A summary of the 2004 results

More than 350,000 people from 41 countries took part in the world's largest ever survey of sexual attitudes and behaviour.

The research confirmed France is now officially the sexiest state with the French having sex 137 times a year – well above the global average of 103 – with Greece and Hungary coming a close second and third.

Europeans also win hands down in turning their partners on. Topping the table are the British, who spend 22.5 minutes on foreplay, followed by the Germans.

And, in many countries, foreplay is increasingly likely to include such sexual enhancers as pornography, vibrators, pleasure enhancing condoms and lubricants.

The survey also reveals the average global age for first sex is now 17.7 and the trend is towards losing virginity earlier with today's 16-20 year olds becoming sexually active by 16.5.

And while more than three in 10 believe the state should invest in sex education to help prevent sexually transmitted infections, a similar percentage acknowledge they have had unprotected sex without knowing their partner's sexual history.

Finally, on a lighter note, Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie top the sexiest celebrity charts taking over from last year's winners – English footballer David Beckham and American actress Jennifer Lopez.