Smoking in Germany at 20-year low

Wed 23rd Jan, 2013

Recent figures show that German people are smoking fewer cigarettes, with sales down to their lowest level for over 20 years. The reason is attributed to rising taxes. 

The Federal Statistics Office in Wiesbaden reported that last year 82.4 billion cigarettes were taxed - 5.9 percent less than 2011 and the lowest level since reunification.

At the same time, sales of cigars decreased slightly by ten percent and the amount of tax cut by 0.4 percent. In contrast, sales of pipe tobacco rose by 12.4 percent.

The government responded to this development by increasing tobacco tax from 1 January 2012. Additionally, further tax increases on cigarettes are planned each year through to 2015.


Violence Erupts at Regional League Match in Berlin, Officer Hospitalized

In a troubling incident during a regional league match between BFC Dynamo and FSV Zwickau in Berlin, a police officer was assaulted, resulting in unconsciousness and hospitalization. The violence...

Evacuation in Switzerland as Rockslide Threatens Village

In a precautionary measure, approximately 300 residents of the village of Blatten in the Lötschental region of the Swiss Alps have been evacuated due to the imminent threat of a rockslide. The...

Homicide Investigation Launched After Young Woman Found Dead in Forest

A young woman's body has been discovered in the Königsbrücker Heide forest near Laußnitz, Ostsachsen, prompting a murder investigation by local authorities. Police have detained a 16-year-old male...

Indonesian Volcano Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts, Raising Alarm Levels

The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano, located on the Indonesian island of Flores, has erupted once again, sending a towering ash column five kilometers into the atmosphere. This latest eruption occurred in...

Berlin Knife Attack on New Year's Eve: Suspect Faces Long-Term Psychiatric Care

In an alarming incident that unfolded just hours before the New Year in Berlin, a man launched a knife attack on unsuspecting pedestrians. The assailant is now facing serious charges, including...

Tragic Fire Claims Lives of Two Seniors in Berlin Group Home

A devastating fire broke out in a group home for seniors in Berlin-Mitte, resulting in the deaths of two elderly men, aged 73 and 77. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, prompting...

More Quick Read Articles »
German PKV Insurance

German Private Health Insurance

Health Insurance in Germany is compulsory and sometimes complicated, not to mention expensive. As an expat, you are required to navigate this landscape within weeks of arriving, so check our FAQ on PKV. For our guide on resources and access to agents who can give you a competitive quote, try our PKV Cost comparison tool.

Hospitals

Hospital and Clinic Directory

Germany is famous for its medical expertise and extensive number of hospitals and clinics. See this comprehensive directory of hospitals and clinics across the country, complete with links to their websites, addresses, contact info, and specializations/services.

Events

Upcoming Events

Repertório N.2

Davi Pontes and Wallace Ferreira present Repertório N.2 and Repertório N.3. Two young dancers stand completely naked on stage, rhythmically stamping their feet in energetic patterns that continuously evolve. The physical intensity reverberates through the space, with sweat flying and heavy...