Overview

• More than 100 million people now vape worldwide, including at least 86 million adults—mostly in high‑income countries—and about 15 million adolescents aged 13 to 15, the WHO reports.
• In countries with data, children 13 to 15 are on average nine times more likely than adults to use e‑cigarettes, with adolescent prevalence estimated at 7.2% and likely undercounted where surveys are missing.
• Global tobacco users fell to 1.2 billion in 2024 from 1.38 billion in 2000, yet nearly one in five adults still use tobacco, and Europe now has the highest regional prevalence with women there leading global female use.
• The findings draw on 2,034 national surveys covering 97% of the world’s population, and WHO calls for full MPOWER and FCTC implementation alongside specific regulation, taxation and enforcement for new nicotine products.
• European Commission officials signal tougher action on vapes, with plans to extend tobacco tax rules to e‑cigarettes and raise minimum rates, reflecting growing pressure for stricter controls.