20 COUNTRIES WITH THE LOWEST AVERAGE HEIGHT
- Dr. Moran Sciamama Saghiv
- Nov 5
- 7 min read
Height is more than just a number; it reflects the unique tapestry of human biology influenced by genetics, environment, nutrition, and lifestyle. This fascinating variation can often tell us much about the cultural and health conditions of different populations. In this post, we will explore the 20 countries with the lowest average heights, ranked from tallest to shortest. For each country, you'll find the overall average height as well as the average heights for women and men, expressed in both centimeters and feet. Understanding these statistics allows us to glean insights into the cultural, nutritional, and health-related contexts of these nations. Let's dive into the data!
Indonesia
Overall Average Height: 158.5 cm (5 ft 2 in)
Average Height for Women: 155.5 cm (5 ft 1 in)
Average Height for Men: 162.5 cm (5 ft 4 in)
Indonesia, an archipelago with over 17,000 islands, boasts a diverse mix of ethnic groups. Some regions experience high rates of malnutrition, which can significantly affect growth patterns. For example, in rural areas, nearly 30% of children under five are stunted, indicating a long-term impact on overall height.
Philippines
Overall Average Height: 159.1 cm (5 ft 2.7 in)
Average Height for Women: 152.5 cm (5 ft 0 in)
Average Height for Men: 165.6 cm (5 ft 5 in)
In the Philippines, despite its rich cultural heritage, nutritional deficiencies are common. Approximately 20% of Filipino children are underweight due to insufficient access to quality food, leading to shorter stature across generations.
Vietnam
Overall Average Height: 160.2 cm (5 ft 3 in)
Average Height for Women: 155.4 cm (5 ft 1 in)
Average Height for Men: 165.0 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Vietnam has seen improvements in average height over recent years, with a 3.8 cm increase in the average height of young men from 2000 to 2016, largely due to better nutrition and healthcare access. Yet, it remains lower than global averages.
India
Overall Average Height: 165.0 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Average Height for Women: 152.6 cm (5 ft 0 in)
Average Height for Men: 173.0 cm (5 ft 8 in)
In India, disparities in height can be attributed to regional variations. For instance, people from Kerala tend to be taller due to better nutrition, while states like Bihar show lower averages due to socioeconomic factors. About 38% of Indian children experience stunting.
Bangladesh
Overall Average Height: 160.0 cm (5 ft 3 in)
Average Height for Women: 152.0 cm (4 ft 11.8 in)
Average Height for Men: 168.0 cm (5 ft 6 in)
Malnutrition is a pressing concern in Bangladesh, where around 40% of children under five are stunted. Improving agricultural practices and health education could help reduce these numbers and, over time, increase average heights.
Nepal
Overall Average Height: 162.0 cm (5 ft 4 in)
Average Height for Women: 150.0 cm (4 ft 11 in)
Average Height for Men: 174.0 cm (5 ft 8.5 in)
In Nepal, geographical diversity plays a significant role in average height. Rural areas, particularly in mountainous regions, face healthcare access challenges, resulting in shorter heights. Approximately 27% of Nepalese children are stunted.
Cambodia
Overall Average Height: 161.0 cm (5 ft 3.4 in)
Average Height for Women: 155.0 cm (5 ft 1 in)
Average Height for Men: 167.0 cm (5 ft 5.7 in)
Cambodia's historical challenges, particularly the Khmer Rouge regime, have had lasting effects on nutrition. Today, around 24% of Cambodian children face stunted growth, reflecting ongoing challenges in health and economic stability.
Sri Lanka
Overall Average Height: 164.0 cm (5 ft 4.5 in)
Average Height for Women: 152.0 cm (4 ft 11.8 in)
Average Height for Men: 176.0 cm (5 ft 9.3 in)
While Sri Lanka has improved its healthcare system, disparities remain. A 2016 report noted that 21% of children faced chronic malnutrition, affecting their growth and contributing to lower average heights compared to neighboring countries.
Yemen
Overall Average Height: 160.0 cm (5 ft 3 in)
Average Height for Women: 150.0 cm (4 ft 11 in)
Average Height for Men: 170.0 cm (5 ft 7 in)
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has led to severe humanitarian crises, resulting in approximately 80% of the population relying on aid. Many children suffer from malnutrition, which is reflected in lower average heights.
Afghanistan
Overall Average Height: 162.0 cm (5 ft 4 in)
Average Height for Women: 150.0 cm (4 ft 11 in)
Average Height for Men: 174.0 cm (5 ft 8.5 in)
In Afghanistan, years of conflict have negatively impacted health and nutrition outcomes. Approximately 40% of children under five are stunted due to malnutrition, which significantly affects their growth potential.
Iraq
Overall Average Height: 165.0 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Average Height for Women: 155.0 cm (5 ft 1 in)
Average Height for Men: 175.0 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Years of instability in Iraq have led to higher rates of malnutrition and poor health. Reports show that around 7% of children are wasted, indicating acute malnutrition, which affects growth and overall health.
Syria
Overall Average Height: 165.0 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Average Height for Women: 155.0 cm (5 ft 1 in)
Average Height for Men: 175.0 cm (5 ft 9 in)
The ongoing conflict in Syria has devastated healthcare, leading to malnutrition and poor growth rates. A recent assessment showed that nearly 50% of children in some regions are stunted.
Egypt
Overall Average Height: 165.0 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Average Height for Women: 155.0 cm (5 ft 1 in)
Average Height for Men: 175.0 cm (5 ft 9 in)
In Egypt, socioeconomic factors heavily influence average height. Access to quality nutrition remains inconsistent, with a reported stunting rate of around 10% among children under five.
Morocco
Overall Average Height: 165.0 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Average Height for Women: 155.0 cm (5 ft 1 in)
Average Height for Men: 175.0 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Morocco’s diverse regions show varying heights due to differences in access to healthcare and nutrition. Recent statistics indicate that nearly 25% of children suffer from chronic malnutrition.
Tunisia
Overall Average Height: 165.0 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Average Height for Women: 155.0 cm (5 ft 1 in)
Average Height for Men: 175.0 cm (5 ft 9 in)
In Tunisia, ongoing health initiatives aim to improve nutrition and healthcare access. As a result, the rates of stunting among children have decreased, showing promise for height improvement in the future.
Algeria
Overall Average Height: 165.0 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Average Height for Women: 155.0 cm (5 ft 1 in)
Average Height for Men: 175.0 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Algeria's average height reflects a complex blend of cultural and historical influences. Nutritional support programs aim to reduce the 15% stunting rate observed in children.
Sudan
Overall Average Height: 165.0 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Average Height for Women: 155.0 cm (5 ft 1 in)
Average Height for Men: 175.0 cm (5 ft 9 in)
In Sudan, healthcare access is often limited, and malnutrition rates are high. Around 25% of children are stunted, which has a direct impact on their physical development.
Ethiopia
Overall Average Height: 165.0 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Average Height for Women: 155.0 cm (5 ft 1 in)
Average Height for Men: 175.0 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Ethiopia’s diverse ethnicities and varying resources lead to differing heights. Notably, approximately 37% of children are stunted, highlighting significant nutritional challenges.
Guinea
Overall Average Height: 165.0 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Average Height for Women: 155.0 cm (5 ft 1 in)
Average Height for Men: 175.0 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Guinea faces health and nutrition challenges, with about 27% of children experiencing stunted growth due to poor dietary choices and access to healthcare.
Mali
Overall Average Height: 165.0 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Average Height for Women: 155.0 cm (5 ft 1 in)
Average Height for Men: 175.0 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Mali’s average height is shaped largely by socioeconomic factors, with approximately 34% of children under five suffering from stunting due to lack of nutrition.
Final Thoughts
The average height of a population is a telling indicator of its overall health and nutrition. The countries listed here represent some of the shortest average heights globally, shaped by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. Reflecting on this data, consider how improving nutrition and healthcare could lead to better growth outcomes for future generations. Height may appear to be just a number, but it serves as a significant indicator of a population's health and vitality. Understanding these statistics invites you to appreciate the diverse factors contributing to human growth and development worldwide.
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