Sweden is the first country in the world to reduce daily smoking to less than 5%
The percentage of Swedes who smoke daily has dropped to 3.7% over the past 12 years—below the 5% threshold that the WHO considers the level of a “smoke-free country.” Sweden has become the first country to achieve this milestone.
This is reported with reference to a report by the Swedish Council (CAN).
"Daily smoking (3.7%) was about as common as occasional smoking (3.4%). Among all respondents, 30% said they used to smoke but had quit, and 63% said they had never smoked," the report states.
Regarding gender differences, according to the document, smoking was slightly more common among men (8%) than among women (6%), which is explained by the fact that more men smoked occasionally.
Experts attribute the low smoking rate in Sweden to the long-standing popularity of snus and the spread of nicotine pouches, which entered the market in 2014.
Patrick Hildingsohn, a consultant at Philip Morris International and author of the book "The King of Snus," noted that it was alternative nicotine products that helped significantly reduce the number of smokers, especially among women. According to CAN data, since 2012, the proportion of regular smokers among women has decreased from 9.1% to 3.8%, and among men from 8% to 3.5%.
CAN emphasizes that Sweden’s tobacco policy has gradually shifted its focus: instead of combating nicotine consumption itself, the government is concentrating on reducing health risks. As a result, different nicotine products are regulated differently depending on their level of risk.
According to the study, the proportion of Swedish adults who use snus or nicotine pouches rose from 13% in 2013 to 18% in 2025. These products are most commonly used by young people aged 18–29—29% in this group. Men use snus and pouches significantly more often than women—25% versus 10%.
For the first time, the CAN report separately analyzed snus and pouch users. It turned out that 50% use mainly snus, 44% use pouches, and another 6% combine both products. Among women, pouches have become more popular—74% of female users choose them, while men more often prefer snus.
Industry representatives also highlight pricing policies. In Sweden, a pack of pouches costs about 4 euros, snus about 5 euros, while a pack of cigarettes costs 7–8 euros. At the same time, the tax on pouches in the country is about 20 euros per kilogram, and on snus—40 euros, which is significantly lower than the Ukrainian tax rate—about 77 euros per kilogram.
Experts also note that the sale of snus has been banned in most EU countries since 1992, but Sweden retained the right to sell it upon joining the European Union in 1995.
According to Patrick Hilding, after more than 30 years of snus use, the rate of cancer in Sweden is now 2.4 times lower than the European average.
Despite this, the report’s authors emphasize that nicotine in snus and pouches can raise blood pressure and negatively affect blood vessels. The study also showed that the level of addiction among snus users is even higher than among regular cigarette smokers.
As for vaping, in 2025 only 0.6% of Swedes used e-cigarettes daily, with another 2.1% using them occasionally. Vaping remains most popular among young people aged 18–29.
In recent years, vape sales in Sweden have increased by 640%, a trend attributed to the proliferation of disposable e-cigarettes in a variety of flavors.
CAN concludes that the decline in smoking rates in Sweden is the result of a comprehensive policy: higher cigarette taxes, advertising restrictions, the creation of smoke-free zones, and active prevention efforts.
At the same time, experts do not rule out that some smokers may have switched to alternative nicotine products.
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