In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 countries with the highest percentage of non-drinkers. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the global alcohol industry, the rise of sober tourism, and the opportunities for non-alcoholic beverages in countries with a low prevalence of alcohol, head to 17 Countries with the Highest Percentage of Non-Drinkers.
5. Kuwait
Percentage of Non-Drinkers: 97.9%
Alcohol consumption and sales have been banned in Kuwait since 1964, including sales via international hotels, and therefore, 100% of sales generated in Kuwait’s alcoholic drinks industry come from non-alcoholic beer. The category witnessed an upturn in its performance in 2022 as it witnessed some recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 crisis and the effects of the ban on smoking shisha inside cafés and restaurants. No taxes or duties are imposed on non-alcoholic beer in the Middle Eastern country.
4. Mauritania
Percentage of Non-Drinkers: 98%
Mauritania banned alcohol in the 1980’s, keeping in line with its Islamic legal code. Since then, some contraband has started flowing over the borders from neighboring Senegal, but the supply isn’t reliable. It is also punishable by law to bring alcohol into the country and try to treat the locals, but once a year, embassies in Mauritania are allowed to ship in a cargo container full of alcohol. Mauritania is one of the very few non drinking countries in Africa.
3. Yemen
Percentage of Non-Drinkers: 99%
Yemen has banned alcohol to the extent that its citizens cannot purchase or drink alcohol at all. The two largest cities, Aden and Sana’a, have some large hotels and nightclubs in which alcohol can be sold to visiting foreigners. Foreign citizens entering Yemen are allowed to import up to two liters of alcoholic beverages and consume these in private.
The strict ban has led to a flourishing bootlegging industry and the rise of homemade liquor, which can often prove dangerous and even deadly for its consumers.
2. Afghanistan
Percentage of Non-Drinkers: 99.1%
In Afghanistan, the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited for Afghan nationals. However, the government provides a license for various outlets to distribute alcoholic beverages to foreign journalists and tourists, and black-market alcohol consumption is prevalent as well. Bringing two bottles or two liters of alcoholic beverages is allowed for foreign nationals entering Afghanistan. Non-alcoholic beer is a popular thirst-quencher in the capital city of Kabul.
Afghanistan ranks among countries with the lowest drinking rate.
1. Libya
Percentage of Non-Drinkers: 99.5%
Libya is a conservative Muslim country where alcohol is illegal for the locals and foreigners alike, yet it is relatively easy to get. It is not uncommon to see young men drinking in their cars late at night, or to hear of parties at farms where alcohol has flowed freely. Although very little is known about the drinking habits in Libya, alcohol is most definitely a taboo in Libyan society and there has always been an assumption that only a small minority drinks.
Libya is the Country with the Highest Percentage of Non-Drinkers in the World.
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