The table illustrates the number of alcohol-related deaths in seven countries in 2005, as well as the average beer consumption per capita in 2002. Overall, the Czech Republic recorded both the highest beer consumption and the greatest number of alcohol-related fatalities, whereas Lithuania reported the lowest figures in both categories. Additionally, alcohol-related mortality was far more prevalent among men than women in all the listed nations.
A total of over five million deaths were attributed to alcohol across the seven countries, with males accounting for the overwhelming majority. There appears to be a discernible correlation between beer consumption per capita and mortality from alcohol-related causes.
In detail, citizens of the Czech Republic consumed an average of 132 litres of beer per person in 2002 – the highest figure among all countries – which coincided with the largest number of alcohol-related deaths at approximately 1.37 million. Germany followed, with 107 litres consumed per capita and around 1.19 million fatalities. By contrast, Lithuania, which recorded the lowest beer consumption (91 litres per person), also had the smallest number of deaths, at just 125,000.
Other countries such as Austria, Ireland, Canada, and Estonia displayed moderately high beer consumption levels (between 86 and 106 litres per capita) and correspondingly elevated death tolls. Interestingly, Canada reported a greater number of alcohol-related deaths (580,000) despite having one of the lowest average beer intakes, suggesting that other forms of alcohol may have contributed significantly to mortality there.
Across all seven nations, deaths among males consistently and dramatically outnumbered those among females, underscoring a persistent gender disparity in alcohol-related health risks.