Top 10 Countries With The Shortest Average Heights

Aside from genetics, childhood starvation in many of these nations contributes to low height in adulthood. The smallest average height, according to our definition, is the average adult height of a country’s population, including both genders, as established by large-scale research and surveys representative of national populations as a whole. Adult heights in these countries are usually shorter than standard adult heights when compared to worldwide norms. A guy who is shorter than 5 feet, 4 inches and a female who is shorter than 4 feet, 11 inches are considered “short” in developed nations. In certain European countries where being tall is the norm, males shorter than 5 feet, 7 inches and women less than 5 feet, 2 inches are considered short. Malnutrition is the most common cause of below-average height in children and young adults. The explanations given by adults are typically related to medical difficulties. Although short height can be attributed to a person’s heredity or a lack of human growth hormone, cultural and environmental factors also play an important role in each individual child’s development into adulthood. Here is list of Top 10 Countries With The Shortest Average Heights.

10. Nigeria (5 feet, 3.75 inches)

9. Iraq (5 feet, 3.25 inches)

Iraq has struggled to raise its population’s average height of 5 feet, 3.25 inches when both genders are taken into account. According to a Norwegian study report, malnutrition has risen to 7% since the start of the conflict with the US in 2003, which is comparable to numerous Sub-Saharan African countries. What was once a thriving country has degraded into a Third World country, with 400,000 starving children becoming increasingly susceptible to diseases. Currently, over 6.5 million Iraqis are on food rations, with many of these rations being swapped for similarly important medications. With a protracted civil conflict and internal insecurity, cultural norms and usual environments that foster kinship and family relationships have been largely neglected. As a result of dirty living conditions, children now weigh 11 pounds less than the norm, and many are bedridden with severe stomach diseases.

8. Malaysia (5 feet, 2.75 inches)

Malaysia has established a link between malnutrition and average height, which is now 5 feet, 2.75 inches when both genders are included. 12.5% of Malaysian children are underweight, and 400,000 are low in height, according to data. These figures assist to explain Malaysians’ stunted average maturity height. Poor sanitation, diseases, a lack of safe drinking water, sufficient housing, and food shortages all contribute to the problem. Many low-income households have been disproportionately affected.

7. Vietnam (5 feet, 2.5 inches)

Vietnam has been trying for decades to increase the average height of its people, which is 5 feet, 2.5 inches when both genders are included. Despite progress made by the administration, starvation remains rampant. Demography, particularly in remote mountain towns, is one of the factors making the problem difficult to solve. ChildFund Vietnam has made a little but significant impact by providing milk to children in these locations. Internal strife has obviously had an effect on the health of its citizens.

6. India (5 feet, 2.25 inches)

India has made efforts to address concerns that may contribute to its population’s low average height of 5 feet, 2.25 inches when both genders are included. Cultural and environmental considerations frequently have an influence on the health of India’s children, leading to malnutrition issues. The National Family Health Study found that 43.5% of Indian children are underweight and 47.9% are low in stature. Despite the numbers, many children survive in the country because health care is better than in many other developing countries. Malnourished mothers are regularly found passing on these issues to their fragile children.

5. Peru (5 feet, 2 inches)

Peruvian adults are the smallest in South America, with an average height of 5 feet, 2 inches when both genders are included. Malnourished children are more frequent in forest and highland settlements in Peru. Famine, illness, and cultural differences aggravate the problem. Peruvian malnutrition is influenced by poverty, food insecurity, and low agricultural productivity. In general, this leads to stunted growth, low school achievement, and low career output. Because of poverty and demography, many individuals lack access to health care and school feeding programs.

4. Sri Lanka (5 feet, 1.5 inches)

The average adult height in Sri Lanka is 5 feet, 1.5 inches when both genders are included. Childhood nutrition has the greatest influence on adult height, and current nutritional study has indicated that children’s nutritional health has not improved considerably in the previous decade. Other factors, such as childhood illnesses, aggravate the condition. Malnutrition can also be induced by cultural and environmental factors, such as poor nutrition owing to nutrient-deficient traditional food sources and cuisine. Obesity can also be induced by poor dietary choices that do not offer enough nutrients despite increasing caloric intake. Malnutrition affects 11.9% of the country’s wealthiest children, and moms are frequently the deciding factor when it comes to a child’s nutritional needs.

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3. Philippines (5 feet, 1.5 inches)

The Philippines suffers from severe malnutrition, resulting in adult heights averaging just 5 feet, 1.5 inches when both genders are included. The Department of Education reports that 1.8 million Filipino children are malnourished, which can result in abnormalities such as stunting and school dropouts. According to research, the problem is more prevalent in early-stage pregnancies where the mother is not fully physiologically prepared for childbirth and care. As a result, the chance of this situation repeating itself in future generations is high. Despite the establishment of feeding programs, funds are insufficient.

2. Indonesia (4 feet, 11.75 inches)

Indonesians are among Asia’s shortest people, with an average height of 4 feet, 11.75 inches when both genders are included. This problem has become generational since many children in Indonesia continue to be malnourished. Many undeveloped countries have stunting, which is reflected in their population’s “normal” heights, yet research shows that appropriate nutrition is the most important factor in children’s growth. Education and employment success are also dependent on outstanding food, which contributes to a country’s economic growth. To address the issue, UNICEF is now financing a feeding program in Indonesia.

1. Bolivia (4 feet, 11.5 inches)

Bolivia has among of the world’s tiniest people, with an average height of 4 feet, 11.5 inches when both genders are taken into account. The country is one of the poorest in South America, with one in every three children under the age of five suffering from chronic malnutrition, which usually leads in short stature. Bolivian girls suffer more than boys, maybe due to genetic and hormonal factors. According to La Paz City Hall birth data, 42% of neonates were born with short stature. Canada, Belgium, and France have joined forces to organize a feeding program to help alleviate Bolivia’s malnutrition.