Overview

• WHO’s first global estimate counts at least 86 million adult vapers and at least 15 million users aged 13–15.
• Global tobacco users declined from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024, yet roughly 19.5% of adults still use tobacco.
• Europe now has the highest regional tobacco prevalence at 24.1% and the highest female prevalence at 17.4%, while Southeast Asia led the long-term decline.
• WHO says youth vaping figures are likely underestimates because national vaping surveys cover only about 75% of the world’s population.
• The organization calls for stronger enforcement of tobacco-control policies and regulation of e‑products, noting evidence from a 2024 Cochrane review that e‑cigarettes can aid cessation even as long‑term health effects remain uncertain.