Sweden reaches its target with fewer than 5% daily smokers

Monday 25 May 2026 - 16:30

Sweden has officially reached its long-standing public health target of reducing daily cigarette smoking to below 5%, according to a national report on tobacco and nicotine use.

Data from the Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAN) shows that the share of daily smokers fell from 16% in 2003 to 4.8% in 2025. Health experts describe this decline as a major milestone in the country’s efforts to become virtually smoke-free.

Despite this achievement, the report highlights that nicotine consumption remains widespread in other forms. Around one quarter of the population uses nicotine daily, including through e-cigarettes and snus, a type of oral tobacco placed under the upper lip.

The report notes that smoking rates have declined steadily over the past two decades, particularly among most age groups. However, women aged 50 to 84 remain the largest group of daily cigarette smokers, at around 6%.

Researchers also point to the growing popularity of alternative nicotine products. Snus use, in particular, has played a significant role in Sweden’s reduction in smoking rates. Originally containing tobacco, snus is now also available in tobacco-free versions, often flavored and widely marketed since 2016.

According to CAN, daily snus consumption has increased significantly over time, with strong growth in both traditional and tobacco-free varieties. The report also highlights a sharp rise in e-cigarette liquid sales in recent years, reflecting changing patterns of nicotine use across the country.

While Sweden’s smoking decline is widely seen as a public health success, experts caution that overall nicotine dependence remains an ongoing concern.