A fascinating study has revealed the walking habits of 700,000 people around the world.

The research, which was undertaken by researchers at Stanford University in the USA, makes for good reading. Although by the end of it, you'll probably feel a bit guilty for sitting reading when you could be out walking!

Chinese people walking on the street [File Photo: shobserver.com]

Firstly, there's good news if you are British or Chinese. That's because citizens of these two countries are amongst the most active walkers in the world.

According to the research, Chinese people will walk an average of 6,189 steps every day, whereas Brits take a slightly more lazy 5,444.

The study shows that the Chinese are the global leader in walking, with Spain, Japan, Sweden, Russian and Ukraine also performing well.

Where, I hear you scream, does the USA come in this poll?

Well, you probably won't be surprised to learn that Americans are not the most active walkers in the survey. Apparently, they walk for 4,774 every day.

Given America's affinity with the automobile, this is actually a pretty respectable score, and it's far from the worst globally.

That dubious honor goes to... Indonesia, with Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and the Philippines also scoring poorly.

Don't ask me why. I didn't read that far. I needed to go for a walk.