Costa Rica has the 4th highest rate of alcoholism in Latin America and the Caribbean (2024)
The beer-loving Central American country had the fourth highest rate of alcohol dependence in the region, though it was not significantly higher than the regional average.
The World Health Organization (WHO) published a worldwide study (PDF) on alcohol consumption and its effects last Monday. WHO measured consumption rates, favorite types of alcohol, and side effects such as addiction, road accidents and liver cirrhosis.
Perú reported the highest rate of alcoholism, at 4.9 percent of its population, followed by Colombia and Belize. Costa Rica reported a rate of 3.1 percent, barely edging out 27 other countries in the region who reported rates between 2.9 percent and 2.5 percent. For comparison, the U.S. had a rate of 4.7 percent.
Costa Rica also ranked fifth in the region for alcohol disorders. WHO defines disorders as including “acute intoxication, harmful use, dependence syndrome, withdrawal syndrome, (with and without delirium), psychotic disorders, and amnesic syndrome.” Once again Perú, Belize and Colombia outranked Costa Rica on this related category, with Guyana edging ahead.
On other measures, Costa Rica was average or below average for the region. Among those who drank, Costa Ricans consumed an average of 10.5 liters of pure alcohol per year, which was 26th out of 33 countries. Heavy drinking rates ranked Costa Rica 16th in the region. Approximately 49 percent of Costa Ricans said they never drank or had not drank in the past year, which was the 12th highest rate in the region. Fatal consequences of drinking such as traffic accidents and liver cirrhosis were low in Costa Rica, ranking 22nd.
Explore the difference in drink choices, consumption and the consequences of drinking across the region below.
The smallest Central American country was an interesting case in the statistics. Belize led the region in per capita consumption among drinkers, at 29.8 liters of pure alcohol per year. However, 71.4 percent of Belizeans reported never drinking or not drinking in the last year, the highest rate in the region. Paraguay reported the highest rates of heavy drinking with 33.9 percent of the population saying they consumed 60 grams or more in one occasion in the past 30 days.
Overall, alcohol consumption and related problems were higher for men than women in every country, while abstention rates were higher for women. Mexico had the largest gender divide, where, among drinkers, men consumed an average of 12.3 liters of pure alcohol more per year than women did. Costa Rica had one of the most egalitarian drinking rates, with men only consuming 4.3 liters more than women, the third closest rate in the region.
Perú reported the highest rate of alcoholism, at 4.9 percent of its population, followed by Colombia and Belize. Costa Rica reported a rate of 3.1 percent, barely edging out 27 other countries in the region who reported rates between 2.9 percent and 2.5 percent. For comparison, the U.S. had a rate of 4.7 percent.
In 2019, Barbados and Saint Lucia had the highest level of alcohol consumption in Latin America and the Caribbean among its population aged 15 years and older, with around 9.5 liters of pure alcohol per capita consumed yearly.
Argentina drinks more alcohol than anywhere else in Latin America. An alcoholic drink or beverage is one that has ethanol, which is produced by the fermentation of fruits, grains, or other sugar sources. Culturally, the drinking of alcohol has always had an important social function such as celebrating and bonding.
The alcohol limit for driving in Costa Rica is 0.50-0.75 grams (when breathalyzed), or 0.25-0.38 milligrams in a blood test. If you're over these limits when stopped while driving in Costa Rica, you can expect a MINIMUM fine of 327,713 colones (approx. $510) and possibly 1-3 years in jail.
Caribbean rum is as multifaceted and full of personality as the region itself. From Jamaica to Trinidad, every island has their own twist on the archetypal West Indies spirit.
Naturally, California consumes the most alcohol in raw volume with a whopping 88.6 million gallons drunk in 2021 — nearly 30 million more than runner-up Texas's 58.9 million gallons. Floridians take the bronze, with 55.2 million gallons consumed in 2021.
1. Polmos Spirytus Rektyfikowany Vodka. The world's strongest liquor is a rectified Polish spirit typically used by home distillers to create their own flavored vodkas. You can drink it straight, but since it's practically pure alcohol, it has a powerful kick so it's generally not recommended.
Texas has the highest risk of alcoholism in the U.S., according to study. Texas leads the nation for highest risk of alcoholism, according to a new study.
More specifically, Whites (13.8 percent) are more likely than Blacks (8.4 percent) and Hispanics (9.5 percent) to develop alcohol dependence in their lifetime (Hasin et al.
The top 10 percent of American adults, which equates to around 24 million people, consume an average of 74 alcoholic drinks each week. If you break that number out, that means they consume a little more than 10 drinks each day. The figures come from the published book “Paying the Tab” by Philip J.
Costa Rica reported a rate of 3.1 percent, barely edging out 27 other countries in the region who reported rates between 2.9 percent and 2.5 percent. For comparison, the U.S. had a rate of 4.7 percent. Costa Rica also ranked fifth in the region for alcohol disorders.
Drinks. Drink prices can vary significantly depending on where you go. You can expect to pay around $2 - 8 for a beer (depending on where and if it's a craft or imported beer) or $5 - 8 for a co*cktail at a typical Costa Rican bar. Drinks can cost more at larger restaurants or resorts.
The first thing to know is that in Costa Rica, the minimum legal drinking age is 18 years old. As per Costa Rican laws, anyone under this age is prohibited from consuming alcohol. This age restriction ensures that young adults and others know how to consume alcohol responsibly.
In 2019, the top 10 European countries with the highest alcohol consumption per capita were Czechia (14.3 litres), Latvia (13.2), Moldova (12.9), Germany (12.8), Lithuania (12.8), Ireland (12.7), Spain (12.7), Bulgaria (12.5), Luxembourg (12.4), and Romania (12.3). Click to access available viewer actions.
Among adults 15–64 years old, in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), 40.4% consumed alcohol in the past 30 days, 50.6% males and 30.9% females. This increases to 50.2% among the 25–34 year age sub-group, for both sexes [3].
According to a study by World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018, South Africa has the highest percentage of drunk driving deaths compared to any other country in the world with an estimated 58% of road fatalities being attributed to alcohol.
Introduction: My name is Kelle Weber, I am a magnificent, enchanting, fair, joyous, light, determined, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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