There are many stereotypes about Russian people. However, one of the most pervasive is that Russian’s drink a lot of vodka. Russia is among the countries in the world with the highest alcohol consumption and vodka has long played a role in the country’s culture. But why do Russians drink vodka, and why so much of it? Well, let us explain…
1. Vodka Can Be Incredibly Cheap In Russia
A first reason why Russian’s drink so much vodka is because it is cheap.
Russia her a per capita income of 12,172 USD. This is the amount the average Russian earns in a year. This makes the average Russian slightly poorer than the average person in Kazakhstan, and a little richer than the average person in Trinidad and Tobago. Russia is not a rich country and normal people in Russia do not have a lot of money to spend. There are also significant numbers of Russian’s who live in poverty.
Vodka is an incredibly cheap drink in Russia. You can buy a bottle of vodka for 10 rubbles – about 0.17 USD. People in Russia often choose to drink vodka because of its low price.
As well as being a cheap, vodka is also among the strongest alcoholic drinks. With an alcohol content of around 40%, drinking vodka will get you drunk fast. Essentially, Russian’s drink a lot of vodka because it is one of the cheapest and strongest alcoholic drinks available.
2. Drinking Is Seen As Socially Acceptable In Russia
A second reason why Russians drink a lot of vodka is because of a wider cultural acceptance of drinking within Russian society.
Like many countries in Europe, Russia has a long history of alcohol consumption. For centuries, sharing drinks and consuming alcohol has been a favourite past-time of many Russians. Drinking is ingrained into Russian culture. It is used to celebrate, commiserate, to socialise and to cope with difficulties. Many in Russia see no problem in drinking alcohol, and even getting drunk, and this has led to a widespread drinking culture in the country.
As well as a general societal acceptance of drinking, taking vodka in Russia is seen as part of Russia’s culture. The drink has long been associated with masculinity, virility, strength and even patriotism.
Many people in Russia drink because it is socially acceptable to do so. Many choose to drink vodka because of its venerated place within Russian culture.
3. Russia Has A Long History Of Vodka Production
A third reason why many people in Russia drink vodka is because of the long history of vodka production in the country.
Vodka began being produced in Eastern Europe around the 9th Century. Legend has is that in 1430, a monk named Isidore from the Chudov Monastery – inside the Moscow Kremlin, created the first recipe for a Russian vodka. Vodka is made from cereal grains, and more recently from potatoes – which are found in large quantities across Russia.
In 1472, the Russian monarchy began a monopoly on vodka production. This was an enormous source of revenue for the Russian state. Vodka production was only privatised in Russia in 1914. However, the states control of vodka allowed for low prices to be set and large quantities to be available to Russians, especially the peasantry, throughout much of the country’s history. Some historians see this as a tactic by the Russian monarchy to placate the impoverished population.
Vodka in Russia has a long and colourful history. A major reason why Russians today still consume so much vodka is because of the connection between the drink and Russian history.
4. Russia Has A Harsh Climate
Another reason why Russian people drink a lot of vodka is because of the harsh climate of the country.
Russia is famous for its terrible winters. Parts of the country can get as low as –27 degrees centigrade. Being a country near the top of the northern hemisphere, winters in Russia are also dark, and long. These factors have been shown to increase alcohol consumption. In fact, widespread consumption of hard liquor is also an issue in other northern countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Canada. In these countries, like in Russia, the harsh climate is seen as a reason why people drink a lot, and especially choose spirits.
There is no conclusive evidence for why people in colder climates drink more. However, factors such as long periods of time spent indoors, lack of other activities, a cultural acceptance of drinking and a history of alcohol production could all be contributing factors. Whatever it is that makes people in cold climates drink more, it’s clear by speaking to many Russians that one reason they choose to drink vodka is to get through the harsh Russian winters.
5. The Country Has A Major Problem With Alcoholism
A key reason why so many Russians drink vodka is because the country has a major problem with alcoholism.
Alcohol is a drug and can be highly addictive. Alcoholics are people who have an obsessive or compulsive relationship with alcohol, and who often drink regularly and to excess. People who are alcoholics will drink more often and will usually choose stronger alcoholic drinks, such as vodka.
Estimates are that as many as 36% of Russian men, and 7% of Russian women are alcoholics. This is the second highest in the world. Compare this to America where the total number of alcoholics is 13% and France where it is 11%.
The huge number of people in Russia who abuse alcohol is an important reason why so much vodka is drunk in the country. Essentially, as more people become alcoholics, sales of cheap and harder liquor increase.
It’s important to note that alcoholism and the consumption of drink in Russia has been falling in recent years. However, the country still has a major problem with alcohol abuse and, because it is cheap and readily available, this is sadly a reason why so many Russians’ drink vodka.
6. Russians Enjoy Drinking Vodka
A final reason why Russians drink so much vodka is because it’s enjoyable.
Billions of people around the world enjoy having an alcoholic drink. Drinking alcohol is a key part of many people’s social lives in hundreds of countries. Alcohol helps to lower inhibitions, start conversations, change people’s perceptions, and create new friendships. It goes with easting food and watching sports. Drinking can also help to lift people’s spirits.
People in Russia drink because they enjoy it. They choose to drink vodka because it is a drink that is readily available, goes with the cuisine they like and has a degree of cultural significance in their country. Essentially, many Russians choose to drink vodka for the same reasons many French people choose to drink wine, or British people choose to drink beer.
There are many reasons why Russian people enjoy drinking, and lots especially enjoy drinking vodka. However, these reasons are as different as each individual, and really, aren’t any different to the thousands of reasons people all over the world choose to pick-up their favourite drink.