World's 10 top alcohol consuming countries

New Delhi: A 2011 report by the World Health Organization states that 2.5 million deaths per year are caused by alcohol. “Almost 4% of all deaths worldwide,” the report says, “are attributed to alcohol, greater than deaths caused by HIV/AIDS, violence or tuberculosis.”But still the consumption of alcohol goes on increasing every year.2012 data reveal that more than 250 billion litrs of alcoholic drinks were consumed around the world in that year, which was higher than the previous year.Here is the list of top ten alcohol consuming countries across the globe:1. Republic of MoldovaCitizens of the post-Soviet Republic of Moldovaare are the guzzlers of alcohol, gulping exactly 18.22 liters per person every year. The country is a major wine producer, with many people drinking cheap homemade wine, vodka and other spirits.2. HungaryHungarians consume 16.27 litres per person every year and it is roughly an even mix of beer, wine and spirits.In eastern Hungary, a rural people often have a shot of “palinka,” a spirit made of fruits, for breakfast and make a living growing and distilling plums and peaches for the drink.3. UkraineUkraine has an annual consumption of 15.60 litres per person. Illegal production of alcohol is a cause for worry in the country with 35 percent of the vodka sold in the country being produced illegally. In 2011, 36,680 poisoning cases were registered in Ukraine, of which 5,300 resulted in fatalities. 4. AustriaPer capita alcohol consumption here is 169 liters.Often cited as one of the world's best places to live, Austria also has some of the highest alcohol consumers in the world.Here beer remains the top drink of choice, accounting for over 70 percent of all drinks.5. RomaniaPeople here consume 15.30 litres of alcohol every year and beer is consumed the most as beer here costs less than the bottled water at restaurants and bars. 6. ItalyThe estimated Pure alcohol consumption here is 8.0 liters per capita per year.It is one of the major producers as well as consumer of wine. The connection between food and booze is made clear by looking at Italian groves, where one commonly sees grapes growing alongside olive trees.7. RussiaRussians consume 15.76 litres per person every year. Vodka is the national drink of Russia and it is the most consumed alcohol drink here. 8. Andorra Here you will get the alcohol products at cheaper rate than rest of the Europe. The country has estimated annual consumption of 15.48 litres per person.The most popular drinks are Orxata, Granizado, Acqua D'Or.9. Estonia:Estonians are said to be true beer lovers as the country's annual alcoholic consumption is 15.57 litres per person . The country has seen an increase in spirits (around 9L) consumption than beer (around 5L), recently. 10. SloveniaSlovenians consume 15.19 litres of alcohol every year and more wine (around 5L) and beer (around 4L) than spirits.Here it is also illegal to sell alcohol in stores from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., and 10 a.m. in bars and restaurants.