Smokers will be fined in Turkmenistan

The government of Turkmenistan has announced that smoking will be completely banned in the country by the end of 2025.

Turkmenistan, with a population of about 7 million, has one of the lowest rates of smoking in the world. The first anti-smoking initiative was launched in 2022 by the country's former president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.

According to the World Health Organization, the number of smokers in the country today is only 4 percent of the population. High taxes on cigarettes, strict restrictions, and a ban on smoking in public places are further reducing the number of smokers. Penalties are also severe: fines of up to 200 manats (about $57) are set.

The government is not just limiting itself to advice, but has also imposed strict restrictions on the import of cigarettes. In some places, cigarette packs are being burned en masse. Product prices have also increased: a cigarette costs 25 manat ($0.571.42), and a pack costs around 50,170 manat ($14,2048.50).