New study maps global height differences and record-breaking giants
A new study has revealed the average heights of adults across 193 countries. The data, collected over 34 years, shows significant differences between nations. Some individuals, however, stand far above the rest—literally—with extreme heights that dwarf national averages.
The NCD Risk Factor Collaboration gathered health data from over 2,500 population studies between 1985 and 2019. Their findings focused on the heights of 19-year-olds, used as a benchmark for typical adult stature. Greece topped the list with an average height of 172.55 cm, while the Netherlands ranked 23rd at 177.1 cm for men.
American adults fell mid-table, with men averaging 176.9 cm (47th place) and women at 163.3 cm (58th). Yet these national figures contrast sharply with record-breaking individuals. Robert Wadlow, an American, remains the tallest person ever recorded, reaching about 2.72 meters. Today, Sultan Kösen from Turkey stands nearly 2.51 meters tall, potentially making him the world's tallest living person. Other exceptionally tall individuals include Morteza Mehrzad, an Iranian volleyball player, and Brahim Takioullah from Morocco, both around 2.46 meters. Notably, none of these record-holders come from countries listed among those with the tallest average populations.
The study highlights how national averages differ widely, yet extreme heights remain rare outliers. While Greece and the Netherlands lead in average stature, the tallest individuals hail from entirely different regions. These findings underscore the gap between population trends and extraordinary cases.
