Tinder, Bumble, OkCupid — technology may have opened us up to a whole new world of possible relationships, but we’re having less sex than ever. Depressing, isn’t it? Well, to really add insult to injury, a survey by the Observer recently revealed that our parents were not only having way more sex than we are, but they were also getting way more pleasure from it (sorry for that mental image).
Today, our sex lives, our sensual sensibilities, our intimacy and our connection to our sexual bodies are weaker than ever, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Durex’s illuminating global survey has revealed the most sexually satisfied countries in the world. In this post, we take a look at the numbers and break down what we can learn from them.
1. Saucy Switzerland
What comes to mind when you picture Switzerland? Probably not that it’s the number one most sexually satisfied nation in the globe. Switzerland is all cheese, chocolate and apres-ski, right? Wrong! Switzerland takes the top spot on the list, with over 21% of Swiss people claiming that their sexual performance and sexual lives are “excellent.”
Switzerland’s sexual success is probably due to its liberal and progressive views on prostitution, pornography and sex education. The Swiss start learning about sex as early as Kindergarten, and, clearly, it works — Switzerland also has one of the lowest teen pregnancy rates in the entire world.
The takeaway: Educate yourself on all things sex — it turns out you can learn to be sexy!
2. Sensual Spain
Can you guess which country boasts the enviable title of having the “best male lovers in the world”? According to a survey of over 15,000 women globally, it’s those sexy Spaniards. Don’t believe the hype? Well, we got it straight from the horse’s mouth — over 25% of Spaniards claim that their sexual performance is “excellent” and a whopping 90% of Spanish men and women claim to feel sexually satisfied.
We reckon it’s the heady combination of sun, sea and nude beaches that does it. Oh, and the open-minded approach to sex and sensuality!
The takeaway: Get comfortable with your body and don’t be afraid to bare all (when appropriate, of course).
3. Irresistible Italy
We’ve all heard of the Italian stallion stereotype, but the numbers don’t lie; Italy lives up to its reputation.
Italy’s appetite for pizza, pasta and good wine turn out to be the perfect recipe for satiating a sexual appetite, too. A survey by Men’s Health revealed that sex and food are tantalisingly connected in Italy. In fact, one study found that Italian women who drank two glasses of wine every day enjoyed greater sexual satisfaction than those who didn’t.
The takeaway: Embrace carbs, go for the extra cheese, let the wine flow and remember that an appetite for food is an appetite for the good things in life — and that’s sexy.
4. Gorgeous Greece
Do you ever feel like you’re undersexed? Well, this isn’t the case for the Greeks. The poll revealed that Greeks have the most sex weekly in the world — OPA! Their regular sexy sessions have a history reaching back to antiquity. As we all know, the ancient Greeks were a philosophical bunch, and their insatiable curiosity about the world extended to sexual desire and pleasure.
From the days of Hippocrates to today, Greeks have maintained an open attitude when it comes to talking about all things sex. Unlike other cultures, conversations about sex are commonplace and take place among friends, families and even colleagues at work.
The takeaway: Talk openly about sex and don’t be afraid to be inquisitive about the wonders of the erotic world. As with relationships, great sex starts with good conversation.
5. Horny Holland
There’s no doubt that the Netherlands is one of the most pro-sex countries in the world. A quick jaunt along Amsterdam’s red-light district or one of its nude beaches is an eye-opening experience for even the most sexually adventurous out there. In fact, 64% of Dutch men and women claim they feel confident and comfortable asserting their needs and desires to their partners. How many of us can claim the same?
So how did the Dutch get so comfortable with such an open display of sexuality? Education. The Netherlands has an incredibly progressive attitude toward sex education, and by talking about sex from early on, the Dutch are pros at discussing all things sex by the time they’re adults. They know what they want and how to ask for it; something that we should all aspire to in every area of our lives.
The takeaway: Don’t be shy about asking for what you like or need from a partner during sex. After all, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
6. Magical Mexico
Tequila, Mariachi and fiestas — Mexico is a country bursting full of libido lubricants. No wonder it’s been crowned the “horniest country” in the world, as well as the second-most sexually satisfied country, with over 63% of Mexicans claiming that they have fulfilling sex lives.
Mexico is a country that has truly embraced a progressive sexual attitude. Not only does the government invest millions in sex education policies, covering everything from birth control to the spectrum of sexuality, but they’re also unabashedly sexual. Perhaps the most impressive claim to fame for this sizzling country is its status as the number one country where people feel respected during sex.
The takeaway: Demand respect in all of your sexual encounters. Make like TLC and declare “I don’t want no scrubs.”
Did you notice a pattern emerging from the countries that have the best sexual stats? It seems that open-mindedness and a sense of adventure are the keys to having a fulfilling sex life. So be bold and try something new. There are thousands of ways to explore your sexuality. From sensual massages to couple’s therapy, there’s something out there for every kind of kink and desire.
Author Bio: Charlotte Willoughby works at UK Massage Guide, the most comprehensive massage directory in the UK for sensual massages.
