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Jakarta – Consuming alcohol is a widespread social activity in various cultures worldwide. It serves as a means of celebration, relaxation, or even as a customary part of social gatherings.
Consumption levels, and types of alcohol consumed, vary widely based on location. Furthermore, the availability of fruits and grains used in alcohol production impacts which drinks are more commonly consumed, as does the predominant culture.
Some cultures see alcohol consumption as a pleasurable experience, while others see intoxication as a sin. There’s also the question of economics and availability. It’s strange, but in some regions of the world, industrially mass-produced alcohol can flood markets and become cheaper than other beverages, including water.
Well, there are some countries with the highest alcohol consumption in the world, as reported from the Worldatlas site.
1. Czech Republic - 14.26 Liters/Per Capita
Ilustrasi Scotch whisky/minuman beralkohol.
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The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The national beverage of choice is the iconic crisp pilsner.
This beer was first brewed in 1842 in the city of Plze? (Pilsen), which is less than 100 kilometers (60 miles) Southwest of the capital, Prague. Golden brews of all sorts make up a large percentage of this country's annual intake.
2. Latvia - 13.19 Liters/Per Capita
This Northeastern European country is also one of the three Baltic states, sandwiched between Estonia (to the North) and Lithuania (to the South).
The Republic of Latvia, or Latvia, also shares a border with Russia (to the East), Belarus (to the Southeast), and the Baltic Sea (to the West).
The three main beverages of choice are the traditional riga black balsam (generally considered the national drink), vodka (which perfectly suits the large percentage of Russian immigrants), and beer.
3. Moldova - 12.85 Liters/Per Capita
Ilustrasi bir atau minuman beralkohol
- CCO
The Republic of Moldova, or simply Moldova, is a small, landlocked nation in Eastern Europe (the Balkans), situated between Romania (to the West) and Ukraine (to the North, South, and East).
Moldova has a long history of wine-making, which is still thoroughly enjoyed today. Moldovans also partake in some unique libations, including ?uic? (made from cereal grain and fruits), Vi?inat? (a traditional Romanian drink made of either fermented cherries, raspberries, or gooseberries), and mead (made from honey and water).
4. Germany - 12.79 Liters/Per Capita
The Federal Republic of Germany, Germany, or Deutschland, is one of Europe's largest countries and is second-most populous after Russia. The nation's Southeastern state of Bavaria is particularly synonymous with good beer.
The world-famous Oktoberfest is held annually in Munich, bringing jovial connoisseurs from all over. But no matter the time of year, those hefty steins of foamy beer can be seen across the land.
5. Lithuania - 12.78 Liters/Per Capita
Latvia's neighbor to the South, and the largest of the Baltic states, the Republic of Lithuania, or simply Lithuania, also shares a strong drinking culture.
Although, this spirited nation has some differing preferences compared to Latvians. Lithuanians do share a liking for beer (a common thread across this entire list), but also local blends of mead known as midus and Staklišk?s, and some rye-based liquors such as kvass, ??saman? and starka.
6. Ireland - 12.75 Liters/Per Capita
Ireland, or Irish Éire, is a small island nation in Western Europe. Drinking is a well-known and celebrated pastime in these parts.
On those cool and rainy days (which frequently stop by), locals can be found in traditional pubs (some of the oldest on the continent), sipping some Irish coffee, sniffing a finely-aged whisky, or waiting for the perfect pour of Guinness to settle. All the while, folk tales and Celtic music are sure to reverberate in the background.
7. Spain - 12.67 Liters/Per Capita
Those midday siestas help boost Spain's per capita consumption. This Southwestern European nation is the continent's third-biggest producer of wine (vino) (behind France and Italy) and also the largest exporter.
Though the fermented grapes are a popular choice (seemingly at all hours), do not forget sangria, a refreshing signature Spanish blend of fruits and spices, and those slender glasses of cerveza (beer) that are a favorite sunny afternoon top-up.
8. Uganda - 12.48 Liters/Per Capita
The Republic of Uganda, or Uganda, a landlocked country in East-Central Africa, is the only nation outside of Europe to crack the top ten. Malwa, which is brewed out of millet and maize, is a classic drink that has been appreciated in the country's Northern rural areas.
Bushera is another traditional local drink, this time made of sorghum, and is popular in Western Uganda and the capital city of Kampala. And finally, banana-based drinks, such as tonto and mwenge bigere (banana beer), are solid staples on many drink menus.
9. Bulgaria - 12.46 Liters/Per Capita
This Southeastern European country sits on the Eastern portion of the Balkan peninsula and has a long Eastern shore with the Black Sea.
The Republic of Bulgaria, or just Bulgaria, gravitates to rakija, a collective term for fruit brandies, which are popular all throughout the Balkans. Bulgarians also enjoy an eclectic mix of fine wines and copious amounts of light (and cheap) beer.
10. Luxembourg - 12.45 Liters/Per Capita
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, or Luxembourg, is a tiny, landlocked country in Western Europe, engulfed by Belgium to the East and North, Germany to the East, and France to the South.
Even though it is one of the smallest countries in the world, Luxembourg has a big heart and a strong liver. This nation shares a love for wine and a propensity for beer with its French and German neighbors, respectively. Plum, honey, and nut-based Eaux-de-vies are also local favorites.
