#19: Tobacco Use in Southern America
As in many other countries across the globe, tobacco use in South American countries remains a significant public health concern. As this map shows, Uruguay, often referred to as the “smoking capital of the Americas,” has one of the highest percentages of adult smokers, with approximately 23% of its population using tobacco products. Chile and Argentina follow closely behind, with around 20% and 18% of adults smoking, respectively.
Brazil, the largest country in South America, has made commendable progress in tobacco control, reducing smoking rates to approximately 13%. However, countries such as Bolivia and Paraguay face higher challenges, with tobacco usage rates exceeding 30%. These numbers highlight the urgent need for comprehensive tobacco control measures, including public awareness campaigns, strict regulations, and accessible cessation programs, to combat the detrimental health effects associated with tobacco use in South America.