International
The World Health Organization estimates that there are around 1.3 billion smokers in the world, of which almost 1 billion are men. This represents about one third of the global population aged 15 and over. The consumption of tobacco is changing - from the developed world to the developing world. The vast majority of smokers, around 84% or 1 billion people live in developing countries.
This section outlines global initiatives and research that is taking place.
World Health Statistics 2008 (External Web Page)
The latest report on global health trends includes a range of health indicators including smoking prevalence for all 193 WHO member states. The report notes that "in more and more countries the chief causes of death are noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease and stroke.” Tobacco use is a major contributory factor.
WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2008 (External Web Page)
This report is the first in a series that will track the status of the tobacco epidemic and the impact of interventions to stop it. It includes data for all countries worldwide arranged by WHO region, measured against 6 proven tobacco control policies (MPOWER).
ASH Research Report: Global trends in tobacco consumption (Purchase £5.00)
ASH Research Report on the global trends in consumption of tobacco.Essential Information 21: Tobacco in the Developing World (Purchase £1.00)
Tobacco consumption has fallen over the past 20 years in most high-income countries such as Britain, Canada, the United States, Australia and most northern European countries. By contrast, tobacco consumption in the developing countries is increasing as tobacco industries shift their marketing to these "emerging markets".
International trends toward smokefree provision
In the wake of bans on smoking in public places and workplaces in Ireland and Norway, other countries are looking at proposed regulations to implement similar restrictions. This document provides an overview of such developments around the world.
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is the world’s first health treaty, developed by the World Health Organisation and adopted in May 2003.
If current trends continue by 2030 tobacco will kill more than 8 million people each year, with 80% of those coming from the developing world. The FCTC is designed to try to reduce this terrible toll.
World Health Organisation: Tobacco Free Initiative (External Web Page)
The WHO has made tobacco one of its two priority projects and established the Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI).
National Tobacco Information Online System (NATIONS) (External Web Page)
US Centers for Disease Control: An international database that provides country-specific links to WHO based information on tobacco-related stats, demography, economics, industry presence, and laws and regulations
European Commission Taxation and Customs Union Directorate-General (External Web Page)
Contains information on the EU customs strategy, the calculation of customs duties (see value of goods; tariff; origin) customs procedures, and
customs controls. Also outlines excise duties,
Tobacco Atlas (2nd edition) (External Web Page)
Packed with colourful maps detailing global smoking trends, the economics of tobacco, tobacco advertising in every country of the world. By Dr. Judith Mackay, Dr. Michael Eriksen, Dr. Omar Shafey, published by the American Cancer Society. 2006
Australia's national tobacco campaign: every cigarette does you damage... (External Web Page)
Hard hitting campaign with many shocking images, but the strong mass-media component is also integrated with broader tobacco control measures. Australian smoking prevalence is now below 20% and the media campaign has been widely used world-wide.
Tobacco Control Country Profiles 2003 (External Web Page)
Report that describes the situation in 196 countries and territories around the world. Includes country-by-country data.
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International developments on smokefree legislation
Bhutan imposes smoking ban (External Web Page)
Bhutan imposes smoking ban following on from legislation outlawing tobacco sales. BBC News article.
Cuba to adopt smoking ban (External Web Page)
Cuba announced a ban on some public places. BBC News article
