Where it’s hard to find a coffee in the world

Coffee, it kickstarts mornings and fuels late-night sessions but you maybe surprised to learn that throughout history it has also been denied to the population of certain countries. Making drinking coffee illegal is unusual in the 21st century, but certain countries still view coffee with disdain and will not strictly illegal is most certainly frowned upon.

Coffee Prohibition in the Past

Historically, coffee has faced bans and restrictions in various parts of the world. Here are some notable examples:

1. Mecca, 16th Century: In the early 16th century, coffee was banned in Mecca. The city’s governor, concerned about the beverage’s stimulating effects and the social gatherings it fostered, deemed it a potential threat to public order. Coffeehouses became places where people gathered to discuss politics and ideas, which was seen as a threat to the ruling authorities. The ban, however, was short-lived as coffee’s popularity continued to grow.
2. Ottoman Empire, 17th Century: Sultan Murad IV, ruling the Ottoman Empire, took a hard stance against coffee (as well as tobacco and alcohol). He believed these substances contributed to social decay and decreed severe penalties for those caught consuming them, including public beatings and executions. Despite the strict laws, coffee continued to be consumed clandestinely, and the bans were eventually lifted after his reign.
3. Sweden, 18th Century: King Gustav III of Sweden was notably anti-coffee and attempted to demonstrate its dangers by conducting an experiment. He commuted the death sentences of twin brothers on the condition that one drank three pots of coffee a day, while the other drank an equal amount of tea. Both outlived the king, and coffee remained popular in Sweden despite his efforts. Earlier, during his reign, heavy taxes and bans were imposed on coffee, coffee paraphernalia, and even coffeehouses.
4. Prussia, 18th Century: Frederick the Great of Prussia issued a manifesto in 1777, declaring that beer was superior to coffee. He believed coffee interfered with the country’s beer consumption, which he thought was crucial for national prosperity. Despite his efforts, coffee consumption continued to rise, and the ban was largely ignored.

Is Coffee Banned Anywhere Today?

In contemporary times, coffee is universally embraced and celebrated, but there are still some places where its consumption faces cultural or religious restrictions:

1. Saudi Arabia: While Saudi Arabia does not have an outright ban on coffee, the Kingdom enforces strict regulations on various behaviors and substances in line with Islamic law. Traditional Saudi culture favors tea over coffee, and there are certain contexts where public consumption of coffee might be frowned upon. However, the modern urban centers, like Riyadh and Jeddah, have vibrant coffee cultures with numerous cafes and coffeehouses.
2. North Korea: North Korea’s isolationist policies and tight control over imports mean that coffee is not widely available. The government prioritizes other goods, and coffee remains a luxury item that only the elite can afford. Although there is no official ban, the general population has limited access to coffee.
3. Somalia: In Somalia, particularly in regions controlled by the militant group Al-Shabaab, Western influences, including coffee, are heavily restricted. Al-Shabaab enforces a strict interpretation of Sharia law and considers many Western customs, including the consumption of coffee, to be un-Islamic. However, in government-controlled areas, coffee consumption is more common.