Number of smokers stops declining

Seventeen percent of Danes said they smoked regularly, though 55 percent want to stop

The number of smokers in Denmark has stopped declining and may have even increased a little according to DR Nyheder.

A Gallup poll of 5,000 Danes compiled in December shows that 17 percent of respondents regularly smoked in 2013, which is the same number as the year before.

While this is a drop from 25 percent in 2005, if the number of electronic cigarette smokers is also included, the number of smokers may have actually increased in 2013 compared to 2012.

READ MORE: EU tightens anti-tobacco laws

Not a big deal
“Of course we would have liked to have seen a drop [in the number of smokers], but if it doesn’t happen this year it’s not a big deal,” Jørgen Falk, a consultant at the health board Sundhedsstyrelsen, told DR Nyheder.

“But if the study shows the same result next year then it is very serious. We have witnessed a stable fall over a long period so if we suddenly get more studies showing no continued fall, that would be worrying,” he added.

The poll wasn’t all doom and gloom for the nation’s lungs, given that 55 percent of respondents said they wanted to stop their habit.

“We are seeing a steady increase in the number of smokers who want to stop, and of course they should get the help they need,” Falk said.

TOP STORIES

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs