Benefits of Drinking a Cold Beer?

Moderate consumption of beer (usually defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men) may have some potential health benefits. Beer is a good source of certain nutrients, such as B vitamins, magnesium, and selenium. It also contains antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals. Research has also suggested that moderate beer consumption may be associated with a lower risk of certain health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. However, it's important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on health, and any potential health benefits of beer should be weighed against the risks associated with alcohol use. Additionally, the specific health benefits of beer may vary depending on factors such as the type of beer, the amount consumed, and individual health status. It's always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of consuming beer or any other alcoholic beverage...and they'll probably tell you to stop drinking so much.

The Non-Alcohol Beer Market is Growing Fast

The countries with the most non-alcoholic beer sales vary depending on the source of information and the specific year, but some of the consistent top consumers include: Germany: Germany is one of the biggest markets for non-alcoholic beer, with sales reaching around 400 million liters in 2020. This is partly due to the strict driving laws and cultural norms that discourage drinking and driving. Iran: Iran is a predominantly Muslim country where alcohol is prohibited, making non-alcoholic beer a popular alternative. In 2020, sales of non-alcoholic beer in Iran reached around 300 million liters. Spain: As previously mentioned, Spain is also a big consumer of non-alcoholic beer, with sales reaching around 250 million liters in 2020. Saudi Arabia: Like Iran, Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country where alcohol is strictly prohibited, making non-alcoholic beer a popular alternative. Sales of non-alcoholic beer in Saudi Arabia reached around 240 million liters in 2020. Russia: In recent years, Russia has seen a surge in demand for non-alcoholic beer, with sales reaching around 160 million liters in 2020. This is partly due to changing consumer habits and a growing health consciousness among the Russian population. It's worth noting that non-alcoholic beer sales are on the rise globally, as more people are looking for healthier alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages.

Spain is known for its vibrant drinking culture, with beer being one of the most popular alcoholic beverages consumed in the country. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend towards non-alcoholic beer, as consumers become more health-conscious and seek out alternatives to traditional beer.

The non-alcoholic beer market in Spain has seen a significant surge in demand in recent years and has become one of the world leaders in the non-alcoholic beer market. This is due to several factors, including changing consumer attitudes towards health and wellness, increased awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol, and the rise of a new generation of health-conscious consumers. Spain's non-alcoholic beer market is dominated by local brands such as Estrella Galicia, Mahou, and San Miguel, which offer a range of non-alcoholic beer options. These brands have been quick to capitalize on the trend, introducing new flavors and varieties to appeal to a wider audience.

In addition to the growing demand for non-alcoholic beer, the market has also been boosted by changing legislation in Spain. In 2019, the government passed a law allowing beer to be labeled as non-alcoholic if it contains less than 1% alcohol by volume (ABV). This has opened up new opportunities for breweries to produce non-alcoholic beer and expand their product lines. The non-alcoholic beer market in Spain is still relatively small compared to the traditional beer market. However, it is a rapidly growing segment, with significant potential for future growth. As more consumers look for healthier options and the government continues to support the industry, it is likely that we will see even more growth in the non-alcoholic beer market in Spain in the years to come.

Top 5 Special Beer Report Sources:

1. Kirin Beer University. (2021). Report: "Global Beer Consumption by Country in 2018."
2. The Brewers of Europe. (2021). Euopean Beer Trends, Statistical Report 2019.
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