🌍 All 195 Countries — Updated 2025

Average Height by Country

Compare average male and female heights across all 195 countries. Sortable table, visual charts, and regional breakdowns — all in centimetres and feet & inches.

Showing 195 of 195 countriesHeights in centimetres (cm)
# Country Male Avg ↕ Female Avg ↕ Difference Region

Visual Height Comparison by Region

Average male and female heights grouped by world region

Male Female

Regional Averages

Understanding Average Height by Country

Human height varies significantly around the world, shaped by genetics, nutrition, healthcare access, and socioeconomic factors. The tallest populations are typically found in Northern Europe, particularly the Netherlands, Denmark, and Montenegro, where average male heights exceed 180 cm (5'11"). In contrast, several Southeast Asian and Central American nations have average male heights closer to 160 cm (5'3").

These figures represent adult height — typically measured in populations aged 18 to 40 — and reflect the combined influence of hereditary traits and environmental conditions during childhood and adolescence. Countries that have experienced rapid economic development often show a corresponding increase in average height over recent decades, a trend clearly visible in nations like South Korea and Japan.

What Determines a Country's Average Height?

The average height of a population is influenced by several interrelated factors. Genetics play the largest role, accounting for roughly 60–80% of height variation between individuals. However, at a population level, nutrition during early childhood and adolescence is the single most important environmental factor. Access to protein-rich diets, clean water, and comprehensive healthcare during growth years significantly impacts final adult height.

Socioeconomic conditions also play a major role. Wealthier nations with well-funded public health systems tend to have taller populations on average. This is why the gap between the tallest and shortest countries has widened over the past century — some nations have seen average heights increase by over 10 cm, while others have seen minimal change.

Height Trends Over Time

Global average height has been increasing over the past 150 years, a phenomenon known as the "secular trend in height." In 1900, the average Dutch male stood around 169 cm; by 2025, that figure has risen to over 183 cm. Similar trends are observed worldwide, though at different rates. East Asian countries have experienced some of the most dramatic increases, with South Korean men gaining approximately 6 cm in average height since the 1960s.

This trend is not universal, however. Some sub-Saharan African nations have seen stagnation or even slight decreases in average height, often linked to persistent nutritional challenges, conflict, and economic instability during critical growth periods.

Male vs. Female Height Differences

Across all 195 countries, men are on average 12–14 cm (approximately 5 inches) taller than women. This sexual dimorphism in height is remarkably consistent globally, regardless of the overall average height of the population. The difference is primarily driven by hormonal factors — testosterone promotes bone growth and delays growth plate closure during puberty, allowing for a longer period of growth in males.

How We Collected This Data

The average height data presented on this page is compiled from multiple peer-reviewed studies, national health surveys, and data published by the World Health Organization (WHO), NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, and Our World in Data. Heights are reported as adult averages for populations aged 18–40. Where multiple data sources exist, we use the most recently published figures available as of 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has the tallest average height?
The Netherlands consistently ranks as the tallest country in the world, with an average male height of approximately 183.8 cm (6'0.4") and female height of 170.4 cm (5'7.1"). Other notably tall nations include Montenegro, Denmark, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Iceland.
Which country has the shortest average height?
Timor-Leste (East Timor) has one of the shortest average heights globally, with men averaging around 159.8 cm (5'3.0") and women around 152.9 cm (5'0.2"). Other countries with shorter average heights include Laos, Guatemala, and the Philippines.
Why are Europeans generally taller than Asians?
The height difference is primarily genetic, but nutrition also plays a significant role. European populations have historically had access to protein-rich dairy-based diets, while many Asian diets have traditionally been plant-based with less animal protein. However, this gap has been narrowing as nutrition improves globally — younger generations in countries like South Korea and China are significantly taller than their parents.
Are people getting taller over time?
Yes, average heights have been increasing globally for over a century. This "secular trend" is primarily driven by improvements in nutrition, healthcare, and sanitation. Some countries like the Netherlands, South Korea, and Japan have seen increases of 10+ cm over the past 100 years. However, in some developed countries, this trend appears to be plateauing as populations may be approaching their genetic height potential.
How much of height is genetics vs. environment?
Research suggests that approximately 60–80% of individual height variation is determined by genetics, while 20–40% is influenced by environmental factors such as nutrition, healthcare, and disease exposure during childhood. At the population level, environmental factors can have an even more pronounced effect — well-nourished populations can be significantly taller than malnourished ones, even with similar genetic backgrounds.
What is the global average height?
The global average height for adult males is approximately 171 cm (5'7.3") and for adult females approximately 159 cm (5'2.6"). These figures vary significantly by region — European averages are well above the global mean, while South and Southeast Asian averages tend to be below it.
Is this data reliable?
The data is sourced from peer-reviewed studies, WHO reports, and the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, which is one of the most comprehensive global health datasets. However, data quality can vary — some countries have more recent and representative surveys than others. We always use the most up-to-date and widely cited figures available.