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BBC News Online: World: Americas


Tuesday, 17 October, 2000, 16:20 GMT 17:20 UK

Americans 'have more sex'



Americans are having more sex than any other nation, a survey has said.

A poll of 18,000 people conducted by condom manufacturers Durex in 27 countries worldwide suggested that US citizens had sex an average of 132 times a year.


Sexual acts per year
Americans: 132
Russians: 122
French: 121
Greeks: 115
British: 109
Irish: 103
Australians: 98
Germans: 97
Dutch: 90
Chinese: 69

Superpower rivals the Russians came second in the sexual marathon with 122.

And the French and the Greeks, both renowned for their libido, surprisingly trailed in third and fourth with 121 and 115 respectively.

But all were well above the world average of 96, with the peoples of East Asia proving the least active in bed.

In fact, young Japanese people claimed to make love just 37 times a year.

Losing virginity

Jennifer Lopez with MTV video award
The poll, which probably says as much about bragging as actual sexual behaviour, also put the Americans top of the virginity-losing league.

People there claimed to have their first sex at an average age of 16.4 years, pipping the Brazilians by just five weeks.

The French claimed to have the most sexual partners, an average of 16.7.

And Indians proved the most faithful, with 82% saying they had had sex with just one person.

Learn-as-you-go

The survey also asked people how they learnt about sex.

Dutch people said they found out from their mothers, Americans from their fathers.

But the French appear to have adopted a learn-as-you-go approach - most thanked their lovers for their sex education.

Young couple kissing
There was encouragement for the campaign against AIDS.

Among 16 to 20-year-olds, 92% said they used contraception and 61% said condoms were their preferred method.

But the over-45s are less inclined to hear the safe sex message - nearly a quarter use no protection at all.

Sexiest celebrities

Men and women were also asked to name who they thought were the sexiest celebrities.

Madonna and actress and pop star Jennifer Lopez were most popular among men, while Titanic heroine Kate Winslet and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell scored just 2% each.

Actor Tom Cruise was the women's favourite.


Related to this story:
Sex on the brain tracked down (17 Oct 00 | Health) Sex 'key' to staying young (10 Oct 00 | Scotland) Should we promote virginity? (17 Oct 00 | Talking Point) Aids: What can be done? (09 Dec 99 | Talking Point)


Internet links: Durex | Marie Stopes International | World Health Organization | UNAIDS |
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