The Maldives has made history by becoming the first country in the world to ban smoking for an entire generation.

Under the new law, it is now illegal to sell or purchase cigarettes for anyone born on or after January 1, 2007.

The ban officially came into effect on November 1, marking a major public health milestone for the South Asian island nation.

In a statement, the Maldivian Ministry of Health called the move a “historic milestone” aimed at protecting public health and nurturing a tobacco-free generation.

With this step, the Maldives has set a global precedent in its efforts to eliminate tobacco use among future generations.

According to the World Health Organization, smoking causes more than 700,000 deaths worldwide every year.

According to 2021 data, more than a quarter of the population aged 15 to 69 in the Maldives are smokers. The rate is almost twice as high among 13- to 15-year-olds.

Although Maldives has become the first country in the world to implement such a ban, it is being considered or implemented to some extent in some other countries.

New Zealand came close to introducing such a ban in 2022 when the government approved a law that would ban smoking for people born after January 1, 2009. But the ban was never implemented and was withdrawn a year after the law was passed.

Similar legislation had been proposed in the United Kingdom, but none succeeded in gaining approval. However, a new bill on the matter is now reportedly under consideration.

The Maldivian government has long been working to curb tobacco use and promote public health.

In late 2024, the government banned the production, import, and sale of e-cigarettes for people of all ages.

Authorities expect that the new tobacco ban will further reduce smoking rates across all age groups and help build a healthier, smoke-free society.