New Study Reveals the World's Tallest and Shortest Average Heights by Country

A new study has revealed the tallest and shortest average heights worldwide. The data, collected over 34 years, ranks countries by the typical stature of 19-year-olds. Some individuals, however, stand far above even the tallest national averages.

The NCD Risk Factor Collaboration gathered health measurements from over 2,500 studies across 193 countries between 1985 and 2019. Their findings show Greece leading with an average height of 172.55 cm for 19-year-olds. Austria follows closely at 172.7 cm, while Belarus and the Cook Islands share third place at 172.8 cm.

In contrast, American women rank 58th globally, averaging 163.3 cm, and American men sit at 47th with 176.9 cm. These figures reflect typical adult heights, as growth usually stops by age 19. Beyond national averages, a few individuals reach extraordinary heights. Sultan Kösen from Turkey measures nearly 2.51 meters, while Brahim Takioullah from Morocco and Iranian volleyball player Morteza Mehrzad both stand at around 2.46 meters. The tallest person ever recorded, however, was American Robert Wadlow, who reached about 2.72 meters.

The study provides a clear snapshot of global height trends, using data from nearly four decades. While some countries consistently rank at the top, extreme individual cases show just how far human height can vary. The findings are based on measurements of young adults, offering a reliable estimate of average stature worldwide.