The 20 countries where people are the most active show how daily habits, outdoor activities, and city planning can help people stay physically fit. People from all over the world have their own methods of keeping active, whether it be cycling in The Netherlands, hiking in Norway, or walking through the bustling streets of Japan.
There are times when exercise becomes a part of everyday life in some countries, and others that promote a healthy, active lifestyle through sports, swimming, skiing, outdoor activities, etc. These habits can make exercise more fun and enjoyable. Let's check 20 countries where movement is an integral part of life.
Explore the Countries That Promote an Active Lifestyle
Discover how different countries encourage daily movement through cycling, walking, hiking, sports, and other outdoor activities that make staying active a natural part of life.
Norway
In Norway, everyone spends a significant amount of time outside all year round. Hiking, snow sports, cycling and walking are part of everyday life in the same way that they are not, and adults introduce younger children to outdoor recreation at a young age, fostering lifelong habits, and even the winter temperatures do not hinder activity.
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Japan
As urban areas develop to facilitate movement across Japan, they require people to stay active. People walk to and from train stations, lead a very walk-friendly lifestyle, and live an active lifestyle without even necessarily planning to work out. Hiking also attracts many, especially in mountain areas. It also helps that portion size and other lifestyle habits tend to be healthy.
Switzerland
Switzerland allows you to take exercise outside more or less as a matter of course – thanks to the country's fantastic mountains and manicured roads. Skiing, hiking, biking and climbing are not just weekend activities, but weekend pursuits for all age groups. For a mountainous country, even a simple walk outside can involve some serious climbing.
Sweden
About keeping things in balance. Jogging, cycling, swimming or just strolling – in Sweden you can do these things in practically every season of the year. Fitness is known, but it is not without excessiveness or competition.
Swedes just feel that movement is normal.
Netherlands
The world is well-known for its bicycles; it's to be expected! To commute to do shopping, to take an entertainment trip, or just to move around all kinds of places, people use bikes as a common vehicle everywhere in the Netherlands. Most people there incorporate the activity in their daily life.
New Zealand
Getting outdoors and engaging in various outdoor activities is very common in New Zealand. You will discover walking tracks and beautiful beaches all over the country that encourage people to be active, while water sports, cycling, and hiking have become extremely popular among locals and visitors alike. Weekends are usually filled with enjoyable walks and adventurous treks of different lengths.
Australia
It is warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities most of the time in Australia. In many places, locals integrate surfing, swimming, running, and beach games into their culture. Parks and walking tracks are also very busy, especially in bigger cities, so it's not unusual to see people working out first thing in the morning before work.
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Denmark
In Denmark, residents have so ingrained a cycling culture that they don't even consider the weather when they hop on their bikes. For many, the regular trek to work or school means they don't need gym visits or dedicated exercise time, since they stay physically active just as the most natural way to do things.
Canada
Throughout the year, Canada provides a generous variety of seasonal recreation for those who enjoy staying active. During the summer months, people enjoy hiking, biking, running and kayaking to the fullest extent. After the snow falls, many Canadians go outdoors for ice skating, skiing, or snowboarding.
Germany
German sports culture is strong, and its cities are some of the most walkable and bikeable in the world. Several locals participate in sports clubs for soccer, running, swimming, or cycling, and the public parks and outdoor areas in every city come alive with physical activity. You'll find that you don't even need a gym membership to get moving.
South Korea
Hiking is enormously popular here and even many foreigners find this remarkable. The footpaths on mountains on the outskirts of towns get busy on weekends, with people of all ages. People walk a lot in the cities because public transport means they have to do a lot of walking, and fitness trends change very rapidly so there's always a lot of enthusiasm.
Brazil
Perhaps it's because everyone wants to look good in a bikini, Brazil boasts a huge outdoor fitness culture, particularly near beaches and in public parks. Running, soccer, beach volleyball, and outdoor fitness areas form a major part of daily life in many cities. Group fitness classes and social fitness events capture immense popularity as well.
Italy
City living in Italy naturally aligns with the modern-day lifestyle of remaining active. At a shopping mall, Italians walk home from school or enjoy the narrow mountain streets of older towns, taking every opportunity to remain on the go. Sports such as cycling and soccer serve as common hobbies in Italy, which not only boasts excellent cuisine, but also has a strong focus on exercise.
France
France is not necessarily the country that people might automatically associate with the world's fitness culture, but they do walk a lot. You'll see it in many of their cities, where public transit, shops and cafes are all close to each other. If you do a little recreational sports or biking, people do that too.
FAQs
1. Which countries are known for active lifestyles?
Norway, Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, and the Netherlands are known for outdoor recreation, walking, cycling, and other activities that help people stay active.
2. Why are people in the Netherlands so active?
Cycling is a major part of everyday life in the Netherlands. Many people ride bikes to work, school, shops, and other places, making physical activity part of their daily routine.
3. Which countries are popular for hiking and outdoor activities?
Norway, Switzerland, New Zealand, Canada, and South Korea are popular for hiking, mountain trails, and outdoor recreation.
4. How do cities help people stay physically active?
Walkable streets, cycling paths, parks, public transport, and nearby shops encourage people to walk and cycle as part of their daily routines.
5. What can we learn from countries with active lifestyles?
People can build healthier habits by walking more, cycling for short trips, taking the stairs, enjoying outdoor activities, and participating in sports they enjoy.