The Average Height Worldwide

In our daily lives, many of us complain about either being tall or short. It can be annoying for us if our height is not at the standards we want. So what exactly is this height standard?

The average height of each country varies. While some countries are much higher than our standards, some are much lower. In this article, we will discuss the average height of the countries you are wondering about separately for men and women.

The Average Height in Europe

Europe displays a diverse range in average heights, influenced by genetics, diet, and healthcare. Northern European countries, such as the Netherlands and Sweden, are renowned for their tall statures, often attributed to genetics and high-quality nutrition. Southern and Eastern Europeans generally present slightly shorter averages, though still above the global mean. While genetics lays the foundation, factors like historical diet, socio-economic conditions, and healthcare advancements have shaped Europe's height profile over the centuries.

Tallest 5 Country in Europe

1. Netherlands: 184cm for men – 170cm for women

2. Montenegro: 183cm for men – 170cm for women

3. Estonia: 183cm for men – 168cm for women

4. Bosnia: 183cm for men – 167cm for women

5. Iceland: 182cm for men – 168cm for women

Shortest 5 Country in Europe

1. Malta: 172cm for men – 161cm for women

2. Bulgaria: 173cm for men – 164cm for women

3. Albania: 174cm for men – 162cm for women

4. Italy: 174cm for men – 161cm for women

5. Portugal: 174cm for men – 161cm for women

Countries	​Average Height for Men	​Average Height for Women
​Albania	​174cm / 5ft 8.5inc	​162cm / 5ft 3.8inc
​Andorra	​178cm / 5ft 10.1inc	​165cm / 5ft 5inc
Austria	178cm / 5ft 10.1inc	166cm / 5ft 5.3inc
​Belarus	178cm / 5ft 10.1inc	​166cm / 5ft 5.3inc
​Belgium	​179cm / 5ft 10.5inc	​164cm / 5ft 4.6inc
Bosnia	183cm / 6ft 0inc	167cm / 5ft 4.6inc
Bulgaria	​173cm / 5ft 8.1inc	164cm / 5ft 4.6inc
​Croatia	​181cm / 5ft 11.3inc	​167cm / 5ft 5.7inc
Czechia	​181cm / 5ft 11.3inc	​168cm / 5ft 6.1inc
Denmark	182cm / 5ft 11.7inc	​169cm / 5ft 6.5inc
​Estonia	​183cm / 6ft 0inc	​168cm / 5ft 6.1inc
Finland	​180cm / 5ft 10.9inc	​166cm / 5ft 5.3inc
​France	178cm / 5ft 10.1inc	​164cm / 5ft 4.6inc
​Georgia	​175cm / 5ft 8.9inc	163cm / 5ft 4.2inc
​Germany	​180cm / 5ft 10.9inc	​166cm / 5ft 5.3inc
​Greece	​179cm / 5ft 10.5inc	​165cm / 5ft 5inc
​Hungary	176cm / 5ft 9.3inc	​162cm / 5ft 3.8inc
Iceland	​182cm / 5ft 11.7inc	​168cm / 5ft 6.1inc
Ireland	179cm / 5ft 10.5inc	164cm /5ft 4.6inc
Italy	​174cm / 5ft 8.5inc	​161cm / 5ft 3.4inc
​Latvia	181cm / 5ft 11.3inc	​168cm / 5ft 6.1inc
​Lithuania	​180cm / 5ft 10.9inc	​167cm / 5ft 5.7inc
​Luxembourg	​178cm / 5ft 10.1inc	​165cm / 5ft 5inc
​Malta	172cm / 5ft 7.7inc	​161cm / 5ft 3.4inc
​Moldova	​177cm / 5ft 9.7inc	164cm / 5ft 4.6inc
​Monaco	​180cm / 5ft 10.9inc	165cm / 5ft 5inc
Montenegro	​183cm / 6ft 0inc	​170cm / 5ft 7inc
​Netherlands	​184cm / 6ft 0.4inc	​170cm / 5ft 7inc
​North Macedonia	​179cm / 5ft 10.5inc	165cm / 5ft 5inc
​Norway	​180cm / 5ft 10.9inc	​166cm / 5ft 5.3inc
​Poland	180cm / 5ft 10.9inc	​165cm / 5ft 5inc
​Portugal	​174cm / 5ft 8.5inc	​161cm / 5ft 3.4inc

Romania	​177cm / 5ft 9.7inc	​164cm / 5ft 4.6inc
​Russia	​176cm / 5ft 9.3inc	​164cm / 5ft 4.6inc
San Marino	​178cm / 5ft 10.1inc	164cm / 5ft 4.6inc
Serbia	​180cm / 5ft 10.9inc	​168cm / 5ft 6.1inc
​Slovakia	​181cm / 5ft 11.3inc	​167cm / 5ft 5.7inc
​Slovenia	181cm / 5ft 11.3inc	​167cm / 5ft 5.7inc
​Spain	176cm / 5ft 9.3inc	​162cm / 5ft 3.8inc
​Sweden	​180cm / 5ft 10.9inc	168cm / 5ft 6.1inc
​Switzerland	​179cm / 5ft 10.5inc	​164cm / 5ft 4.6inc
​Ukraine	180cm / 5ft 10.9inc	166cm / 5ft 5.3inc
United Kingdom	​178cm / 5ft 10.1inc	​164cm / 5ft 4.6inc

Average Height in Asia

Asia is the largest and most populous continent in the world and is home to many different ethnic groups, cultures, and traditions. This diversity is also seen in the height averages of countries in Asia. In South Asia, especially in India and surrounding countries, average height may be shorter depending on genetic and nutritional factors. East Asian countries, especially Japan and South Korea, have experienced a noticeable increase in average height in recent years with the rise in living standards. However, in general, the Asian continent is a region where average height varies depending on many factors. Both genetic and environmental factors are among the main causes of this diversity.

Tallest 5 Country in Asia

1. Lebanon: 178cm for men – 163cm for women

2. Israel: 176cm for men – 162cm for women

3. Turkey: 176cm for men – 161cm for women

4. South Korea: 175cm for men – 163cm for women

5. China: 175cm for men – 163cm for women

Shortest 5 Country in Asia

1. Timor-Leste: 158cm for men – 153cm for women

2. Laos: 162cm for men – 153cm for women

3. Yemen: 163cm for men – 154cm for women

4. North Korea: 164cm for men – 161cm for women

5. Nepal: 164cm for men – 152cm for women

​Countries	​Average Height for Men	​Average Height for Women
​Afghanistan	​168cm / 5ft 6.1inc	​155cm / 5ft 1inc
​Bangladesh	​165cm / 5ft 5.0inc	​152cm / 4ft 11.8inc
​Brunei	​166cm / 5ft 5.3inc	​155cm / 5ft 1.0inc
​Cambodia	​165cm / 5ft 5.0inc	​154cm / 5ft 0.6inc
​China	​175cm / 5ft 8.9inc	​163cm / 5ft 4.2inc
​Hong Kong	​174cm / 5ft 8.5inc	​160cm / 5ft 3inc
​India	166cm / 5ft 5.3inc	​155cm / 5ft 1.0inc
​Indonesia	​166cm / 5ft 5.3inc	154cm / 5ft 0.6inc
​Iran	​175cm / 5ft 8.9inc	​161cm / 5ft 3.4inc
​Iraq	​173cm / 5ft 8.1inc	​158cm / 5ft 2.2inc
​Israel	​176cm / 5ft 9.3inc	​162cm / 5ft 3.8inc
​Japan	​172cm / 5ft 7.7inc	​158cm / 5ft 2.2inc
​Jordan	​174cm / 5ft 8.5inc	​158cm / 5ft 2.2inc
​Kazakhstan	​174cm / 5ft 8.5inc	​161cm / 5ft 3.4inc
​Laos	​162cm / 5ft 3.8inc	​153cm / 5ft 0.2inc
​Lebanon	​178cm / 5ft 10.1inc	​163cm / 5ft 4.2inc
​Malaysia	​168cm / 5ft 6.1inc	​157cm / 5ft 1.8inc
​Maldives	168cm / 5ft 6.1inc	​154cm / 5ft 0.6inc
​Mongolia	​170cm / 5ft 7.0inc	​160cm / 5ft 3inc
​Myanmar	​166cm / 5ft 5.3inc	​154cm / 5ft 0.6inc
​Nepal	​164cm / 5ft 4.6inc	​152cm / 4ft 11.8inc
​North Korea	​164cm / 5ft 4.6inc	​161cm / 5ft 3.4inc
​Pakistan	​167cm / 5ft 5.7inc	​154cm / 5ft 0.6inc
Philippines	​165cm / 5ft 5.0inc	​154cm / 5ft 0.6inc
​Qatar	​173cm / 5ft 8.1inc	160cm / 5ft 3inc
​Saudi Arabia	​170cm / 5ft 7.0inc	​158cm / 5ft 2.2inc
​Singapore	​173cm / 5ft 8.1inc	​161cm / 5ft 3.4inc
​South Korea	175cm / 5ft 8.9inc	​163cm / 5ft 4.2inc
​Sri Lanka	​167cm / 5ft 5.7inc	​155cm / 5ft 1.0inc
​Syria	176cm / 5ft 9.3inc	​158cm / 5ft 2.2inc
​Taiwan	​173cm / 5ft 8.1inc	​160cm / 5ft 3inc

Average Height in North America

North America, comprising countries like the United States, Canada, and Mexico, showcases varied height averages influenced by genetics, nutrition, and healthcare standards. The United States and Canada generally have higher average heights, attributed to better nutrition, healthcare, and standard of living. These countries have seen a steady rise in stature over the past century, though the rate of increase has slowed in recent decades.

​Countries	Average Height for Men	Average Height for Women
​Canada	​179cm / 5ft 10.5inc	​165cm / 5ft 5.0inc
​Mexico	170cm / 5ft 7.0inc	​157cm / 5ft 1.8inc
United States	178cm / 5ft 10.1inc	​163cm / 5ft 4.2inc

Average Height in Central America and the Caribbean

Across both Central America and the Caribbean, while genetics set the foundation, factors like nutrition, healthcare, and socioeconomic conditions play pivotal roles in determining average heights.

Tallest 5 Country in Central America and the Carribbean

1. Jamaica: 177cm for men – 164cm for women

2. Rica: 174cm for men – 160cm for women

3. Cuba: 174cm for men – 160cm for women

4. Haiti: 172cm for men – 160cm for women

5. Belize: 171cm for men – 158cm for women

​Countries	Average Height for Men	​Average Height for Women
Belize	​171cm / 5ft 7.3	​158cm / 5ft 2.2inc
​Cuba	​174cm / 5ft 8.5inc	​160cm / 5ft 3inc
​Costa Rica	​174cm / 5ft 8.5inc	​160cm / 5ft 3inc
​El Salvador	​170cm / 5ft 7.0inc	​156cm / 5ft 1inc
Guatemala	164cm / 5ft 4.6inc	​151cm / 4ft 11inc
Haiti	172cm / 5ft 7.7inc	​160cm / 5ft 3inc
​Honduras	​168cm / 5ft 6.1inc	158cm / 5ft 2.2inc
Jamaica	​177cm / 5ft 9.7inc	​164cm / 5ft 4.6inc
​Nicaragua	​168cm / 5ft 6.1inc	​156cm / 5ft 1inc
​Panama	​170cm / 5ft 7.0inc	​158cm / 5ft 2.2inc

Average Height in South America

Countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile have historically presented taller height averages, often aligning with European standards due to significant European immigration and influence. Particularly in Argentina and Uruguay, the influx of Italian and Spanish settlers in the past has influenced the average height. However, nations with substantial indigenous populations, such as Bolivia and Peru, tend to display shorter statures, reflective of the genetics of native Andean communities.

Tallest 5 Country in South America

1. Brazil: 176cm for men – 162cm for women

2. Argentina: 175cm for men – 161cm for women

3. Suriname: 175cm for men – 162cm for women

4. Uruguay: 173cm for men – 162cm for women

5. Chile: 173cm for men – 159cm for women

​Countries	​Average Height for Men	​Average Height for Women
​Argentina	​175cm / 5ft 8.9inc	161cm / 5ft 3.4inc
​Bolivia	​168cm / 5ft 6.1inc	​156cm / 5ft 1inc
​Brazil	​176cm / 5ft 9.3inc	​162cm / 5ft 3.8inc
​Chile	​173cm / 5ft 8.1inc	​159cm / 5ft 2.6inc
​Colombia	​172cm / 5ft 7.7inc	​158cm / 5ft 2.2inc
Ecuador	​167cm / 5ft 5.7inc	​155cm / 5ft 1.0inc
Guyana	​172cm / 5ft 7.7inc	​160cm / 5ft 3inc
​Paraguay	​174cm / 5ft 8.5inc	​160cm / 5ft 3inc
​Peru	​167cm / 5ft 5.7inc	​154cm / 5ft 0.6inc
​Suriname	​175cm / 5ft 8.9inc	162cm / 5ft 3.8inc
Uruguay	​174cm / 5ft 8.5inc	​162cm / 5ft 3.8inc
​Venezuela	​173cm / 5ft 8.1inc	​160cm / 5ft 3inc

Average Height in Africa

Africa, with its vast cultural and genetic diversity, displays a wide range of average heights across its countries. Northern African nations, like Egypt, influenced by Arab and Mediterranean ancestries, generally have taller statures. In contrast, Central African regions, such as Congo, often report shorter averages. Eastern Africa, especially countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, have communities known for their tall, slender physiques, particularly visible among pastoralist groups. Across the continent, nutrition, health care access, and socioeconomic conditions deeply influence these height metrics.

Tallest 5 Country in Africa

1. Morocco: 175cm for men – 161cm for women

2. Algeria: 174cm for men – 162cm for women

3. Egypt: 173cm for men – 160cm for women

4. Chad: 171cm for men – 162cm for women

5. Cameroon: 171cm for men – 160cm for women

The Shortest 5 Country in Africa

1. Burundi: 167cm for men – 155cm for women

2. Congo: 168cm for men – 156cm for women

3. Ethiopia: 168cm for men – 157cm for women

4. Ghana: 169cm for men – 159cm for women

5. South Africa: 169cm for men – 158cm for women

​Countries	​Average Height for Men	​Average Height for Women
Algeria	174cm / 5ft 8.5inc	​162cm / 5ft 3.8inc
Burundi	​167cm / 5ft 5.7inc	155cm / 5ft 1.0inc
​Cameroon	​171cm / 5ft 7.3	​160cm / 5ft 3inc
​Chad	​171cm / 5ft 7.3	​162cm / 5ft 3.8inc
​Congo	168cm / 5ft 6.1inc	156cm / 5ft 1inc
Egypt	173cm / 5ft 8.1inc	160cm / 5ft 3inc
​Eritrea	​170cm / 5ft 7.0inc	​157cm / 5ft 1.8inc
​Ethiopia	168cm / 5ft 6.1inc	​157cm / 5ft 1.8inc
​Ghana	​169cm / 5ft 6.5inc	​159cm / 5ft 2.6inc
​Kenya	170cm / 5ft 7.0inc	​159cm / 5ft 2.6inc
​Madagascar	165cm / 5ft 5.0inc	153cm / 5ft 0.2inc
​Morocco	175cm / 5ft 8.9inc	​161cm / 5ft 3.4inc
​Nigeria	​170cm / 5ft 7.0inc	​158cm / 5ft 2.2inc
Somalia	​170cm / 5ft 7.0inc	​159cm / 5ft 2.6inc
​South Africa	​169cm / 5ft 6.5inc	158cm / 5ft 2.2inc
​Sudan	​171cm / 5ft 7.3	​160cm / 5ft 3inc
​Zimbabwe	​170cm / 5ft 7.0inc	​160cm / 5ft 3inc

Average Height in Ocenia

Oceania, comprising Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, showcases varied height profiles. Australians and New Zealanders, influenced by European ancestry, generally present taller statures. Throughout Oceania, factors like nutrition, lifestyle, and healthcare access impact the region's average height dynamics.

​Countries	​Average Height for Men	​Average Height for Women
​Australia	​179cm / 5ft 10.5inc	​165cm / 5ft 5.0inc
​Fiji	174cm / 5ft 8.5inc	​164cm / 5ft 4.6inc
New Zealand	178cm / 5ft 10.1inc	​165cm / 5ft 5.0inc
​Papua New Guinea	163cm / 5ft 4.2inc	157cm / 5ft 1.8inc
​Vanuatu	​168cm / 5ft 6.1inc	​160cm / 5ft 3inc