The present invention provides a mercury-free alkaline dry battery which is improved in discharge characteristic at low cost. The mercury-free alkaline dry battery includes: a positive electrode; a negative electrode; and a separator, wherein a negative electrode active material contains short fibrous zinc particles, and each of the short fibrous zinc particles has a length of 1 mm to 50 mm, both inclusive, a major diameter of 2 [mu]m to 1 mm, both inclusive, and a specific surface area of 50 cm2/g to 1000 cm2/g, both inclusive.