"Almost half of working-age men in Russia who die are killed by alcohol abuse, according to a new medical study which says the country's males die in excessive numbers not just because they drink lots of vodka but because they also consume products containing alcohol, such as eau de cologne, antiseptics and medicinal tinctures. Some products contain 95% alcohol by volume, equating to 200 proof."
That's from a recent Guardian article, which also says that in 2004 Russia's life expectancy was 59 years for men and 72 for women. Due to the low life expectancy and birthrate, the population in Russia is falling by 700,000 a year.
The Guardian, June 15, 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/frontpage/story/0,,2103841,00.html
