A new global ranking has identified Kazakhstan as the highest alcohol-consuming country in Central Asia, according to data published by the analytical platform World Population Review.

The study, which measures alcohol consumption per capita, shows that Kazakhstan leads the region by a clear margin, significantly outpacing its neighboring countries, The Caspian Post reports via 24kg.

Kazakhstan ranked 83rd globally, recording an average of 5.4 liters of pure alcohol per person per year. The country shares its position in the global ranking with Cambodia and Zimbabwe.

Within Central Asia, the differences are notable:

Kyrgyzstan - 3.9 liters (101st globally)

Turkmenistan - 3.0 liters (119th globally)

Uzbekistan - 2.1 liters (132nd globally)

Tajikistan - 0.7 liters (154th globally)

The report highlights a sharp contrast across the region, with Kazakhstan standing as the clear leader in alcohol consumption.

At the lower end of the global scale, several predominantly Muslim countries - including Kuwait, Iran, Syria, and Pakistan - recorded some of the lowest levels, at around 0.1 liters per person per year.

Globally, Romania topped the ranking, with an average consumption of 17.1 liters of pure alcohol per person aged over 15, making it the highest in the world.