Global Tobacco Use Continues to Fall, But More Than 1.2 Billion People Still Use Tobacco Worldwide
The world is making progress in reducing tobacco use, but the latest World Health Organization (WHO) data shows there is still a long way to go.
According to the WHO’s latest global tobacco trends report, an estimated 1.202 billion people aged 15 years and older were using tobacco in 2024. Of these users, approximately 992 million consumed smoked tobacco products, while around 847 million smoked cigarettes.
The report found that 19.5% of adults worldwide currently use some form of tobacco. Smoking remains the most common form of tobacco use, with 16.1% of adults smoking tobacco products and 13.8% smoking cigarettes specifically.
Global Tobacco Use in 2024
| Measure | Global Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total tobacco users | 1.202 billion |
| Smoked tobacco users | 992 million |
| Cigarette smokers | 847 million |
| Adult tobacco use prevalence | 19.5% |
| Adult smoking prevalence | 16.1% |
| Adult cigarette smoking prevalence | 13.8% |
(Source: WHO Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Use 2000–2024 and Projections 2025–2030)
We are making significant headway
WHO reports that global tobacco use has fallen significantly over the past two decades. The number of tobacco users worldwide declined from approximately 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024, representing a reduction of around 120 million users since 2010.
Women have recorded particularly strong progress, with tobacco use prevalence declining from 11% in 2010 to 6.6% in 2024. While tobacco use among men has also fallen, WHO notes that men continue to account for more than four out of every five tobacco users globally.
The Relevance
The WHO findings demonstrate that quitting tobacco is possible and that public health measures, education, and cessation support can make a real difference.
Every person who quits smoking reduces their exposure to the harmful chemicals produced by burning tobacco. While quitting can be challenging, support from healthcare professionals, pharmacists, quit-smoking programs, and evidence-based cessation services can help improve the chances of success.
For Australians looking to quit smoking, it is important to seek advice through legal and regulated pathways. In Western Australia, tobacco control laws and federal regulations continue to support efforts to reduce smoking rates and improve public health outcomes.
The latest WHO data shows that millions of people have successfully moved away from tobacco over the last two decades. For anyone considering their next step toward becoming smoke-free, that progress serves as a reminder that quitting is achievable and that support is available.
Source and Credits
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Use 2000–2024 and Projections 2025–2030
Publication Date: 2025
Report: WHO Digital Publications
WHO News Release: WHO Tobacco Trends Report
Written and published by NicQuit.com.au — helping Australians breathe easier, live longer, and quit for good.