Sweden on track to become Europe’s first smoke-free country

Sweden is on the verge of becoming Europe’s first smoke-free nation, with the rate of daily smokers dropping below the 5% threshold used by the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify a country as smoke-free.

The rate, which stood at 15% in 2005, fell to 5.2% last year and has dropped further this year, according to a report by Gulf News.

WHO considers a country smoke-free when fewer than 5% of adults smoke regularly—an achievement Sweden is now poised to secure.

Two decades of policy, awareness and alternatives

The progress did not come overnight. Over the past two decades, Sweden has combined sustained public awareness campaigns, strong messaging on the harms of smoking, and the promotion of less harmful alternatives—particularly traditional snus and tobacco-free nicotine pouches. Health experts note that Swedes tend to focus on the health risks of smoking itself, rather than nicotine in isolation.

As a result, daily smoking has fallen by 55% in the past decade. Over the same period, tobacco-related deaths among men declined by 38%, while lung cancer cases dropped by 41%.

Rise of snus and nicotine pouches

Sweden is the only EU country that allows commercial sale of snus, a moist oral tobacco pouch. Around 18% of the population now uses snus or similar nicotine products, reflecting shifting behaviour towards less harmful alternatives. Experts caution that these products are not risk-free but note they significantly reduce the harms associated with smoking.

Snus—used by placing a small pouch of tobacco under the upper lip—has played a major role in reducing cigarette use, even though cigarette prices in Sweden remain lower than in several western European countries.

A model for others?

Public health experts say Sweden’s approach offers a pragmatic, evidence-based model for reducing smoking without relying solely on bans or punitive measures. The country has balanced regulation, alternatives and public awareness, supported by high levels of social trust and a well-regulated market.

Despite cultural and legal differences, analysts suggest the Swedish experience could be a useful reference for other nations seeking effective, realistic strategies to reduce smoking rates.

Sources: Gulf News, MSN News