Beer Consumption Around the World: The Surprising Facts

When it comes to beer, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there. But one thing is for sure: it is enjoyed all around the world. The question is, where is it drunk the most? Depending on how you answer that question, you might be in for a surprising answer.

If we look at total volume, the country that consumes the most beer in the world shouldn’t come as a shock. It’s China, by a significant margin. With a population of 1.4 billion people, it’s not hard to see why they consume more than 20% of the world’s share of beer per year. And in recent years, Chinese brands like Tsingtao have even made their way to America.

But if we shift our focus to per capita consumption, the story takes a different turn. The Czech Republic takes the crown in this category, and not by a small margin either. On average, Czechs consume a staggering 184 liters of beer per person. In second place, Austria lags far behind at less than 100 liters. Eastern and Central European countries dominate the top 10, with Estonia, Romania, Poland, Germany, Croatia, and Lithuania all making appearances. Spain is the only country to appear on both the total volume and per capita lists, alongside Germany. The only outlier on the per capita list is Namibia, ranking 9th with 85.7 liters per capita.

So, why is beer so popular in these countries? Well, the history of beer goes back thousands of years. The progenitor to beer was created in China around 7,000 B.C., although the modern form didn’t appear until around 3,500 B.C. in Mesopotamia. Since then, beer has evolved, and today, there are hundreds of kinds of beer around the globe. It can be made with various grains like barley, rice, wheat, oats, or corn, and flavored with an array of ingredients. The endless possibilities make it a beloved beverage worldwide.

No matter who consumes the most beer, one thing is clear: beer is a global phenomenon. Whether you’re enjoying a cold one or experimenting with cooking, beer is here to stay. It’s a drink that brings people together, transcending borders and cultures.

So, the next time you crack open a beer, remember the surprising facts about its consumption around the world. And if someone asks you where beer is drunk the most, you can confidently share the truth – the Czech Republic takes the lead in per capita consumption, while China reigns supreme in total volume. Cheers to beer and its universal appeal!