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

English

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

Knowledge•Action•Change (2020)

- Burning Issues: The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction 2020

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

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