Beer-loving Countries

Beer is consumed in almost every country in the world. However, there are countries that imbibe more than others. The following are the top 10 beer-consuming countries in the world:

(Pixabay / PeterKraayvanger)

1. Czech Republic — The Czechs drink more beer per capita than any other country (142.4 liters). The Czechs have been brewing beer since 993 A.D. Locally-produced beers are available in almost every town in the country. The Czech Republic is famous for being a lager producing country, and for also being the birthplace of Pilsner.
2. Seychelles — While many people in the Seychelles enjoy drinking major national and international brands, the new trend is to drink craft beer produced by local breweries. Per capita consumption of beer in the Seychelles is 114.6 liters per capita.
3. Austria — While Austria’s neighbor Germany is famous for its beers, Austria also has its own reputation when it comes to drinking. Since Austria isn’t under the same restrictions as Germany when it comes to ingredients they can put in their beers, Austria has more varieties, and their flavors are distinct. The per capita beer consumption in Austria is 104.7 liters.
4. Germany — When you think about beer and Germany, you automatically think of Oktoberfest. The festival, held in Munich for 16 to 18 days, is famous as the world’s largest beer festival. Even with that festival, Germany only comes in fourth on the list with 104.7 liters per capita.
5. Namibia — Brewing was introduced to Namibia by the German colonists. The Germans introduced the purity law of 1516, which mandated that beer must include only water, barley, and hops. The tradition remains in Namibia today, no longer by force of law but by tradition. The Namibians consume 102.7 liters per capita.
6. Poland — Poland is Europe’s third-largest producer of beer at 36.9 million hectoliters. There are almost 100 breweries in Poland, including contracted breweries and microbreweries. The per capita beer consumption in the country is 99 liters.
7. Ireland — Ireland has a long history of brewing beer. At the beginning of the 1800s, there were over 200 breweries in the island country, but as of 2007, only 12 remain. Ireland breweries make a variety of lagers, stouts, and ales. The famous brand Guinness is based in Dublin. The per capita beer consumption for Ireland is 97.5 liters.
8. Lithuania — Home brewing is a big part of Lithuanian beer culture. While the country was originally big on mead, once beer became available, it became the beverage of choice. Since home brewing is so popular, Lithuanians have a lot of options when it comes to picking beers. They also have a reputation for being among the best brewers in the world. Lithuanians consume beer at 97.1 liters per capita.
9. Belize — Belize prohibits the sale of foreign beers in the country, except for beers brewed in the Caribbean. Even the Guinness Stout that is highly popular is actually brewed by the Belize Brewing Company. However, this doesn’t stop the people of Belize from drinking, as the country consumes 94.7 liters of beer per capita.
10. Romania — Beer in Romania is not subject to tariffs and restrictions like other alcoholic beverages because it is considered a foodstuff. In the late 1800s, many people would go to pubs to conduct meetings, while also drinking beer and eating mititei (grilled meat rolls). Romanians consume 92.1 liters of beer per capita.

Beer drinkers are all over the world, drinking at different times of the day. Whether they drink for a party or just part of their habits and even their daily routines. You would still be amazed to learn how these countries cope with having too many beer drinkers. Get to know these countries in this infographic.