When it comes to height, people come in all shapes and sizes. But, when it comes to the average height of a population, some countries naturally rank higher than others. This article will explore the top six countries with the tallest average height. Keep reading to find out more.
How to Measure Height
There are a few different ways to find out your height. You can use a tape measure to find the length of your height from head to toe, comparing my height tool, or lastly, a stadiometer, a medical device used to measure height to get accurate readings. Many factors determine how tall a person will be when they reach adulthood. Some examples are genetics, environmental, and climate conditions, among others.
1. The Netherlands
The Netherlands is the tallest country in the world regarding average height for men. The average Dutchman stands at a towering 184 cm, or just over six feet tall. The Dutch have an impressive height average and maintain it by eating healthy food like vegetables, fish, fruit, nuts, and whole grains while staying away from too much meat or dairy products and unhealthy lifestyle habits. The Netherlands also has one of the lowest rates of obesity in Europe, which helps contribute to their high average height. The women of the Netherlands are also quite tall, with an average height of 170 cm. Dutch children are also among the tallest globally, with an average height of 176 cm for boys and 164 cm for girls.
2. Norway
Norwegians are known for their long, cold winters and deep love of winter sports like skiing. However, that’s not the only reason Norwegians are so tall. The average Norwegian man stands a towering 182 cm. It makes them the second tallest nation globally for men on average.
Norwegian women have an average height of 170 cm. Nearly half of all adult Norwegian women stand at 165 cm or taller. Norway has one of the highest physical fitness rates in Europe, which contributes to their high average height figures.
3. Montenegro
Montenegro is a small, mountainous country in the Balkans that is home to some of the tallest people in Europe. The average Montenegrin man stands at 183 cm tall, making them the tallest men in Europe. Montenegro is a mountainous country with limited land for agriculture or settlement.
The women of Montenegro have an average height of 167 cm. Similarly, Montenegrin children have an average height of 178 cm for boys and 165 cm for girls.
4. Denmark
The average Danish man is 181 cm tall, making them the tallest man in Europe. That is due to their healthy diets and high rates of physical activity. The Danish lifestyle includes lots of walking and biking instead of using cars and a diet rich in milk products like cheese and yogurt, which are also low in fat.
Denmark’s women aren’t quite as tall, with an average height of 171 cm on average. However, they still make it into the top ten globally for tallest women on average at number five. Similarly, Denmark has one of the highest life expectancies worldwide, 81 years for both sexes combined.
5. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only country in the world where more than half of the population is taller than average. The average Bosnian man stands at a towering 181 cm tall, making them the tallest men globally. It is due to their healthy diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, fish, and physical activity.
The women of Bosnia and Herzegovina are also quite tall, with an average height of 166 cm. Similarly, Bosnian children are also among the most elevated, with an average height of 183 cm for boys and 167 cm for girls.
6. Sweden
Sweden has one of the highest life expectancies worldwide, 81 years for both sexes combined. The average Swedish man is also quite tall at 180 cm, and Swedes have an extremely healthy diet that contributes to their high physical fitness rates.
That makes them among the tallest men in Europe, with only Norway, Montenegro, and the Netherlands ranking taller on average. For comparison purposes, Americans are around 176-177cm or just under five feet nine inches on average, while Britain’s stand at about 170cm five feet seven inches.
The women of Sweden aren’t quite as tall, standing at an average height of 166 cm; however, they still make it into the top ten globally for tallest women on average.
Sweden also has one of the lowest rates of obesity in all developed countries, with only about six percent of the population being clinically obese. It contributes to their high average height figures as well.
The top six countries with the tallest average height are Norway, Montenegro, Denmark, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, and the Netherlands. These countries all have high life expectancies, low obesity rates, and healthy diets that contribute to their tall stature. These are just a few of the many factors that influence height. Many other genetic and environmental factors also play a role in height. So, while the average height in these six countries is quite tall, it’s essential to keep in mind there are always exceptions to the rule.
