Sweden to become Europe’s first smoke-free country

Sweden is on the track to become Europe’s first smoke-free nation, with the share of daily smokers falling below the World Health Organization’s 5% threshold.

The rate dropped from 15% in 2005 to 5.2% last year and has declined further this year, reported the Gulf News.

The milestone follows two decades of sustained public health campaigns, clear messaging on smoking risks, and the rise of less harmful alternatives such as Snus and tobacco-free nicotine pouches.

Sweden is the only EU country that permits commercial sale of Snus, and about 18% of the population now uses Snus or similar nicotine products. Health experts say these products are not risk-free but are significantly less harmful than cigarettes.

Daily smoking in Sweden has fallen by 55% in the past decade. Over the same period, tobacco-related deaths among men declined by 38%, and lung cancer cases fell by 41%.

Public health experts say Sweden’s mix of regulation, awareness and safer alternatives – combined with high social trust and a well-regulated market – offers a pragmatic model for other countries aiming to reduce smoking rates.