Throughout the new year period, it’s only natural to take stock of your lifestyle and daily habits, wondering how your coffee consumption and screen time tally compare with the rest of the world.

Now, a new report from experts at Go Smoke Free has landed in our laps, detailing the countries around the world with the most addictive populations. From tobacco use and alcohol consumption to screen time and gambling habits, the newly released data dissects almost all aspects of our routines and lifestyles. 

Looking at the latest global data from the World Health Organization and the Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the report explores a diverse range of addictive habits and behaviours of 200 countries. 

Interestingly, a number of the countries in the report’s top ten rankings are considered high-GDP nations, indicating a correlation between higher incomes and addictive behaviours.

What data does the report represent?

When it comes to addictive consumables, the data explores annual coffee, tea, sugar and meat imports per 1000 tonnes, as well as the total alcohol consumption of individuals over the age of 15. Tobacco use (such as vaping and smoking) is also scrutinised, along with the consumption of total antibiotics per 1000 inhabitants, and the current number of cases of drug use disorders per 100 people.

Taking into account our internet habits, the data explores each country’s average screen time, video game usage and active social network use. Other indicators such as our online gambling habits and annual working hours are also taken into consideration. 

Each nation also received a ‘sex index score’, collated from data such as the average number of sexual partners per year, the STD rate per 100,000 people, surveyed opinions on premarital sex and prostitution, and the legalisation of premarital sex. 

All 14 indicators were transformed and converted into an overall index score, a process that ranked the top 10 countries with the most addictive personalities.

#1. Romania 

Index score: 66.79

Commonly known for its beautiful Gothic architecture and medieval towns (oh, and the birthplace of Dracula), the Southeastern European town has been named the most addictive nation according to the data. The most prevalent addictive behaviour is the nation’s average alcohol intake, sporting the highest consumption per capita of any country in the world at 16.99 litres per adult every year. Romanians were also found to have a noticeably high antibiotic consumption.

#2. Latvia 

Index score: 63.40

Nestled between Estonia and Lithuania, the Baltic state mirrors its European neighbour Romania, sporting an average annual alcohol consumption of 13.09 litres per adult. The data also found a high prevalence of online gambling amongst the Latvian population, with the habit responsible for 0.35% of Latvia’s annual GDP.

#3. Australia 

Index score: 62.28

Despite our rampant culture of social drinking, Australia’s third-highest ranking spot is due to our position as the most ‘sex-addicted country’ according to the data. The mean age of lost virginities in Australia was found to be 18, while on average, adults were found to have roughly 13 sexual partners per year.

#4. France  

Index score: 61.43

For a country known for producing some of the world’s finest wines and champagnes, it seems the French employ moderation when it comes to sampling their produce. Instead, the report’s data suggests the French population is addicted to caffeine, with roughly 537,000 tonnes of coffee imported into the country each year. 

#5. United States

Index score: 60.80  

Similar to the French, Americans have been ranked in the top ten most addicted populations largely due to their importation of coffee, with 2,185,000 tonnes entering the country every year. The United States also sports the second-largest tea import globally, tipping the scale at 189,000 tonnes.

#6. United Kingdom

Index score: 60.32

Trailing behind the United States sits the United Kingdom in 6th place. Fitting for the birthplace of Cadbury chocolate, the data reveals a rampant sugar addiction across the region, with the country’s annual import of sugar reaching 2,844,000 tonnes. 

#7. Chile

Index score: 59.57 

The South American nation of Chile has received its high ranking due to the industrious nature of the population, with Chileans working an annual average of 1,962.80 hours per person. The indicators behind the data also found the country to have a strong engagement on social media, with 84.4 per cent of the population active online. 

#8. Lithuania

Index score: 59.53

Similar to other European nations topping the list, Lithuania has secured a place in the top ten countries thanks to the population’s annual drinking habits. On average, Lithuanians consume 11.79 litres of alcohol. Additionally, online gambling has been found to constitute 0.47 per cent of the nation’s GDP.

#9. Bulgaria 

Index score: 58.27

When it comes to the Balkan nation known for its scenic Black Sea coastline, there are two particular addictions responsible for the nation’s top ten ranking. Data about Bulgaria’s tobacco and nicotine habits reveals that 39 per cent of the population identify as smokers, while an average of 11.92 litres of alcohol are consumed annually per adult.

#10. Czech Republic 

Index score: 57.51

Also known as Czechia, the landlocked country in central Europe has been ranked 10th most addicted country given its average annual consumption of alcohol, with 11.79 litres per person being poured. Additionally, 76.9 per cent of the population are active social media users, and 75.9 per cent are avid video game players.