Sweden has achieved its smoke-free goal with fewer than 5% of the population smoking regularly, according to the 2025 annual report. This represents a dramatic decline from 16% daily smokers in 2003. Mats Ramstedt, head of research at the Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs, called this "an incredible development" that demonstrates how harmful behaviors can be reduced significantly through concerted public health efforts.

The decline traces back to the late 1970s when over 30% of Swedes smoked daily. Ramstedt attributes success to reduced accessibility and higher costs, with real-term prices rising 45% since 2003. Comprehensive preventative measures played a crucial role, including advertising bans and programs helping people quit. These systematic changes created an environment where smoking became both harder and more expensive to maintain.

While Sweden has seen increased snus use, Ramstedt questioned whether this substitution explains the smoking decline, noting smoking rates fell before the snus rise became significant. The achievement demonstrates how public health policies can effectively combat tobacco use when implemented consistently and comprehensively, providing a model for other nations seeking similar reductions in smoking prevalence.