A new report by Forbes, shows that all except one of the World’s 15 Heaviest-Drinking Countries are in Europe. The report was based on the 2006 survey data from the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development, which tracks per capita alcohol consumption around the globe.

The rankings are based on the number of litres of pure alcohol consumed per person per year, from beer, wine and spirits combined. European countries hold the top 14 places, with Australia ranking 15th.

Consumption across most countries in Europe has declined markedly over the last thirty years (Spain, France and Italy) with consumers drinking less but higher value products. Countries such as Ireland and the UK saw rises in consumption from a lower base in the 1980’s and 1990’s, but adults are still drinking considerably less than in the 1920’s for example and trends have peaked, with choice of beverage changing (i.e. more wine and less beer). A 2006 study by the Weinberg Group, a consulting firm that reported findings of several published health and consumption trends regarding alcohol use in Europe, showed that Europe generally has greater social and religious history and acceptance of drinking than the rest of the world does, with alcohol used more in social settings and at family meals. “A number of social, political and cultural factors have been reported to influence drinking behaviour,” the report concluded. Among them: traditions that have young and old imbibing around the dinner table and at social events, and varying levels of alcohol taxes in different countries.

Luxembourg continues to be the highest per capita consumer of alcohol at 15.5 litres of pure alcohol in a year, followed by France (14.2 litres), Ireland (also 14.2 litres), Hungary (12 litres) and the Czech Republic (11.8 litres). The Czechs, lead the world in annual beer consumption with over 150 litres per person.