Changes in the Prevalence of Smoking and Sales of Cigarettes and Snus in Iceland

Iceland has witnessed a dramatic decline in smoking to 8.2% in 2019, and has the second lowest adult daily smoking rate in Europe after Sweden. A long-term decline in smoking accelerated in 2007 and again in 2012. Market data show, on a weight-for-weight basis, a continued decline in cigarette sales and an increase in snus sales. Prevalence of adult daily snus use was 3.2% in 2012 rising to 6% in 2019. Prevalence of adult daily e-cigarette use was 3.6% in 2017. It would appear that the uptake of snus and latterly of e-cigarettes has contributed to the long-term decline in smoking. Most significant is that smoking uptake among young people has virtually disappeared with only 3.3% of 18-24 year old smoking, and 0.8% of 16 year olds.

See also p.53 of the report: Burning Issues: The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction 2020