Which Countries Have the Highest Rates of Female Vape Use?

The global rise of vaping has sparked widespread interest, not just for its impact on public health, but also for how different demographics engage with it. One particularly notable trend is the increasing number of female vape users around the world. While vaping was once largely dominated by male users, changing attitudes, marketing strategies, and smoking cessation trends have led to a surge in female participation.

But where in the world is this shift most pronounced? Which countries have the highest rates of female vape use, and what factors are driving these regional differences? In this article, we explore the global landscape of female vaping, highlighting the nations where the trend is most prominent.

1. United Kingdom: A Leader in Harm Reduction

The United Kingdom stands out as one of the most vape-friendly countries globally—and this extends to female users as well. According to recent data from Public Health England and the Office for National Statistics:

• Around 7–9% of adult women in the UK vape regularly.

• Among younger women aged 18–29, usage rates are even higher.

• Vaping is widely promoted as a harm reduction tool to help smokers quit, which has encouraged more women to transition from cigarettes to e-cigarettes.

Flavored options, supportive government policies, and a public health system that views vaping as significantly less harmful than smoking have contributed to growing female participation.

2. United States: A Mixed Picture with High Teenage Uptake

In the United States, female vaping is widespread, especially among teens and young adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Youth Tobacco Survey report that:

• Around 6–8% of adult women vape.

• Among high school girls, usage peaked at over 15% in past years, though regulatory changes have led to a slight decline.

• Female vape use is most common in the 18–24 age group, where social trends, influencer culture, and a wide variety of flavors play a significant role.

While adult use is rising, public health officials remain concerned about nicotine addiction in younger female populations, especially with flavored vapes.

3. New Zealand: Fast Growth Backed by Public Policy

New Zealand is another standout country where female vaping has grown significantly in recent years. With its “Smoke-Free 2025” campaign, the government actively promotes vaping as a smoking cessation aid.

• An estimated 5–7% of women vape regularly, with higher rates among ex-smokers.

• Young Māori and Pacific Islander women show some of the fastest growth in vaping rates.

• Disposable vapes and nicotine-free options are especially popular among casual female users.

New Zealand’s progressive stance has created an environment where women feel more comfortable switching from traditional cigarettes to vapes.

4. Canada: Steady Growth in Female Vape Users

In Canada, female vape use is also increasing, particularly among young adults and former smokers.

• About 4–6% of adult women report vaping regularly.

• Like the U.S., flavored vape options are a major draw for younger users.

• Canada’s relatively open but cautious regulatory framework allows for both nicotine and nicotine-free vapes, which appeals to women interested in lifestyle alternatives rather than addiction.

Though health officials are vigilant about teen use, adult female vaping is generally accepted as part of smoking cessation efforts.

5. Australia: Low Numbers, But Rising Interest

Australia has some of the strictest vape regulations in the developed world, especially concerning nicotine products. However, this hasn’t stopped an uptick in female use:

• Around 3–5% of adult women vape, with numbers increasing steadily.

• Many users obtain nicotine-containing products through prescriptions or unofficial sources.

• Vaping is particularly popular among women in urban centers looking to quit cigarettes discreetly.

Despite regulatory hurdles, Australia’s female vaping community is growing—especially among those who view vaping as a cleaner, more socially acceptable alternative to smoking.

6. France: Tradition Meets Modern Vaping

France has long been known for its strong smoking culture, but vaping has carved out a growing niche, especially among female users.

• Female vape use is estimated at 3–4%, with higher figures among young professionals.

• Women are turning to e-cigarettes as a way to reduce or quit smoking, often preferring stylish vape pens and fruitier flavors.

French health authorities have taken a neutral stance, encouraging smoking cessation but avoiding strong pro-vaping campaigns.

7. Other Countries on the Rise

While Western countries lead in female vape adoption, several other nations are seeing increased female interest:

• Germany: Female vape use is estimated at around 2–3%, but growing among health-conscious urban women.

• South Korea: Vape use among women is still lower than men, but cultural shifts are slowly changing the trend.

• Japan: Heated tobacco is more popular than traditional vaping, but female use of alternative nicotine products is on the rise.

• Middle East & Southeast Asia: Cultural norms and strict laws continue to limit female vape use, though underground markets and social media influence are contributing to a slow rise.

Key Factors Driving Female Vape Use

Across these countries, several common factors influence female engagement with vaping:

• Flavor variety (especially fruit, dessert, and menthol options)

• Slim, compact device designs preferred by women

• Marketing appeal, including influencer-driven branding

• Health and wellness concerns, particularly for those quitting cigarettes

• Regulatory support or tolerance, which affects ease of access

Conclusion

Countries like the UK, USA, and New Zealand are leading the global surge in female vape use, thanks to supportive policies, modern marketing, and cultural acceptance. While other regions lag behind due to legal, cultural, or health-related concerns, the trend is unmistakable: more women around the world are turning to vaping, whether as a lifestyle choice, social habit, or a step toward quitting smoking.

As the industry evolves, it’s likely that both product development and public health approaches will need to address the specific needs, concerns, and motivations of female vapers more directly.