In this article, we are going to discuss the 10 drunkest countries in Asia. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the religious importance of alcohol, the global alcohol industry, the largest market for Scotch, and the recent shifts in the global alcohol market, head to 25 Drunkest Countries in Asia.
10. Armenia
Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 4.95 liters
Armenians highly appreciate the art of consuming traditional drinks, and the most popular national alcoholic drink is brandy, followed by vodka and wine. Armenian brandy, or ‘cognac’ as it’s called by the locals, is made from selected grapes that are grown in the Ararat Valley.
However, Armenian brandy producers are required to stop naming their drink ‘cognac’ by 2032 in return for a $3.5 million payout as part of a deal with the EU passed in 2021.
9. China
Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 5.73 liters
China has a long history of alcohol consumption, with baijiu being the most consumed liquor in the East Asian country. For those who are unfamiliar, baijiu is a vast category of clear yet complex spirits that has played a prominent role in China’s drinking culture since the Ming Dynasty. Baijiu is most commonly distilled from sorghum, although other grains – including rice, wheat, corn, and millet – pop up in proprietary blends throughout the country.
Last year, consumers in China guzzled through $91 billion worth of baijiu, making it the world’s most-consumed spirit. However, the potent potable remains less well-known outside the nation.
8. Philippines
Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 6.18 liters
With the exception of the Muslim minority, most Filipinos view drinking as an important part of their heritage and a key element of the country’s tourism sector. The Philippines’ vibrant sugar industry makes it one of the world’s best rum producing countries. In fact, the country is home to the highest-selling rum brand in the world – Tanduay.
7. Japan
Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 6.68 liters
In a country known for its strict social etiquette, the laws and moral code on drinking are so relaxed that alcohol is sold in grocery stores and vending machines across Japan. The Land of the Rising Sun is also known for its Nomikai gatherings – a feature of its business culture that usually involves an after-work get-together for co-workers over drinks.
Japan sits among the Top 10 Countries that Drink the Most in Asia.
6. Thailand
Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 6.68 liters
Thailand is known for its vibrant nightlife and social drinking culture. The most popular drink in the Southeast Asian country is beer, with an average person drinking around 27.3 liters annually. Singha is among the most popular beer brands in Thailand, along with Chang and Leo.
5. Mongolia
Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 7.93 liters
Mongolia has one of the largest populations of alcoholics in the world and Mongolians are dependent on alcohol at a rate three times higher than Europeans.
Therefore, Mongolian President U.Khurelsuk issued a decree on reducing alcohol consumption in 2022, prohibiting the use of high-strength ethyl alcohol at receptions, official celebrations, and ceremonies arranged by government organizations. Also, the government is to implement a volume-based liquor tax, and alcohol volume in liquors will be reduced by 10% every single year.
4. South Korea
Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 8.19 liters
The South Korean working culture almost encourages drinking. Many companies hold work dinners called ‘hoesik’, which means eating and drinking with work colleagues. According to a Euromonitor International report, South Koreans down 13.7 shots of hard liquor every week.
With 100.9 million 9-liter cases sold worldwide in 2022, the South Korean Jinro Soju is the Most Popular Spirit Brand in the World.
3. Cambodia
Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 8.48 liters
Cambodia has a particularly weak policy framework to regulate the alcohol industry when compared to other international settings. Although a national legal framework on alcohol sponsored by the Ministry of Health attempts to regulate the alcohol industry, the law is yet to be finalized. There is no minimum drinking age and no limitations on the sale of alcohol.
2. Vietnam
Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 9.34 liters
The alcohol market in Vietnam is dominated by beer, followed by spirits and wine. Heineken is the most popular beer brand in Vietnam, accounting for 44% of the market share. The Dutch company entered the country in 1991 and soon became one of the most favorite beers in the market.
1. Laos
Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol: 11.52 liters
Laos has many ethnic groups and each has its own traditions and culture, but alcohol plays an important role throughout Lao society. There is a rule in the Southeast Asian country, especially in the villages of different ethnic groups, that you cannot drink less. While women may retire after drinking a few shots and enjoy the party with food, for men, it is not acceptable. You have to drink as much as you can, and sometimes, even more than you can.
Laos is the Country that Drinks the Most Alcohol in Asia.
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