10 Most Lazy Countries Street, Indonesia Ranked One

Illustration of lazy walking. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - A study conducted by Stanford University recently revealed a surprising fact. The study called Indonesia the first level as the world's laziest walking country.

In this study, data from more than 700 thousand people in 46 countries were analyzed using daily step tracking via smartphones. The results were published in the scientific journal Nature and showed large inequality in inter-state physical activity.

The study compiled the rankings of countries based on the average number of daily steps of its citizens. Countries with low daily steps are declared to have a very consistent lifestyle, aka minimal movement.

Here are 10 countries whose citizens are the most lazy to walk, as reported by the Business Standard page.

1. Indonesia

Indonesia ranks first as the least active country in the world, with an average of only 3,513 steps per day. This study states that city congestion and lack of pedestrian infrastructure are the main factors for the low physical activity of the community.

It is also emphasized the need for public health initiatives to encourage people to move more actively. Lack of sidewalks and traffic congestion make Indonesians reluctant to walk.

2. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is in second place with an average of 3,807 steps per day. Extreme hot climate and cultural factors are the main causes people prefer to stay indoors. The researcher said the long summer made outdoor activity very limited.

3. Malaysia

With an average of 3,963 steps per day, Malaysia occupies the third position. The rapid urbanization and high dependence on private vehicles are the main causes. Congestion in big cities like Kuala Lumpur makes walking useless.

4. Philippines

The Philippines recorded an average of 4,008 steps per day. Major cities such as Manila and Cebu are experiencing infrastructure challenges as well as socio-economic problems that have an impact on low physical activity. The government is advised to promote a culture of walking and cycling.

5. South Africa

South Africa is in fifth place with 4,105 steps per day. Geographical and socio-economic differences lead to inequality in activity levels between urban and rural areas.

6. Egypt

Egypt recorded an average of 4,315 steps per day. The hot climate and urbanization are major obstacles, especially in big cities that experience traffic jams. The campaign awareness and construction of pedestrian-friendly areas began to be intensified.

7. Brazil

Brazil with an average of 4,289 steps per day is also included in this list. Striking differences between city and rural areas are the main factors.

8. India

India recorded 4,297 steps per day. This makes India one of the most physically lazy countries in the world. Urbanization and lifestyle changes greatly affect the level of community activity. In big cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, residents rely more on motorized vehicles than walking.

9. Mexico

Mexico recorded an average of 4,692 steps per day. Like other countries on this list, urbanization and infrastructure challenges take part. Many workers in the informal sector also influence perceptions of physical activity.

10. United States

The United States is in 10th position with an average of 4,774 steps per day. Despite developed countries, mostly occupied jobs and auto-dependence make physical activity low.

Health programs in the workplace and public policy push are needed to increase the number of daily steps of Americans.