Portuguese people read more frequently than Spaniards

90% of Portuguese people always or almost always read in the bathroom, and 73% have discussed this topic with friends.

Renova was present at the 95th Lisbon Book Fair and the Madrid Book Fair, challenging visitors to respond to a survey on bathroom reading habits, to discover the most private bathroom rituals of Portuguese and Spanish people.

With a sample of 2,856 responses, according to data collected in Portugal, 90% of respondents say they always or almost always read when using the bathroom, transforming the space into a true literary refuge. Meanwhile, only 79% of Spaniards use the bathroom to catch up on their reading.

The preferred reading medium for Portuguese people continues to be books, chosen by 49% of respondents. Next come cell phones (21%), tablets (19%), and magazines (9%). In Spain, the trend continues, with 57% opting for books, followed by cell phones (23%), tablets (12%), and magazines (6%).

As for the most popular literary genres, romance novels lead in both countries (23% in Portugal), followed by thrillers (20%). Comics and poetry are also present in Portuguese and Spanish bathrooms, with 7% and 3% preferences, respectively.

And, when there’s nothing to read in the bathroom, the Portuguese improvise: 13% admit to reading shampoo labels. This habit is so common that 34% of Portuguese people admit to having gotten up to get something to read, and 12% keep books permanently in the bathroom. Spaniards, on the other hand, get up less frequently (29%), and 11% keep books in the bathroom.

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