Sweden is now officially smoke-free, 16 years ahead of the European Union’s target. Photo credit: PxHere.
Sweden has made history by officially becoming "smoke-free," according to groundbreaking government data. The nation achieved this milestone 16 years ahead of the European Union's target.
Figures from Sweden’s public health agency show that just 4.5% of Swedish-born adults smoke, well below the internationally recognized 5% benchmark for smoke-free status. In comparison, the average smoking rate across Europe is 24%—five times higher. New statistics reveal that 5.3% of all adults in Sweden, including immigrants, currently smoke. Notably, the data shows that individuals born elsewhere in Europe are, on average, three times more likely to smoke in their home countries than they are after moving to Sweden.
“In the early 1960s, nearly half of Swedish men smoked. By embracing and encouraging the use of alternative nicotine products such as snus, oral nicotine pouches and vapes, Sweden has paved a clear path to a smoke-free society while safeguarding public health,” said Dr. Delon Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden. “They should serve as a beacon of hope for the rest of the world and as inspirational proof that a pragmatic, enlightened approach can deliver sensational public health gains and save lives.”
“Key to Sweden’s success is its pragmatic focus on harm reduction rather than prohibition. A wide range of safer nicotine products, with a variety of strengths and flavours, is legally available both online and in stores, supported by advertising, which raises awareness and encourages uptake,” said Dr. Anders Milton, a physician and former president and c.e.o. of the Swedish Medical Association.
Dr. Human added, “While Sweden celebrates this historic achievement, most other nations remain far from reaching their smoke-free goals. Their rigid, prohibitionist policies limit access to safer nicotine alternatives, including oral nicotine products and e-cigarettes. These regressive measures are pushing smokers away from potentially life-saving tools and stalling progress toward reducing tobacco harm.
“Rather than follow Sweden’s lead, these nations are heading in the opposite direction, with smoking prevalence stagnating or even rising. Sweden’s success is living proof that alternative nicotine products are a powerful force for positive change when supported by evidence-based policies.”