| Smoking is a global problem. It is estimated that one | | | | 59% of adult males smoking. Also, significantly more |
| in three adults smoke, with over 1 billion people | | | | women smoke in Eastern Europe than in East Asia |
| smoking worldwide. The majority of these smokers | | | | and the Pacific Region.2) Most people who smoke, |
| reside in countries on the low end to the middle of | | | | begin smoking before they are 25 years old. |
| the socioeconomic spectrum. Of this majority, about | | | | Worldwide observations suggest that people are |
| 80% live in low and middle-income countries. The | | | | stating to smoke at a much younger age. World |
| total number of smokers worldwide is expected to | | | | Health Organization studies reveal that the majority |
| keep on increasing each year.The worldwide | | | | of smokers in affluent countries; begin in their |
| popularity of tobacco use varies by social class, | | | | teens.Smoking In The USHow do Americans compare |
| historical era, and culture. Historically, smoking had | | | | to the rest of the world when it comes to smoking? |
| been a pastime of the rich. However, this trend has | | | | It may come as no surprise to hear that Americans |
| changed dramatically in recent decades. It appears | | | | are no better than anyone else. According to the |
| that financially advantaged men in wealthier countries | | | | National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), Centers for |
| have been smoking less in recent times.The World | | | | Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for |
| Health Organization has been studying smoking trends | | | | Health Statistics:3) In the US, it is estimated that 25.6 |
| and statistical patterns across the globe and has | | | | million men (25.2%) and 22.6 million women (20.7%) |
| uncovered the following statistics:1) Eastern Europe | | | | are smokers. These smokers face a higher risk of |
| has a particularly high rate of smoking, with up to | | | | heart attack and stroke. |