Per capita recorded alcohol consumption (litres of pure alcohol) among adults (≥15 years)
Rationale for use
Harmful use of alcohol is related to many diseases and health conditions, including chronic diseases such as alcohol dependence, cancer and liver cirrhosis, and acute health problems such as injuries. The level of per capita consumption of alcohol across the population aged 15 years and older is one of the key indicators for monitoring the magnitude of alcohol consumption in the population and likely trends in alcohol-related problems.
Definition
Litres of pure alcohol per capita, computed as the sum of alcohol production and imports, less alcohol exports, divided by the adult population (aged 15 years and older).
Data sources
Direct government data, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's statistical database (FAOSTAT) and World drink trends published by Produktschap voor Gedistilleerde Dranken (Netherlands).
Methods of estimation
Estimated amount of pure ethanol in litres of total alcohol, and separately, beer, wine and spirits consumed per adult (15 years and older) in the country during a calendar year, as calculated from official statistics on production, sales, import and export, taking into account stocks whenever possible.
References
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Global status report on alcohol 2004.
Geneva, World Health Organization, 2004
Database
Comments
It is important to note that these figures comprise, in most cases, the recorded alcohol consumption only. Factors that influence the accuracy of per capita data are: informal production, tourist and overseas consumption, stockpiling, waste and spillage, smuggling, duty-free sales, and variations in beverage strength and the quality of the data on which it is based.