Chechnya has cemented its status as Russia's least smoking region: the rate has decreased by almost 40% since the beginning of the year

The Chechen Republic retained its first place among Russian regions with the lowest smoking prevalence. Moreover, the rate in the republic has decreased even further since the beginning of the year.

According to Russian Ministry of Health data for July 2026, the percentage of smokers among Chechen residents over 18 was 0.37%. This is the lowest rate in the country.

For comparison, in February 2026, smoking prevalence in the republic was estimated at 0.62%. Thus, in just a few months, the rate has decreased by 0.25 percentage points, or approximately 40% compared to February's level.

Overall, the regions of the North Caucasus once again ranked among Russia's leaders in terms of the lowest smoking prevalence. Following Chechnya in the July rankings were Kalmykia (1.46%), Krasnodar Krai (4.4%), Ingushetia (5.98%), and Dagestan (8.83%).

Low smoking rates aren't the only healthy lifestyle indicator for which Chechnya ranks among the leaders in Russia. It's worth noting that the republic also has the lowest alcohol consumption in the country.

According to the Ministry of Health, alcohol consumption in Chechnya in March 2026 was only 0.02 liters of ethanol per capita. The following places were also taken by regions of the North Caucasus: Ingushetia (0.62 liters), Dagestan (0.91 liters), Kabardino-Balkaria (2.14 liters), and Karachay-Cherkessia (2.71 liters). Stavropol Krai also ranked among the regions with the lowest alcohol consumption, with 3.48 liters.

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