Key Takeaways

The Maldives now bans anyone born in 2007 or later from ever buying or using tobacco

Selling tobacco to someone underage can result in a $3,200 fine

The country also has a full ban on e-cigarettes and vaping for all ages

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 5, 2025 (HealthDay News) — The Maldives has become the first country in the world to ban tobacco use for an entire generation, after a new law took effect Saturday.

Under the rule, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2007, is permanently banned from buying, using or being sold cigarettes or any other tobacco products in the country, the Maldives Health Ministry announced.

That means that anyone who's 18 or younger today will never be able to legally smoke in the nation, even as they age.

The law is meant to "protect public health and prom

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