Traditionally a \"dry\" country where alcohol is prohibited in any form. There are no legal ways to obtain it, and trying to find it on the black market is a risk to both health and freedom. Imprisonment is imposed for the production, sale, or consumption of alcohol.

Sudan

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

Somalia

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

Mauritania

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

Afghanistan

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

Yemen

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on most of the country, although there are some exceptions - for example, in the city of Aden, where alcohol may 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 mainly for Muslims. Non-Muslims and people over 17 years old may import a limited amount of alcohol, but it can only be consumed privately.

Partial Bans: Alcohol for the Chosen Few

In some countries, the law does not prohibit alcohol entirely, 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

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 catering to tourists.

Pakistan

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

The Maldives

Alcohol is available at popular resorts, but only on islands with a license. 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 Aceh province. In the rest of the regions, non-Muslims may consume alcohol, but it is not available everywhere. The sale of alcohol on beaches and near them is prohibited.

India

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

The United Arab Emirates

Alcohol is prohibited for Muslims, but non-Muslims may buy and consume alcohol in licensed places. However, drinking in public or appearing in a drunken state can result in a prison sentence of up to six months' imprisonment.

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 total ban in Turkey, but it is very difficult to find points of sale for alcohol after 22:00 in many cities. Also, there is a ban on advertising alcoholic beverages.

Australia

In this progressive country, there are territories where alcohol is prohibited. You can only buy alcohol in licensed stores in the Northern Territory, but in some areas, there is a strict comprehensive ban.

Historical Dry Laws: When the World Went Dry

The ban on alcohol is not an invention of the 21st century. In the history of the 20th century, entire countries were immersed in 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 proliferation of bootlegging, gangster wars, and budget losses, so it was repealed.

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

Why Prohibitions: Religion, Health, and Politics

The main reason for complete and partial bans on alcohol is religious norms. In Islam, the consumption of alcohol is considered a sin (haram), so countries where Sharia is the basis of legislation often introduce strict restrictions. However, there are other reasons: concern for public health, fighting 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 completely or largely prohibited. In dozens of other countries, there are significant restrictions. This map is constantly changing, but one thing remains the same: in a world where alcohol seems to be everywhere, there are still corners where even the most experienced traveler will not find it.
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