2025’s Top 10 Countries with the Highest Alcohol Consumption: Russia Leads a Surprising Global Trend

Alcohol consumption remains a complex part of societies worldwide — woven into celebrations, traditions, and day-to-day life. While it’s often seen as a social norm or cultural pastime, the volume of alcohol consumed per person can reveal much more than just preferences for beer, wine, or spirits. It reflects deeper societal trends, gender dynamics, and shifting cultural behaviors.

The latest global report for 2025 showcases a striking lineup of the top alcohol-consuming nations based on per capita intake in liters. What’s even more fascinating is the breakdown between men and women in these countries — with several revealing a surprising reversal of global drinking norms. In a number of cases, women are outdrinking men by significant margins.

Let’s dive into the top 10 countries where alcohol consumption has reached its peak this year.

1. Russia – 16.8 Liters Per Person

Taking the number one spot in 2025, Russia tops the chart with the highest per capita alcohol consumption at 16.8 liters annually. One of the most remarkable details is the gender divide — while men average 7.42 liters, women are consuming a staggering 27 liters per year. This sharp contrast not only flips the typical global pattern but places Russian women at the forefront of global alcohol consumption.

2. Greece – 14.4 Liters Per Person

Greece follows in second place with an average of 14.4 liters per person. Traditionally known for its wine culture and Mediterranean lifestyle, Greece presents another unusual trend — women are drinking far more than men. Women consume 24.5 liters annually compared to just 5.87 liters for men, highlighting a noteworthy shift in gender drinking habits.

3. Lesotho – 12.9 Liters Per Person

The southern African country of Lesotho ranks third, with an average alcohol consumption of 12.9 liters per person each year. The gender split here continues the unexpected pattern seen in the top countries: men average 5.87 liters, while women consume a hefty 21.4 liters annually — more than triple their male counterparts.

4. Madagascar – 12.1 Liters Per Person

In Madagascar, per capita alcohol consumption sits at 12.1 liters. Again, women take the lead in drinking rates, consuming 19.8 liters per year compared to 5.5 liters among men. This contrast is consistent with the broader gender trends seen across the top-ranked countries.

5. Djibouti – 12 Liters Per Person

Djibouti’s annual average stands at 12 liters per person. While traditionally seen as a conservative society with religious influences that often discourage drinking, the data tells a different story. Men consume an average of 5.25 liters annually, but women reach an unexpectedly high 19.1 liters, highlighting an unusual cultural shift.

6. Grenada – 11.8 Liters Per Person

The Caribbean island nation of Grenada records 11.8 liters of alcohol consumption per capita. The island’s vibrant cultural celebrations and social lifestyle may contribute to these numbers. Women here consume an average of 18.6 liters per year, compared to 5.3 liters among men.

7. Poland – 11.7 Liters Per Person

Poland comes in at number seven with 11.7 liters of alcohol consumed per person. The gender breakdown again shows a significant gap: men drink 5.16 liters annually, while women average 18.7 liters. This stands in contrast to Poland’s traditional image of male-dominated drinking culture.

8. Belarus – 11.6 Liters Per Person

Belarus, long associated with a strong tradition of vodka consumption, records an average intake of 11.6 liters per person. Men drink 5.21 liters annually, while women reach 19.4 liters — placing Belarusian women among the highest alcohol consumers globally.

9. Bulgaria – 11.6 Liters Per Person

Also with 11.6 liters per person, Bulgaria ties with Belarus but presents a slightly different gender ratio. Bulgarian men average 4.77 liters annually, while women consume 19 liters — again highlighting a sharp gender imbalance favoring higher female consumption.

10. Australia – 11.5 Liters Per Person

Rounding out the top 10 is Australia, where alcohol consumption stands at 11.5 liters per capita. Known for its pub scene and social drinking culture, the country still shows a surprising gender difference: men consume 5.22 liters a year, while women drink 18.1 liters.

This year’s data not only spotlights some of the heaviest-drinking countries around the globe but also signals a broader transformation in global drinking behavior. Traditionally, men have led global alcohol consumption, but this year’s rankings challenge that narrative.

In most of the top 10 countries, women are drinking substantially more than men — a reversal that hints at changing roles, societal pressures, economic shifts, and possibly new forms of social expression. Whether driven by increased access, cultural evolution, or changing social norms, the numbers point to a new phase in global alcohol trends.