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HAVE you known that the laziest country in the world can be measured by how often its residents walk? Research from Stanford University published in the journal Nature shows that many countries still fall short of the WHO’s healthy standard of at least 5,000 steps per day.
So, this time, IDN Times will review the list of the laziest countries when it comes to walking. From Indonesia to the United States, here is a list of the laziest countries in the world.
1. Indonesia
In first place is Indonesia with the lowest average daily step count, at 3,513 steps per day. One of the main causes is poor pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Sidewalks are often damaged, used for parking, or even non-existent.
Furthermore, the habit of using motorbikes or cars, even for short distances, also makes people walk less often. Scott Delp, a researcher involved in the WHO survey, reported that this number is significantly lower than the global average of around 5,000 steps per day. Let’s get into the habit of walking now!
2. Saudi Arabia
Next, there’s Saudi Arabia, where the average resident only walks around 3,807 steps per day. Extreme heat is the main reason Saudi Arabian residents rarely walk.
Furthermore, a social culture that focuses on indoor activities and a reliance on private vehicles tends to lead to a sedentary lifestyle. The Saudi Arabian government has also taken steps to promote a healthy lifestyle, including providing indoor sports facilities.
3. Malaysia
Unexpectedly, Malaysia is also on the list of the laziest countries in the world. This neighboring country is listed as one of the countries where residents are reluctant to walk due to heavy traffic and the use of motorized vehicles.
According to data released by the WHO, the average number of steps taken by residents of this neighboring country is only around 3,963 steps per day. This is certainly very low compared to the global standard of 5,000 steps per day.
4. Philippines
The Philippines is a country that is perfect for those of you who enjoy lazing around. So lazy, residents of the country nicknamed the Rice Granary of Asia walk an average of 4,008 steps per day.
Not without reason, severe traffic jams in large cities like Manila make walking uncomfortable. Narrow, uneven, and unsafe sidewalks also hinder movement. Furthermore, air pollution levels make outdoor activities less enjoyable.
5. South Africa
Next, we have South Africa, known as one of the laziest countries in the world. This country only records an average of around 4,105 steps per day.
Apparently, the large gap between urban and rural areas contributes to the relatively low level of physical activity in South Africans. This country, which has three capital cities, does have several super-busy large cities, but walking activity there remains limited.
6. Brazil
The nickname “Land of the Samba” also makes the list of the laziest countries in the world. Brazilians are recorded as only walking around 4,289 steps per day.
This is driven by social and economic issues that significantly impact the level of physical activity in Brazilians. Even though it’s not a small country, not all regions have sports facilities or safe walking environments. That’s a shame, isn’t it?
7. India
Being one of the most populous countries doesn’t automatically make India more active. The average Indian walks only about 4,297 steps per day.
Hot weather, pollution, and traffic congestion are the main factors contributing to low physical activity in India. Therefore, many Indians prefer motorized transportation, even if the distance is short, because walking is uncomfortable. More or less the same as the situation in Indonesia. Agree?
8. Egypt
Similar to the situation in India, it turns out that the Egyptian lifestyle is also quite dominated by the use of motorized vehicles. Egyptians only record around 4,315 steps per day.
This figure is still quite far from the WHO standard, which recommends a minimum of 5,000 steps per day. Apparently, hot weather, pollution, and severe traffic congestion are the main factors contributing to low physical activity in Egypt.
Many residents prefer motorized transportation, even if the distance is short. Moreover, the roads in some areas are sandy and less pedestrian-friendly.
9. Mexico
The average Mexican walks only about 4,692 steps per day. This country, known for its tacos, apparently still doesn’t walk very often.
Although more active than other countries on this list, Mexico still doesn’t meet WHO standards! Limited sidewalks, traffic jams, and socioeconomic factors keep people’s physical activity relatively low.
10. United States
Finally, the United States is on the list of the laziest countries in the world. Despite being known as a developed nation with fairly good infrastructure, Americans only walk about 4,774 steps per day.
This country boasts several pedestrian-friendly cities. However, many other regions are heavily car-dependent. The modern lifestyle of sitting, working in front of a screen, and minimal outdoor activity keeps daily step counts low.
So, there you have it: the laziest countries in the world, ranked 1st to 10th. Get into the habit of walking for a healthier you! [IDN Times/photo special]
