The Swiss are a nation of beer consumers.

But they are by no means drinking as much alcohol as they used to.

That’s according to figures released by the federal alcohol board.

Every year the average Swiss citizen knocks back 8.5 liters of pure alcohol.

That might seem quite a lot but back in the 1900s, 17 liters per person per year was more like it.

Looking at it in more diluted proportions—wine for example—the average swiss managed to drink 37 liters last year.

That’s roughly a liter less than in 2010.

Red is still the color of choice and from abroad for that matter.

Beer is more popular still.

Last year the consumption went up to 57 liters per head.