Data sourced:
2023.
Page updated:
2025-06-19
In 2018, approximately 1.9 million adults in Yemen were current users of traditional smokeless tobacco. The overall prevalence of current use among adults was 11.3 percent. Among adult males, the prevalence was 17 percent, while among adult females, it was 5.9 percent. The prevalence of daily use among adults was 10.5 percent, with 15.9 percent of males and 5.3 percent of females using the product daily.
Traditional smokeless tobacco is regulated as a tobacco product in Yemen. It is legal to sell and use the product, and it is also legal to purchase it online. However, health warnings on packaging are required by law, and a minimum age restriction of 18 years is enforced for sales.
Prevalence
11.3%
1
A
2018
5.9%
1
A
2018
17%
1
A
2018
10.5%
1
A
2018
5.3%
1
A
2018
15.9%
1
A
2018
References:
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-yem.pdf?sfvrsn=958733db_3&download=true. 16 May 2025.
Comments:
- National Health Survey (STEPS), 2017-18; National, ages 18-69
Product promotion
References:
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-yem.pdf?sfvrsn=958733db_3&download=true. 16 May 2025.
Regulation
Yes
1
A
2023
References:
- 1.WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-yem.pdf?sfvrsn=958733db_3&download=true. 16 May 2025. 2. Cancer Control. Chapter 11 Smokeless Tobacco Use in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Available at: https://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/chapter_11_smokelesstobaccoandpublichealth.pdf. Accessed 23 May 2025.
Comments:
- The locally-produced and most common type of smokeless tobacco is called Shamma in Yemen.
Availability
Yes
1
2023
References:
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-yem.pdf?sfvrsn=958733db_3&download=true. 16 May 2025.
Regulations and restrictions
YES
1
2023
Yes: 18 years
1
2023
References:
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-yem.pdf?sfvrsn=958733db_3&download=true. 16 May 2025.
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