The objectives of this study were first to estimate the prevalence of cigarette smoking among secondary-school students and then to identify and analyse the demographic, social and cultural risk factors associated with the first cigarette smoking experience. A sample comprising 1000 students was selected randomly. Results showed that 19.6% of the total sample smoked; 15.5% among females and 21.9% among males. Family and/or friends appeared to influence the first cigarette experience and thus prevention strategies should involve not only the students themselves but the home, school and social environments also.