Top 10 Countries By Average Height of Women 2024

A hundred years back, American women held the fourth position globally in height, standing at 159 centimetres (5 feet 3 inches). Presently, they've descended to the 58th spot, averaging 163.31 centimetres (5 feet 4 inches). South Korean women, born in 1896, once ranked as the third shortest populace worldwide, measuring 142 cm tall (4 feet 8 inches). Fast forward to 2000, and they've soared to 160.13 centimetres (5 feet and 3 inches), now averaging 163.23 cm in height. This ascent mirrors the economic surge in South Korea and its neighbour, China, both experiencing a height increase. The Netherlands leads with an average height of 170.36 cm (5 feet 7.07 inches), followed closely by Montenegro at 169.96 cm (5 feet 6.91 inches). Globally, women stand at an average height of 160.95 cm, ranging from a minimum of 150.91 cm to a maximum of 170.36 cm.

ALSO READ| Most Obese Country In The World

10 Countries By Average Height of Women 2024

Across the globe, the average height of women exhibits significant variation. In 2022, the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) conducted a comprehensive analysis, drawing from 1,200 population-based studies and height-projection studies. These extensive studies encompassed women aged between 18 and 25 years old. Here is the list:

The compilation of this list draws upon data sourced from various reputable outlets, including WorldData, research by Roser M, contributions from Appel C and Ritchie H on human height, insights from the National Center for Health Statistics, and additional credible sources.

ALSO READ| Richest Cities in the US

Factors That Affect Height

Both genetics and environmental factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's height and overall development. Height, being a hereditary trait, is significantly influenced by one's genetic makeup. However, socioeconomic factors such as access to adequate nutrition and healthcare also wield considerable influence, either facilitating optimal growth or hindering one's attainment of their height potential.

Genetics

Research suggests that approximately 80% of an individual's height is determined by genetic factors. Studies have identified over 700 common gene variants that play a role in influencing height. It's commonly observed that individuals are likely to inherit their parents' height characteristics, meaning if parents are short, their offspring are also likely to be short. This genetic predisposition to shorter stature is known as familial short stature.

An additional method to gauge potential adult height is by calculating the mid-parental height, which involves determining the average height of an individual's biological parents. Healthcare professionals often use this calculation to estimate a person's genetic height potential. However, it's essential to note that this estimation may not always be precise due to the complex interplay of numerous genetic variants and environmental factors impacting a woman's height.

ALSO READ| Crime Rates by City

Nutrient Deficiencies

The growth and development of the human body rely heavily on a diverse array of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibres, minerals, and vitamins. When children fail to receive adequate nourishment, they are at risk of developing malnutrition, a condition that can impede their growth trajectory and lead to stunted physical development. It's noteworthy that experiencing short stature during childhood often persists into adulthood, hindering individuals from reaching their full potential height.

Among these essential nutrients, protein plays a particularly critical role in facilitating optimal growth in children. Research indicates that children who consume high-quality protein sources, such as milk, exhibit superior growth outcomes compared to those with inadequate protein intake. Insufficient consumption of protein, as well as carbohydrates and fats, can precipitate marasmus, a severe form of malnutrition characterised by impaired growth and significant weight loss.

Furthermore, deficiencies in key nutrients like iron, which are abundant in protein-rich foods like red meat and seafood, can contribute to diminished stature in adulthood. Studies have demonstrated that iron deficiency anaemia, characterized by insufficient levels of red blood cells and iron, detrimentally affects growth during infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Adolescent females, in particular, face an elevated risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia due to blood loss during menstruation, further exacerbating the potential for impaired growth.

ALSO READ| Coastal Cities in the US

Medical Conditions

Several health conditions have the potential to interfere with nutrient absorption and bone structure during childhood, thereby impacting growth. Without adequate access to medical care, children may face challenges in receiving timely treatment to address and manage nutrient deficiencies that can hinder growth.

Notable health conditions that can significantly affect a child's height potential include:

- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): This category encompasses conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which involve inflammation of the digestive tract, ultimately affecting the absorption of nutrients due to compromised digestion.

- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints in children and adolescents, this condition can lead to shortened or irregular bone growth, consequently influencing overall height.

- Chronic kidney disease: Declining kidney function can result in diminished nutrient levels and appetite loss, ultimately impacting growth potential in affected children.

- Cystic fibrosis: A progressive genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of thick mucus in the lungs and digestive tract, cystic fibrosis can disrupt the digestive process, leading to inadequate nutrient absorption and subsequent growth impairment.

ALSO READ| Drinking Age In Country