The average height of a person varies significantly across different regions due to factors such as genetics, nutrition, healthcare, and living conditions. Whether you’re curious about the tallest populations in Europe or the shortest average height in Asia, this guide provides a detailed comparison of average human height by country and continent.
This article explores the global average height, factors influencing it, and how different countries compare.
Global Average Height Chart (Male & Female) by Country
Country/Region | Average Male Height (cm / ft & in) | Average Female Height (cm / ft & in) |
---|---|---|
Netherlands ๐ณ๐ฑ | 183 cm (6’0”) | 170 cm (5’7”) |
Denmark ๐ฉ๐ฐ | 181 cm (5’11”) | 169 cm (5’7”) |
Germany ๐ฉ๐ช | 180 cm (5’11”) | 167 cm (5’6”) |
USA ๐บ๐ธ | 177 cm (5’10”) | 164 cm (5’5”) |
UK ๐ฌ๐ง | 175 cm (5’9”) | 162 cm (5’4”) |
China ๐จ๐ณ | 175 cm (5’9”) | 163 cm (5’4”) |
Japan ๐ฏ๐ต | 172 cm (5’8”) | 158 cm (5’2”) |
India ๐ฎ๐ณ | 166 cm (5’5”) | 153 cm (5’0”) |
Mexico ๐ฒ๐ฝ | 169 cm (5’7”) | 158 cm (5’2”) |
Brazil ๐ง๐ท | 173 cm (5’8”) | 161 cm (5’3”) |
South Africa ๐ฟ๐ฆ | 169 cm (5’7”) | 158 cm (5’2”) |
Indonesia ๐ฎ๐ฉ | 165 cm (5’5”) | 153 cm (5’0”) |
Philippines ๐ต๐ญ | 165 cm (5’5”) | 151 cm (4’11”) |
Guatemala ๐ฌ๐น | 164 cm (5’4”) | 150 cm (4’11”) |
๐ Note: Heights can vary slightly based on different data sources and methodologies.
Factors Affecting the Average Human Height
1. Genetics
- Genetics play a significant role in determining height variations among populations.
- Taller populations, like those in Scandinavia and the Netherlands, have genetic predispositions for greater stature.
2. Nutrition and Diet
- Proper nutrition during childhood is a key factor in height development.
- Countries with higher access to dairy, protein, and vitamins tend to have taller populations.
3. Healthcare and Living Conditions
- Access to prenatal and childhood healthcare directly influences height.
- Improved sanitation, lower disease rates, and better healthcare contribute to taller generations over time.
4. Socioeconomic Factors
- Wealthier nations with higher living standards generally have taller average heights.
- Economic disparities can lead to stunted growth due to malnutrition and poor healthcare.
Tallest and Shortest Countries by Average Height
๐ Tallest Countries in the World (By Average Male Height)
- Netherlands ๐ณ๐ฑ โ 183 cm (6’0”)
- Denmark ๐ฉ๐ฐ โ 181 cm (5’11”)
- Norway ๐ณ๐ด โ 180 cm (5’11”)
- Germany ๐ฉ๐ช โ 180 cm (5’11”)
- Iceland ๐ฎ๐ธ โ 179 cm (5’10”)
๐ Shortest Countries in the World (By Average Male Height)
- Guatemala ๐ฌ๐น โ 164 cm (5’4”)
- Philippines ๐ต๐ญ โ 165 cm (5’5”)
- Indonesia ๐ฎ๐ฉ โ 165 cm (5’5”)
- Bolivia ๐ง๐ด โ 166 cm (5’5”)
- India ๐ฎ๐ณ โ 166 cm (5’5”)
Regional Breakdown of Average Height
1. Europe โ Tallest region in the world
- Northern European countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany have some of the tallest populations.
- Southern European countries (e.g., Italy, Spain) tend to have slightly shorter averages.
2. North America
- The USA and Canada have average heights around 177 cm (5’10”) for men and 164 cm (5’5”) for women.
3. Asia
- East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea) has higher averages than Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam).
- South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Nepal) has some of the shortest populations globally.
4. Africa
- Height variations exist, with North African nations (Egypt, Algeria) generally being taller than Sub-Saharan Africa.
5. South America
- The average male height ranges between 169 cm (5’7”) and 173 cm (5’8”), with Brazil among the taller populations.
How Has the Global Average Height Changed Over Time?
- Over the past 100 years, global populations have grown taller due to better nutrition and healthcare.
- Countries like South Korea and China have seen a significant increase in height due to economic and dietary improvements.
- In contrast, some developing nations have experienced stagnant height growth due to malnutrition and healthcare challenges.
Final Thoughts
The average height of a person varies widely based on geographic location, genetics, and socioeconomic conditions. While the Netherlands remains the tallest country, regions like Southeast Asia and Central America have the shortest average heights.
With ongoing improvements in nutrition and healthcare, global height trends continue to evolve.