Countries With Lowest Legal Drinking Age

21 AUG, 2023

Adhya Moona

Photo:  GETTY IMAGES

In Burkina Faso 13-year-olds can legally purchase alcohol in bars and eateries. This country has the youngest age of alcohol consumption.

burkina faso

Photo: GETTY IMAGES

In Central African Republic and Mali the legal drinking age in 15 years. In Central African Republic, 15-year-olds can buy alcohol off-premises (wine stores, supermarkets etc.)

central african republic & mali 

Photo: UNSPLASH/ANNA ROSAR

In the European nations of Austria, Belgium and Germany, those who are 16-year-old and above can purchase and consume alcohol. Wine and beer are popular alcohol beverages in these countries.

austria, belgium, germany

 Photo:UNSPLASH/RICARDO GOMEZ ANGEL

In Luxembourg and Switzerland the legal drinking age is 16 years. In Luxembourg, beer is the go-to alcohol choice. Absinthe is a famous alcohol beverage served in Switzerland.

luxembourg & switzerland

Photo: UNSPLASH/CALIN STAN

In Malta, you have be only 17-years-old to buy and consume alcohol. Cisk is the most renowned beer in Malta, brewed by Farsons Brewery. 

malta

Photo: UNSPLASH/RAPHAEL NOGUEIRA

In Argentina, Australia, and Brazil, one has to be a minimum of 18-years-old to purchase and consume alcohol. 18 is the legal drinking age in Vietnam as well. 

argentina, australia, brazil, VIETNAM

Photo: UNSPLASH/NICK FEWINGS

France, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Russia and Turkey, the legal age to drink is 18-years-old as well. French people usually enjoy a glass of wine, where as Russians enjoy drinking vodka.

france, uk, nigeria

In most provinces and territories in Canada, the legal drinking age is 19, except for Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, where it is 18 years old. 

canada

Photo: UNSPLASH/JUAN ROJAS

In South Korea as well, individuals are legally allowed to access alcohol once they are 19-years old. 'Soju' is a Korean liquor liked by many.

south korea

Photo: UNSPLASH/RAWKKIM

You must be 21-years-old to buy and drink alcohol in Qatar. Here, the establishments that serve alcohol will ask for a photo ID as proof of age.

qatar

Photo: UNSPLASH/RADOSLAW PREKURAT

Photo: UNSPLASH/SARANG PANDE

In India, the legal drinking age ranges from 18-25 years old. While some states in India - Goa, Himachal Pradesh etc have legal drinking age of 18 years. In Delhi, the legal age for drinking is 21.

india