The Country That Drinks The Most Beer A Year

The Czech Republic has secured the title of the world's foremost beer-drinking nation, an accolade attributed to its historical and culinary ties to the beloved beverage. The country's staggering per-capita beer consumption illustrates this distinction: The average Czech citizen consumes approximately 184 liters of beer annually, far surpassing anywhere else on the planet.

Worth noting is that, while China tops the list of most beer consumed overall (over 38 million liters for the entire population), the Czech Republic's per-capita figure is a testament to the Czechs' profound affection for beer. After all, the countries' populations are vastly different, with approximately 10.5 million people living in the Czech Republic and 1.4 billion in China.

The roots of the Czech Republic's beer culture go deep, with some brewing records dating back over 1,000 years. The country's beer legacy is closely intertwined with its traditions and national identity; pubs and beer gardens are central to Czech social life, serving as gathering places for friends, family, and colleagues to bond over a pint. Notably, one of the most renowned beer styles to originate from the Czech Republic is the pilsner lager, which was born in the city of Plzeň in 1842 and has since become a global beer archetype.

The Czech beer industry is a significant economic force that contributes to both tourism and trade. The nation boasts a multitude of breweries, ranging from iconic, well-established brands — including Pilsner Urquell Brewery (Plzeňský Prazdroj), Budweiser Budvar Brewery (Budějovický Budvar), and Staropramen Brewery — to smaller, artisanal operations. This diversity ensures residents and tourists have a vast menu of choices.

Czech beer production adheres to some of the strictest brewing traditions and standards, prioritizing craftsmanship and convention. The use of prime raw ingredients, such as Saaz hops and Moravian malt, contributes to the drink's distinctive and superior taste. You know you're getting a real Czech beer when it's made from hops, cereals, and yeast that are solely grown and harvested in the Bohemian Crown.

Time is also of the essence and plays a key role in perfecting the recipe; it takes roughly five months to brew authentic Czech lager. The tried-and-true process is extremely meticulous, from the malting to the milling to the fermentation and maturation — all before it's poured into a glass.