Young Croats lead the way when it comes to excessive comsuption of alcohol and cigarettes, that is according to a survey conducted in 2009 and 2010 in 39 countries in Europe and North America supported by the World Health Organisation, reported portal index.hr.

The study also showed that Croatia had the lowest rate of children disliking school in Europe, with only 5 per cent of boys and 7 per cent of girls 'liking school a lot'. Those up to the age of 15 who had tried a cigarette was 62 per cent.

Alcohol consumption was also very high with nearly every second boy being drunk at one time and 26 per cent of girls. 16 per cent of boys aged 15 had tried marijuana with 11 per cent of girls.

Some 10 per cent of girls and 23 per cent of boys were deemed to be excessively overweight. Conclusions from the study suggest that the vast majority of young people do not to eat enough fruit and vegetables and spend too much time in front of the TV.