Overview

• WHO’s first consolidated estimate reports more than 100 million e‑cigarette users worldwide, with rapid uptake among adolescents.
• Global smoking prevalence has dropped from roughly 23% a decade ago to about 19% today, reflecting long-term tobacco-control efforts.
• Southeast Asia led the improvement, as the share of men who smoke there has about halved since 2000.
• Europe’s decline is smaller, and 17.4% of women in the region smoke, the highest rate globally.
• WHO calls for higher tobacco taxes, comprehensive advertising bans, and expanded cessation services, as groups highlight fast-growing vape sales in Germany.