Largest population makes China the top cigarette consumption country in the world.

A recent survey carried out by China Horizon Research shows Chinese smokers burn 15.8 cigarettes per day, which is three more than the world average 13.

The survey also tells us the number of male smokers is much larger.

Average money paid for each pack of cigarettes is 4.6 yuan. Zhejiang smokers are the most lavish with their habit. They averagely pay 9 yuan for each pack, while Hunan smokers pay an average of 3 yuan per pack.

Most smokers' educational level is low. Eighty percent of them have only received a high school education or lower.

Chinese smokers said the main reasons for smoking are: for leisure, looking cool and relaxing.

(CRI May 10, 2005)