it was somewhat of a surprise for me, visiting europe after many years, how many people still smoke there compared to what i saw in asia and africa.

I think it's still has to do with social circle cliques and coolness factor from a young age and wanting to fit in.

I think a lot of people, non smokers mostly, don't see all the bonding, networking, flirting, and general socializing that happens when smokers get together for a fag, which probably explains why this unhealthy habit is still very popular today in many countries. I know many people who met their SOs at smoking breaks or found out about new yet unpublished job opportunities from the chit-chat that happens at smoking breaks.

There's something about the smoking break gatherings, from a social aspect, that can't be replicated at other kind of gathering such as water-cooler.

Also: given the sheer cost of cigarettes in Europe, it's becoming a slight status symbol, even more so if you share your cigarettes.

Meh, even people on unemployment smoke like chimneys in Europe, because even in high-CoL countries you can buy tobacco in bulk, papers and filters and roll your own cigarettes.

You don't need to be wealthy to smoke a lot, just bad with finances.

> Visiting the US I don't remember ever seeing anyone smoking

That’s probably because the places where people do smoke are less likely to be visited by tourists.