On the platform World Population Review, an analysis was conducted that showed the level of alcohol consumption by country.
Among the CIS countries, Moldova ranks first in alcohol consumption — 14.1 liters, followed by Belarus (11.4 liters) and Russia (10.5 liters). In Central Asia, where Islamic culture significantly influences attitudes towards alcohol, the consumption levels are much lower: in Kazakhstan — 5.4 liters, in Kyrgyzstan — 3.9 liters, and in Uzbekistan — only 2.1 liters.
The lowest alcohol consumption figures in the post-Soviet space were recorded in Tajikistan (0.7 liters) and Turkmenistan (0.3 liters), according to the report.
In July 2025, President Serdar Berdymukhamedov signed a National Program aimed at preventing the harmful effects of alcohol in Turkmenistan for the years 2025–2028. The document notes that the program is designed to improve the health of the population and enhance the quality of life for citizens.
At the same time, observers point out that the creation of the new program was preceded by statements from the trade representative of Russia in Turkmenistan, Andrey Khripunov. At the Trade Representatives Week in Kazan last July, he discussed the issue of the smoking ban in the country, which extends even to residential premises, and also mentioned the availability of alcohol:
“Despite the status of a Muslim country, alcohol is sold in volumes that I have not seen even in Moscow stores.”
In Turkmenistan, there have been repeated attempts to limit the sale of alcoholic beverages.
However, each time alcohol became less accessible, there was an increase in cases of poisoning from counterfeit alcohol.
