Sweden on Track to Become Europe’s First Smoke-Free Nation

Sweden is poised to become the first smoke-free country in Europe. The rate of daily smokers has fallen below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 5% threshold, marking a major public health milestone.

In 2005, about 15% of Swedish adults smoked daily. Last year, the figure dropped to 5.2%, and current data suggest it has fallen even further. According to WHO standards, a nation is classified as smoke-free when fewer than 5% of adults smoke regularly—a target Sweden is now close to achieving.

Two Decades of Policy, Awareness, and Harm Reduction

Sweden’s success did not happen overnight. Over the past twenty years, the country has combined:

• Public awareness campaigns highlighting the health risks of smoking.

• Strong messaging focused on the harms of cigarettes rather than nicotine alone.

• Promotion of less harmful alternatives, including traditional snus and tobacco-free nicotine pouches.

This approach has yielded significant results: daily smoking has declined by 55% in the past decade, tobacco-related deaths among men have dropped by 38%, and lung cancer cases have fallen by 41%.

The Role of Snus and Nicotine Pouches

Sweden remains the only EU country permitting the commercial sale of snus, a moist oral tobacco pouch. Around 18% of Swedes now use snus or similar nicotine products, reflecting a shift from cigarettes to less harmful alternatives.

Snus, placed under the upper lip, has played a key role in reducing cigarette consumption. Although these products are not risk-free, health experts note that they significantly lower the dangers associated with traditional smoking. Notably, cigarette prices in Sweden remain lower than in many Western European countries, making the decline in smoking rates even more remarkable.

A Model for Other Nations

Public health specialists argue that Sweden offers a pragmatic, evidence-based strategy for reducing smoking without relying solely on bans or punitive measures. The country balances regulation, alternatives, and public awareness, supported by high social trust and a well-regulated market.

While cultural and legal differences exist, Sweden’s experience provides valuable lessons for other nations aiming to implement realistic, effective strategies to reduce smoking and protect public health.