Traditionally a \"dry\" country, where alcohol is prohibited in any form. There are no legal ways to acquire it, and trying to find it on the black market is a risk both to health and freedom. Producing, selling, or consuming alcohol is punishable by imprisonment.

Sudan

Officially, there are some exceptions for non-Muslims, but in practice, tourists are subject to the general ban. Even trying to bring in alcohol is considered a serious offense. After recent reforms, non-Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol privately, but for most of the population of the country, alcohol remains strictly prohibited.

Somalia

In this African country, alcohol is completely prohibited in accordance with Sharia law. The ban applies to import, sale, and consumption. Offenders face severe penalties, including imprisonment.

Mauritania

Officially an Islamic republic, where alcohol cannot be produced, sold, or consumed. There are only a few establishments for a \"limited circle,\" but for the average traveler, the country is completely alcohol-free.

Afghanistan

Here, an absolute dry law is in effect. Citizens are strictly forbidden to possess and consume alcohol, and imprisonment is a penalty for this. However, for foreign tourists, exceptions are sometimes made, but this is risky.

Yemen

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in most of the country, although there are some exceptions — for example, in the city of Aden, where alcohol can be sold in some establishments. Non-Muslim foreigners may import a limited amount of alcohol for personal use.

Iran

The production, sale, storage, and consumption of alcohol are prohibited for the Muslim population. However, there are exceptions for Christians and other religious minorities, who may produce and consume alcohol for religious purposes.

Brunei

In this small country in northern Indonesia, alcohol is prohibited primarily for Muslims. Non-Muslims and people over 17 years old may import a limited amount of alcohol, but consumption is allowed only in private.

Partial Bans: Alcohol for the Chosen Few

In some countries, the law does not prohibit alcohol completely, but limits its consumption for certain categories of citizens or in certain places. Such bans are often related to religious norms, where alcohol is considered sinful for Muslims.

Bangladesh

Here, the ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol applies only to Muslims. Non-Muslims and foreigners can drink in private places, as well as in some hotels and restaurants aimed at tourists.

Pakistan

National law prohibits alcohol for Muslim citizens. Non-Muslims may purchase alcohol, but a special permit is required for this. There are about 60 stores where quality alcohol is sold, but access to them is limited.

The Maldives

Alcohol is available at popular resorts, but only on licensed islands. In the capital and on local inhabited islands, alcohol is prohibited for local residents. Tourists staying in ordinary guesthouses will not be able to buy alcohol.

Indonesia

The authorities are trying to introduce a total ban, but it is currently in effect only in the province of Aceh. In other regions, non-Muslims may consume alcohol, but it is not available everywhere. The sale of alcohol on beaches and nearby them is prohibited.

India

There is no unified ban in the country, but in some states, such as Gujarat, Bihar, Nagaland, and Manipur, a complete dry law is in effect. In other regions, alcohol is sold freely.

The United Arab Emirates

Alcohol is prohibited for Muslims, but non-Muslims can buy and consume alcohol in licensed places. However, drinking in public or appearing drunk can result in imprisonment, up to six months in jail.

Egypt

Alcohol is available in tourist hotels and restaurants, but it is almost impossible to find it outside resorts. The sale of alcohol is completely prohibited during religious holidays.

Turkey

There is no complete ban in Turkey, but it is very difficult to find points of sale after 22:00 in many cities. Also, there is a ban on advertising alcoholic beverages in the country.

Australia

In this progressive country, there are territories where alcohol is prohibited. Alcohol can only be bought in licensed stores in the Northern Territory, but there is a strict all-encompassing ban in some areas.

Historical Dry Laws: When the World Was Dry

Banning alcohol is not an invention of the 21st century. In the history of the 20th century, entire countries plunged into a \"dry\" regime, and the consequences of these experiments were diverse. In the United States, from 1920 to 1933, there was a dry law prohibiting the production and sale of alcohol. It led to the growth of bootlegging, gang wars, and budget losses, so it was repealed.

In Russia, the dry law was introduced several times. In 1914, with the beginning of World War I, the sale of vodka was banned. In 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev began an anti-alcohol campaign that led to the closure of stores and mass moonshine production [reference:33]. In Norway, Finland, and Iceland, the dry law was in effect in the first half of the 20th century.

Why It's Banned: Religion, Health, and Politics

The main reason for full and partial bans on alcohol is religious norms. In Islam, the consumption of alcohol is considered sinful (haram), so countries where Sharia is the basis of legislation often introduce strict restrictions. However, there are other reasons: concern for public health, combating crime, and efforts to preserve traditional values. In some regions, such as in Indian states, bans are associated with political movements and social reforms.

There are at least 17 countries in the world where alcohol is banned completely or for the majority of the population. In dozens of states, significant restrictions are in place. This map is constantly changing, but one thing remains unchanged: in a world where alcohol seems ubiquitous, there are still corners where even the most experienced traveler will not find it.

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