Welcome to Path to Smoke-Free
We analyze global tobacco control policies through the lens of Sweden’s remarkable success becoming smoke-free. Our platform harnesses data from the Effective Anti-Smoking Policies Global Index, enhanced by We Are Innovation’s research and findings from surveys conducted by Ipsos among ex-smokers in Sweden.
The global smoking rate of 20.9% and the EU average of 24% show that traditional public policy and regulation – including the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), MPOWER initiatives, and EU directives and recommendations – contribute significantly to eradicating smoking. However, Sweden’s smoking rate of 5.3% confirms that this is not enough and that countries must adopt a comprehensive approach to becoming smoke-free.
Sweden’s achievement goes beyond traditional tobacco control measures.
Our research reveals three key elements – the 3 As – that have proven crucial to Sweden’s comprehensive approach:
Accessibility
Ensuring innovative nicotine products are available through conventional and online retail channels, with comprehensive and relevant information for adults.
Acceptability
Leveraging a variety of flavors and nicotine levels in innovative nicotine products to provide a compelling and realistic alternative to smoking.
Affordability
Ensuring that taxes on innovative nicotine products remain at a level that does not discourage adults from choosing to use them over smoking due to cost.
Path to Smoke-Free
Is your nation a leader or a follower?
Leading the Charge
| Country | Path to Smoke-Free | Accessibility ranking | Acceptability ranking | Affordability ranking |
| UK (England) | 1 | 7 | 31 | 18 |
| Egypt | 2 | 1 | 1 | 69 |
| Slovakia | 3 | 2 | 44 | 25 |
| Jordan | 4 | 3 | 1 | 69 |
| Czech Republic | 5 | 4 | 58 | 22 |
| Switzerland | 6 | 8 | 1 | 47 |
| Ireland | 7 | 5 | 44 | 18 |
| Peru | 8 | 16 | 1 | 7 |
| Spain | 9 | 9 | 44 | 25 |
| Lebanon | 10 | 10 | 1 | 69 |
| Iceland | 11 | 15 | 31 | 44 |
| Greece | 12 | 12 | 44 | 25 |
| North Macedonia | 13 | 21 | 31 | 18 |
| France | 14 | 17 | 44 | 10 |
| Georgia | 15 | 19 | 1 | 55 |
Falling Behind
| Country | Path to Smoke-Free | Accessibility ranking |
Acceptability ranking |
Affordability ranking |
| Hong Kong SAR | 95 | 95 | 95 | 69 |
| India | 95 | 95 | 95 | 69 |
| Qatar | 95 | 95 | 95 | 69 |
| Thailand | 95 | 95 | 95 | 69 |
| Türkiye | 95 | 95 | 95 | 69 |
| Turkmenistan | 95 | 95 | 95 | 69 |
| Vietnam | 95 | 95 | 95 | 69 |
| Sri Lanka | 94 | 94 | 94 | 69 |
| Mexico | 93 | 93 | 92 | 62 |
| Norway | 92 | 92 | 92 | 69 |
| Brazil | 91 | 88 | 87 | 69 |
| Argentina | 90 | 91 | 87 | 64 |
| Venezuela | 89 | 89 | 87 | 62 |
| Oman | 88 | 86 | 91 | 69 |
| Nicaragua | 87 | 87 | 86 | 69 |
Country-by-Country Analysis
Tap a country to unlock its complete profile .
Path to Smoke-Free:
A Global Health Initiative
Countries analyzed, spanning diverse regions and economies.
People covered, representing a majority of the world’s population.
Of global citizens included, making this the most comprehensive smoke-free study to date on smoke-free targets.
