How Tall Are People Around the World?

The Netherlands consistently ranks first for men's average height, with Dutch men averaging about 183 cm (6'0"). Latvia, Estonia, Denmark, Belgium, and Bosnia follow closely. For women, Latvia typically tops the list at around 170 cm (5'7"), with the Netherlands and Estonia close behind.

The US currently sits around 40th worldwide — a sharp fall from the early 20th century, when Americans were the tallest people in the world. Average American height has barely changed in 50 years, while many European and Asian nations have continued growing taller.

Yes, but unevenly. East and Southeast Asian countries — particularly South Korea, China, and Japan — have seen dramatic increases in the past 50 years, while heights in much of Western Europe and the US have plateaued. South Korean women have grown over 20 cm since 1914, the largest documented increase of any population.

Timor-Leste (East Timor) usually ranks lowest for men at around 160 cm (5'3"). Guatemala holds the shortest average for women globally, near 150 cm (4'11"). These figures reflect the long-term impact of childhood nutrition and economic conditions far more than genetics.

A mix of factors: a dairy- and protein-rich diet developed over centuries, accessible universal healthcare from childhood, low rates of childhood malnutrition, and likely some degree of sexual selection favoring taller partners. The Dutch case is the most studied — average male height rose by about 20 cm over the past 150 years.