There are 1.2 billion tobacco users worldwide | 24 years of change seen through WHO estimates

In October 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a report summarizing trends in tobacco use. As of 2024, there were around 1.2 billion tobacco users worldwide, equivalent to about 1 in 5 adults. Although the number is declining, the main point of the report is that the pace is not enough to reach the international target.

From 1.38 billion to 1.2 billion

According to WHO estimates, the number of tobacco users fell from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024. Compared with 2010, this is a decrease of 120 million people, or a relative decline of 27%. The report states that it is based on more than 2,000 surveys from countries around the world and covers 97% of the global population.

On the other hand, the target agreed by countries--to reduce tobacco use by 30% from 2010 to 2025--is expected to fall just short. WHO estimates the gap from the target level at around 50 million people.

Key numbers
・Global tobacco users: 1.38 billion in 2000 -> 1.2 billion in 2024
・Decrease compared with 2010: 27% (target: 30%)
・Male use rate: 41.4% (2010) -> 32.5% (2024)
・Female use rate: 11% (2010) -> 6.6% (2024)

Gender differences and regional differences

The difference between men and women is clear. Among women, the usage rate fell from 11% in 2010 to 6.6% in 2024, and the number of users also decreased from 277 million to 206 million. Women had already achieved the target of a 30% reduction by 2020. Among men, by contrast, although the usage rate fell from 41.4% to 32.5%, the number of users still stands at nearly 1 billion, and men account for more than 4 in 5 users worldwide. WHO expects men to reach the target around 2031.

By region, the highest usage rate in 2024 was in the European Region at 24.1%, where the rate among women was also higher than in other regions at 17.4%. The Western Pacific Region, which includes Japan, was 22.9%, and among men alone it was 43.3%. In the South-East Asia Region, once the highest, the usage rate among men has nearly halved, from 70% in 2000 to 37% in 2024. The lowest rate was in the African Region at 9.5%.

The report also estimates that the number of e-cigarette users worldwide exceeds 100 million. Of these, at least 15 million are children aged 13 to 15, and WHO is calling attention to trends among younger generations.

WHO has also published global estimates on physical activity. See also the statistics showing that 1 in 3 adults worldwide does not get enough exercise for more.

References: World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

※This article introduces statistics and system information published by public institutions and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any specific disease. If you have health concerns, please consult a medical institution.

—The Value Village Editorial Team