Sweden became a "tobacco-free" country in 2025, with only 4.8% of daily smokers, compared to 16% in 2003. Around 10% of adults smoked at least once in the past month, with women aged 50 to 84 remaining the most affected.
While cigarette smoking is declining, nicotine consumption remains widespread: a quarter of the population uses snus or e-cigarettes. White, tobacco-free, flavored snus, launched in 2016, is experiencing strong growth, particularly among young people. Snus containing tobacco is banned in the EU, except in Sweden.
Snus use has increased significantly: 19% of adults use it daily, and sales of white snus jumped by 180% between 2021 and 2024, while sales of vaping liquids increased by 640%. Among women, snus use has increased from 4% to 14% since 2007.
Several countries are also aiming for less than 5% of smokers, a goal supported by the WHO. However, the CAN (National Association of Nicotine Users) points out that the effects of snus and other new nicotine products remain poorly understood, and that e-cigarettes may increase certain lung risks.
Frank Verain
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