The percentage of smokers in Switzerland continues to decrease, with just 24% of the population over the age of 15 smoking as of 2022, a drop of three percentage points since the last survey was taken in 2017, and down from 30% in 1992.
Prior to the 2017 survey, smoking rates had remained stable for a considerable period, the Swiss Health Survey: Tobacco consumption 1992‒2022 report found.
Smoking ‘gender gap’
In addition, the gender gap in smoking rates has narrowed over time. For men, the smoking rate decreased from 37% in 1992 to 27% in 2022. For women, it fell from 24% to 21% over the same period.
Among men, the most notable decreases in smoking rates were seen in the 15-24 and 65+ age groups. For women, the most significant drop was in the 25-44 age group, while rates increased among those aged 65 and over.
Heavy smokers
The most significant decline in smoking rates was observed among individuals with tertiary education. Additionally, the percentage of heavy smokers, defined as those consuming 20 cigarettes or more per day, has more than halved over the past 30 years.
In 1992, 41% of Swiss smokers consumed 20 or more cigarettes daily. By 2022, this had fallen to 18%. The most significant decline in heavy smoking was observed among young adults.
The FSO’s latest publication on tobacco consumption also highlights the rising popularity of novel tobacco products and e-cigarettes among younger people. In 2022, 17% of individuals aged 15 to 24 reported using these products, which include heated tobacco, e-cigarettes, shisha, or snus products.
