Human height

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Human height is the distance from the bottom of the feet to the top of the head in a human body standing erect.

When populations share genetic background and environmental factors, average height is frequently
characteristic within the group. Exceptional height variation (around 20% deviation from average) within such a
population is usually due to gigantism or dwarfism; which are medical conditions due to specific genes or to
endocrine abnormalities.[1]

In regions of extreme poverty or prolonged warfare, environmental factors like malnutrition during childhood or
adolescence may account for marked reductions in adult stature even without the presence of any of these
medical condition

Average height around the world

The average height for each sex within a population varies significantly, with men being (on average) taller than
women. Women ordinarily reach their greatest height at a younger age than men, because puberty generally
occurs earlier in women than in men. Vertical growth stops when the long bones stop lengthening, which occurs
with the closure of epiphyseal plates. These plates are bone growth centers that disappear ("close") under the
hormonal surges brought about by the completion of puberty. Adult height for one sex in a particular ethnic
group follows more or less a normal distribution.

Adult height between populations often differs significantly, as presented in detail in the chart below. For
example, the average height of women from the Czech Republic is greater than that of men from Malawi. This
may be caused by genetic differences, childhood lifestyle differences (nutrition, sleep patterns, physical labor),
or both.

The tallest living man is Sultan Kösen of Turkey, at 2.51 m (8 ft 3 in). The tallest man in modern history was
Robert Pershing Wadlow (1918–1940), from Illinois, in the United States, who was 2.72 m (8 ft 11 in) at the
time of his death. Yao Defen of China is the tallest living woman in the world at 2.33 m (7 ft 7 1⁄2 in), as
confirmed by Guinness World Records in 2010. The tallest female in medical history was Zeng Jinlian of
Hunan, China, who stood 2.48 m (8 ft 1 1⁄2 in) when she died at the age of 17. The shortest adult human on
record is Chandra Bahadur Dangi of Nepal at 0.546 m (1 ft 9 1⁄2 in).

Depending on sex, genetic and environmental factors, shrinkage of stature may begin in middle age in some
individuals but is universal in the extremely aged. This decrease in height is due to such factors as decreased
height of inter-vertebral discs because of desiccation, atrophy of soft tissues and postural changes secondary to
degenerative disease.

Below are average adult heights by country/geographical region. (The original studies and sources should be
consulted for details on methodology and the exact populations measured, surveyed, or considered.)

As with any statistical data, the accuracy of this data may be questionable for various reasons:

 A statistically small sample of the population may have been measured, which makes it uncertain
whether this sample accurately represents the entire population.
 The measured sample may have been formed by inviting volunteers, rather than choosing people at
random.
 The height of a person can change momentarily due to factors such as the amount of exercise done
directly before measurement (normally inversely correlated), or the time elapsed since lying down for a
significant period of time (normally inversely correlated). For example, one study revealed a mean
difference of 1.54 centimetres (0.61 in) in the height of 100 children from getting out of bed in the
morning to between 4 and 5 PM that same day.[2] Such factors may not have been controlled in some of
the studies.
 Several of the studies allowed subjects to report their height, rather than being physically measured.
Note: Data in green are representative of a large section of the country's adult population.[citation needed]

Average male Average female Sample population /

Country/Region Methodology Year Source
height height age range
1.735 m (5 ft 8 ⁄2 1.608 m (5 ft 3 1⁄2
1
1998– [3]
Argentina 17 (healthy) Measured
in) in) 2001
1.784 m (5 ft 10 [4]
Australia 1.645 m (5 ft 5 in) 18–24 Measured 1995
in)
1.748 m (5 ft 9 1.634 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 [4]
Australia 18+ Measured 1995
in) in)
1.796 m (5 ft 10 1997– [5]
Austria 1 1.671 m (5 ft 6 in) 21–25 Self-reported
⁄2 in) 2002
1.718 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 [6]
Azerbaijan 1.654 m (5 ft 5 in) 16+ Measured 2005
in)
1.651 m (5 ft 5 1.542 m (5 ft 1⁄2 [7]
Bahrain 19+ Measured 2002
in) in)
1.795 m (5 ft 10 1997– [5]
Belgium 1 1.678 m (5 ft 6 in) 21–25 Self-reported
⁄2 in) 2002
1.600 m (5 ft 3 [8]
Bolivia – Aymara 1.422 m (4 ft 8 in) 20–29 Measured 1970
in)
1.707 m (5 ft 7 1.588 m (5 ft 2 1⁄2 2008– [9]
Brazil 18+ Measured
in) in) 2009
1.731 m (5 ft 8 1.611 m (5 ft 3 1⁄2 2008– [9]
Brazil 20–24 Measured
in) in) 2009
1.752 m (5 ft 9 1.632 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 [10]
Bulgaria N/A Measured 2010
in) in)
1.706 m (5 ft 7 1.613 m (5 ft 3 1⁄2 [11]
Cameroon Urban adults Measured 2003
in) in)
1.760 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 1.633 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 [12]
Canada 25–44 Measured 2005
in) in)
1
1.736 m (5 ft 8 ⁄2 [12]
Canada 1.595 m (5 ft 3 in) 25+ Measured 2005
in)
1.710 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 1.591 m (5 ft 2 1⁄2 2009– [13]
Chile 15–24 Measured
in) in) 2010
1.696 m (5 ft 7 1.561 m (5 ft 1 1⁄2 2009– [13]
Chile 15+ Measured
in) in) 2010
1.712 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 2009– [13]
Chile 1.572 m (5 ft 2 in) 25–44 Measured
in) 2010
1.683 m (5 ft 6 1⁄2 1.543 m (5 ft 1⁄2 2009– [13]
Chile 45–64 Measured
in) in) 2010
1.642 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 2009– [13]
Chile 1.519 m (5 ft 0 in) 65+ Measured
in) 2010
1
1.663 m (5 ft 5 ⁄2 [14]
China (PRC) 1.570 m (5 ft 2 in) Rural, 17 Measured 2002
in)
1.702 m (5 ft 7 1.586 m (5 ft 2 1⁄2 [14]
China (PRC) Urban, 17 Measured 2002
in) in)
1.706 m (5 ft 7 1.587 m (5 ft 2 1⁄2 [15]
Colombia 18–22 Measured 2002
in) in)
1.701 m (5 ft 7 1.591 m (5 ft 2 1⁄2 1985– [16]
Côte d’Ivoire 25–29 Measured
in) in) 1987
1.803 m (5 ft 11 1.6720 m (5 ft 6 [17]
Czech Republic 17 Measured 2006
in) in)
1.806 m (5 ft 11 [18]
Denmark N/A Conscripts, 18–19 Measured 2006
in)
1.856 m (6 ft 1 1.711 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 [19]
Dinaric Alps 17 Measured 2005
in) in)
 Average male Average female Sample population /
Country/Region Methodology Year Source
height height age range
1.703 m (5 ft 7 1.589 m (5 ft 2 1⁄2 [20]
Egypt 20–24 Measured 2008
in) in)
1.791 m (5 ft 10 [21]
Estonia 1 N/A 17 Measured 2003
⁄2 in)
1.770 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 [22]
Finland 1.630 m (5 ft 4 in) 25–74 Measured 2007
in)
1.770 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 [23]
France 1.646 m (5 ft 5 in) 20–29 Measured 2001
in)
1.741 m (5 ft 8 1⁄2 1.619 m (5 ft 3 1⁄2 [23]
France 20+ Measured 2001
in) in)
1.680 m (5 ft 6 1950– [24]
Gambia 1.578 m (5 ft 2 in) Rural, 21–49 Measured
in) 1974
1.810 m (5 ft 11 1.670 m (5 ft 5 1⁄2 [25]
Germany 1 18–19 Self-reported 2005
⁄2 in) in)
1.780 m (5 ft 10 [25]
Germany 1.650 m (5 ft 5 in) Adults Self-reported 2005
in)
1.695 m (5 ft 6 ⁄2 1.585 m (5 ft 2 1⁄2
1
1987– [16]
Ghana 25–29 Measured
in) in) 1989
1.781 m (5 ft 10 2006– [26]
Greece N/A Conscripts, 18–26 Measured
in) 2007
1.717 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 1.587 m (5 ft 2 1⁄2 [27]
Hong Kong 18 Measured 2006
in) in)
1.773 m (5 ft 10 [28]
Hungary N/A 18 Measured 2008
in)
1.760 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 1.640 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 [29]
Hungary Adults Measured 2000s
in) in)
1.645 m (5 ft 5 2005– [30][31]
India 1.520 m (5 ft 0 in) 20 Measured
in) 2006
1
1.612 m (5 ft 3 ⁄2 [32]
India 1.521 m (5 ft 0 in) Rural, 17+ Measured 2007
in)
1.580 m (5 ft 2 1.470 m (4 ft 10 [33]
Indonesia 50+ Self-reported 1997
in) in)
1
1.734 m (5 ft 8 ⁄2 [34]
Iran 1.598 m (5 ft 3 in) 21–25 Measured 2005
in)
1.703 m (5 ft 7 [34]
Iran 1.572 m (5 ft 2 in) 21+ Measured 2005
in)
1.654 m (5 ft 5 1.558 m (5 ft 1 1⁄2 1999– [35]
Iraq – Baghdad 18–44 Measured
in) in) 2000
1.774 m (5 ft 10 1.644 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 1997– [5]
Ireland 21–25 Self-reported
in) in) 2002
1.770 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 1.660 m (5 ft 5 1⁄2 [36]
Israel 18–21 Measured 2010
in) in)
1.760 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 [37]
Italy 1.650 m (5 ft 5 in) 18–40 Measured 2005
in)
1.718 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 1.608 m (5 ft 3 1⁄2 1994– [38]
Jamaica 25–74 Measured
in) in) 1996
1.707 m (5 ft 7 [39]
Japan 1.580 m (5 ft 2 in) 17 Measured 2011
in)
1.813 m (5 ft 11 [40]
Lithuania 1 1.675 m (5 ft 6 in) 18 Measured 2005
⁄2 in)
1.660 m (5 ft 5 1⁄2 [41]
Malawi 1.550 m (5 ft 1 in) Urban, 16–60 Measured 2000
in)
1.647 m (5 ft 5 1.533 m (5 ft 1⁄2 [42]
Malaysia 20+ Measured 1996
in) in)
 Average male Average female Sample population /
Country/Region Methodology Year Source
height height age range
1.713 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 [43]
Mali 1.604 m (5 ft 3 in) Rural adults Measured 1992
in)
1.752 m (5 ft 9 1.638 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 [44]
Malta 25–34 Self-reported 2003
in) in)
1.699 m (5 ft 7 [44]
Malta 1.599 m (5 ft 3 in) Adults Self-reported 2003
in)
1.630 m (5 ft 4 1.510 m (4 ft 11 1⁄2 [45]
Mexico 50+ Measured 2001
in) in)
1.670 m (5 ft 5 1⁄2 [46]
Mexico – Morelos 1.550 m (5 ft 1 in) Adults Self-reported 1998
in)
1.684 m (5 ft 6 1⁄2 [47]
Mongolia 1.577 m (5 ft 2 in) 25–34 Measured 2006
in)
1.837 m (6 ft 1⁄2 1.693 m (5 ft 6 1⁄2 [48]
Netherlands 25–34 Self-reported 2009
in) in)
1.799 m (5 ft 11 1.667 m (5 ft 5 1⁄2 [48]
Netherlands 25+ Self-reported 2009
in) in)
1.770 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 1993– [49]
New Zealand 1.650 m (5 ft 5 in) 19–45 Estimates
in) 2007
1.745 m (5 ft 8 1⁄2 1993– [49]
New Zealand 1.630 m (5 ft 4 in) 45–65 Estimates
in) 2007
1.638 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 1994– [38]
Nigeria 1.578 m (5 ft 2 in) 18–74 Measured
in) 1996
1.820 m (5 ft 11 1.690 m (5 ft 6 1⁄2 [50]
Norway 1 20–29 Measured 2010
⁄2 in) in)
1.795 m (5 ft 10 [51]
Norway 1 1.672 m (5 ft 6 in) Conscripts, 18–19 Measured 2010
⁄2 in)
1.640 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 1.510 m (4 ft 11 1⁄2 [52]
Peru 20+ Measured 2005
in) in)
1.634 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 1.517 m (4 ft 11 1⁄2 [53]
Philippines 20–39 Measured 2003
in) in)
1.619 m (5 ft 3 1⁄2 1.502 m (4 ft 11 [53]
Philippines 20+ Measured 2003
in) in)
1.785 m (5 ft 10 [54]
Poland 1 1.651 m (5 ft 5 in) 18 Measured 2010
⁄2 in)
1.728 m (5 ft 8
Portugal N/A Conscripts, 21 Measured 1998–99 [55]
in)
1.706 m (5 ft 7 [56]
Singapore 1.600 m (5 ft 3 in) 17–25 N/A 2003
in)
1.794 m (5 ft 10 [57]
Slovakia 1 1.656 m (5 ft 5 in) 18 Measured 2004
⁄2 in)
1.690 m (5 ft 6 1⁄2 1.590 m (5 ft 2 1⁄2 [58]
South Africa 25–34 Measured 1998
in) in)
1.739 m (5 ft 8 1⁄2 1.611 m (5 ft 3 1⁄2 [59]
South Korea 19 Measured 2006
in) in)
1.780 m (5 ft 10 1998– [60]
Spain 1.650 m (5 ft 5 in) 21 Measured
in) 2000
1.761 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 1997– [5]
Spain 1.655 m (5 ft 5 in) 21–25 Self-reported
in) 2002
1.815 m (5 ft 11 1.668 m (5 ft 5 1⁄2 [61]
Sweden 1 20–29 Measured 2008
⁄2 in) in)
1.779 m (5 ft 10
Sweden 1.646 m (5 ft 5 in) 20–74 N/A N/A [62]
in)
1.754 m (5 ft 9 1.640 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2
Switzerland 20–74 N/A N/A [62]
in) in)
 Average male Average female Sample population /
Country/Region Methodology Year Source
height height age range
1.781 m (5 ft 10 [63]
Switzerland N/A Conscripts, 18–21 Measured 2005
in)
1.782 m (5 ft 10 [64]
Switzerland N/A Conscripts, 19 Measured 2009
in)
1.675 m (5 ft 6 STOU university 1991– [65]
Thailand 1.573 m (5 ft 2 in) Self-reported
in) student 1995
1.761 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 2004– [66]
Turkey – Ankara 1.620 m (5 ft 4 in) 18–29 Measured
in) 2006
1.740 m (5 ft 8 1⁄2 1.589 m (5 ft 2 1⁄2 2004– [66]
Turkey – Ankara 18–59 Measured
in) in) 2006
1.737 m (5 ft 8 1⁄2 1.614 m (5 ft 3 1⁄2 [67]
Turkey – Edirne 17 Measured 2001
in) in)
United Arab 1.734 m (5 ft 8 1⁄2 1.564 m (5 ft 1 1⁄2 [68]
N/A N/A 2008
Emirates in) in)
1.753 m (5 ft 9 1.616 m (5 ft 3 1⁄2 [69]
U.K. – England 16+ Measured 2008
in) in)
1.776 m (5 ft 10 1.637 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 [69]
U.K. – England 25–34 Measured 2008
in) in)
1.750 m (5 ft 9 1.613 m (5 ft 3 1⁄2 [70]
U.K. – Scotland 16+ Measured 2008
in) in)
1.782 m (5 ft 10 1.635 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 [70]
U.K. – Scotland 25–34 Measured 2008
in) in)
1.770 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 [71]
U.K. – Wales 1.620 m (5 ft 4 in) 16+ Measured 2009
in)
1.776 m (5 ft 10 1.632 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 All Americans, 20– 2003– [72]
U.S. Measured
in) in) 29 2006
1.763 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 2003– [72]
U.S. 1.622 m (5 ft 4 in) All Americans, 20+ Measured
in) 2006
1.780 m (5 ft 10 1.632 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 Black Americans, 2003– [72]
U.S. Measured
in) in) 20–39 2006
1.706 m (5 ft 7 1.587 m (5 ft 2 1⁄2 Mexican Americans, 2003– [72]
U.S. Measured
in) in) 20–39 2006
1.789 m (5 ft 10 White Americans, 2003– [72]
U.S. 1 1.648 m (5 ft 5 in) Measured
⁄2 in) 20–39 2006
1.621 m (5 ft 4 1992– [16]
Vietnam 1.522 m (5 ft 0 in) 25–29 Measured
in) 1993
1.657 m (5 ft 5 2006– [73]
Vietnam 1.552 m (5 ft 1 in) Students, 20–25 Measured
in) 2007

Determinants of growth and height

Median (50th percentile) growth curves for male and female 0–20 years.
The study of height is known as auxology. Growth has long been recognized as a measure of the health of
individuals, hence part of the reasoning for the use of growth charts. For individuals, as indicators of health
problems, growth trends are tracked for significant deviations and growth is also monitored for significant
deficiency from genetic expectations. Genetics is a major factor in determining the height of individuals, though
it is far less influential in regard to populations. Average height is increasingly used as a measure of the health
and wellness (standard of living and quality of life) of populations.[citation needed] Attributed as a significant reason
for the trend of increasing height in parts of Europe are the egalitarian populations where proper medical care
and adequate nutrition are relatively equally distributed. Changes in diet (nutrition) and a general rise in quality
of health care and standard of living are the cited factors in the Asian populations. Average height in the United
States has remained essentially stagnant since the 1950s even as the racial and ethnic background of residents
has shifted. Severe malnutrition is known to cause stunted growth in North Korean, portions of African, certain
historical European, and other populations.[citation needed]

Height measurements are by nature subject to statistical sampling errors even for a single individual. In a
clinical situation, height measurements are seldom taken more often then once per office visit, which may mean
sampling taking place a week to several months apart. The smooth 50th percentile male and female growth
curves illustrated above are aggregate values from thousands of individuals sampled at ages from birth to age
20. In reality, a single individual's growth curve shows large upward and downward spikes. Partly due to actual
differences in growth velocity, and partly due to small measurement errors. For example, a typical measurement
error of plus or minus 0.5cm may completely nullify 0.5cm of actual growth resulting in either a "negative"
0.5cm growth (due to overestimation in the previous visit combined with underestimation in the latter), up to a
1.5cm growth (the first visit underestimating and the second visit overestimating) in the same elapsed time
period between measurements. Note there is a discontinuity in the growth curves at age 2, which reflects the
difference in recumbent length (with the child on his or her back), used in measuring infants and toddlers, and
standing height typically measured from age 2 onwards.

Sir Francis Galton's (1889) data showing the relationship between offspring height (928 individuals) as a
function of mean parent height (205 sets of parents). The correlation was 0.57.

Height, like other phenotypic traits, is determined by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. A
child's height based on parental heights is subject to regression toward the mean, therefore extremely tall or
short parents will likely have correspondingly taller or shorter offspring, but their offspring will also likely be
closer to average height than the parents themselves. Genetic potential plus proper nutrition before the onset of
puberty, minus stressors, is a basic formula.[74] Humans grow fastest (other than in the womb) as infants and
toddlers, rapidly declining from a maximum at birth to roughly age 2, tapering to a slowly declining rate, and
then during the pubertal growth spurt, a rapid rise to a second maxima (at around 11–12 years for female, and
13–14 years for male), followed by a steady decline to zero. On average, female growth velocity trails off to
zero at about 15 or 16 years, whereas the male curve continues for approximately 3 more years, going to zero at
about 18–20. These are also critical periods where stressors such as malnutrition (or even severe child neglect)
have the greatest effect.
Moreover, the health of a mother throughout her life, especially during her critical periods, and of course during
pregnancy, has a role. A healthier child and adult develops a body that is better able to provide optimal prenatal
conditions. The pregnant mother's health is important as gestation is itself a critical period for an embryo/fetus,
though some problems affecting height during this period are resolved by catch-up growth assuming childhood
conditions are good. Thus, there is an accumulative generation effect such that nutrition and health over
generations influences the height of descendants to varying degrees.

The age of the mother also has some influence on her child's height. Studies in modern times have observed a
gradual increase in height with maternal age, though these early studies suggest that trend is due to various
socio-economic situations that select certain demographics as being more likely to have a first birth early in the
mother's life.[75][76][77] These same studies show that children born to a young mother are more likely to have
below average educational and behavioural development, again suggesting an ultimate cause of resources and
family status rather than a purely biological explanation.[76][77]

The precise relationship between genetics and environment is complex and uncertain. Human height is 60%–
80% heritable, according to several twin studies[78] and has been considered polygenic since the Mendelian-
biometrician debate a hundred years ago.[citation needed] The only gene known to have an influence on human height
is HMGA2. People who carry two copies of the "tall" allele of the HMGA2 gene are up to 1 cm taller than those
who carry two copies of the "short" allele.[79] A genome-wide association (GWA) study of more than 180,000
individuals has identified hundreds of genetic variants in at least 180 loci associated with adult human height. [80]

The Nilotic peoples of Sudan such as the Shilluk and Dinka have been described as the tallest in the world.
Dinka Ruweng males investigated by Roberts in 1953–54 were on average 1.813 m tall, and Shilluk males
reached even 1.826 m.[81] The Nilotic people are characterized as having long legs, narrow bodies and short
trunks, an adaptation to hot weather.[82] However, male Dinka and Shilluk refugees measured in 1995 in
Southwestern Ethiopia were on average only 1.764 m and 1.726 m tall, respectively. [83] Males in the Dinaric
Alps have an average height of 1.856 m (6 ft 1.1 in).[19]

The Polynesian peoples of Samoa and Tonga have been described since european contact as being tall and
muscular. Samoan males investigated by University of Hawaii–54 averaged 1.778 m tall, and Tongan males
reached even 1.8034 m.[84] The Samoan and Tongan people are characterized as having large, muscular
physiques, an adaptation to long ocean voyages.[85] However, male Samoan and Tongan immigrants measured in
2009 in the United States and Australia were above average at 1.828 m and 1.859 m tall, respectively matching
the Dutch in terms of height but surpassing them respectively in width.

Process of growth

Main pathways in endocrine regulation of growth.

Growth in stature, determined by its various factors, results from the lengthening of bones via cellular divisions
chiefly regulated by somatotropin (human growth hormone (hGH)) secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
Somatotropin also stimulates the release of another growth inducing hormone Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-
1) mainly by the liver. Both hormones operate on most tissues of the body, have many other functions, and
continue to be secreted throughout life; with peak levels coinciding with peak growth velocity, and gradually
subsiding with age after adolescence. The bulk of secretion occurs in bursts (especially for adolescents) with the
largest during sleep.

The majority of linear growth occurs as growth of cartilage at the epiphysis (ends) of the long bones which
gradually ossify to form hard bone. The legs compose approximately half of adult human height, and leg length
is a somewhat sexually dimorphic trait. Some of this growth occurs after the growth spurt of the long bones has
ceased or slowed. The majority of growth during growth spurts is of the long bones. Additionally, the variation
in height between populations and across time is largely due to changes in leg length. The remainder of height
consists of the cranium. Height is sexually dimorphic and statistically it is more or less normally distributed, but
with heavy tails.

[edit] Height abnormalities

Most intra-population variance of height is genetic. Short stature and tall stature are usually not a health
concern. If the degree of deviation from normal is significant, hereditary short stature is known as familial short
stature and tall stature is known as familial tall stature. Confirmation that exceptional height is normal for a
respective person can be ascertained from comparing stature of family members and analyzing growth trends for
abrupt changes, among others. There are, however, various diseases and disorders that cause growth
abnormalities. Most notably, extreme height may be pathological, such as gigantism (very rare) resulting from
childhood hyperpituitarism, and dwarfism which has various causes. Rarely, no cause can be found for extreme
height; very short persons may be termed as having idiopathic short stature. The United States Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in 2003 approved hGH treatment for those 2.25 standard deviations below the population
mean (approximately the lowest 1.2% of the population). An even rarer occurrence, or at least less used term
and recognized "problem", is idiopathic tall stature.

If not enough growth hormone is produced and/or secreted by the pituitary gland, then a patient with growth
hormone deficiency can undergo treatment. This treatment involves the injection of pure growth hormone into
thick tissue to promote growth.

[edit] Role of an individual's height

Main article: Height and intelligence

[edit] Height and (physiological and psychological) health

Certain studies have shown that height is a factor in overall health while some suggest tallness is associated with
better cardio-vascular health and shortness with overall better-than-average health and longevity. [86] Cancer risk
has also been found to grow with height.[87]

At the extreme end, being excessively tall can cause various medical problems, including cardiovascular
problems, because of the increased load on the heart to supply the body with blood, and problems resulting from
the increased time it takes the brain to communicate with the extremities. For example, Robert Wadlow, the
tallest man known to verifiable history, developed trouble walking as his height increased throughout his life. In
many of the pictures of the later portion of his life, Wadlow can be seen gripping something for support. Late in
his life, he had to wear braces on his legs and to walk with a cane; and he died after developing an infection in
his legs because he was unable to feel the irritation and cutting caused by his leg braces. Excessive tallness and
excessive shortness each can cause social exclusion and discrimination for both men and women (heightism).

Sources are in disagreement about the overall relationship between height and longevity. John Kolmos, height
historian, suggests that 1.88 metres (6 ft 2 in) is the ideal height for longevity.[88] On the other hand, Samaras and
Elrick, in the Western Journal of Medicine, demonstrate an inverse correlation between height and longevity in
several mammals including humans.[86]

Women whose height is under 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) may have a small pelvis, resulting in such complications during
childbirth as shoulder dystocia.[89]

A study done in Sweden has shown that there is a strong inverse correlation between height and suicide among
Swedish men.[90]

[edit] Height and occupational success

There is a large corpus of research in psychology, economics, and human biology that has assessed the
relationship between several seemingly innocuous physical features (e.g., body height) and occupational
success.[91] The correlation between height and success was explored decades ago.[92][93] Shorter people are
considered to have an advantage in certain sports (e.g., gymnastics, race car driving, etc.). Meanwhile, there are
also a few occupations in which taller people are considered to have a tangible advantage. They include certain
professional sports (see section "Sports"), fashion modelling, etc. In most occupational fields, body height is not
relevant to how well people are able to perform. A correlation has been found between body height and
occupational success in several studies, although there may be other factors such as gender or socioeonomic
status that may have been influencing the subjects' heights as well as their occupational success. [91][92][94][95] In the
acting profession:[91] To become an actress, tallness is considered an advantage (the average actress is taller than
the average woman[citation needed]).

A demonstration of the height-success association can be found in the realm of politics. In the United States
presidential elections, the taller candidate won 22 out of 25 times in the 20th century.[96] Nevertheless, Ignatius
Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, was 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and several world leaders of the early twentieth century,
Vladimir Lenin, Benito Mussolini, and Joseph Stalin were of shorter stature.

See also: Heights of Presidents of the United States and presidential candidates

[edit] Sports

Height helps basketball players get closer to the hoop and pass over opponents.

Height can play a significant role in contributing to success in some sports by offering certain natural
advantages. For those sports where this could be a contributing factor, height can be useful (although certainly
not in all cases, and is not the only factor) since in general it affects the leverage between muscle volume and
bones towards greater speed of movement and power, depending on overall build, fitness and individual ability.
[citation needed]
However, there can also be significant disadvantages posed by size and resultant mass that could
prove to be a hindrance to success. Finally, there are numerous sports where size is irrelevant.

edit Amateur wrestling- Height can be both helpful and detrimental in wrestling. Since taller people have more
bone mass, they will generally be slightly weaker than shorter people in the same weight class. This difference
is made up in part by their longer arms, which allow them a longer reach and cradle easier. Long legs are
detrimental in that they can easily be attacked by a lolly (shot). They do, however, assist in performing some
actions and positions such as throwing, sprawling to counter a takedown or riding legs.[citation needed] The heights of
amateur wrestlers vary greatly with successful athletes being as short as Alireza Dabir at 1.71 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 in)
and as tall as Alexander Karelin at 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m).

[edit] Artistic gymnastics In artistic gymnastics, it is advantageous to be shorter. A lower center of gravity can
give an athlete better balance. A smaller athlete may also have an easier time manipulating their body in the air.
[citation needed]

[edit] Baseball In baseball, being taller usually means longer legs, which power pitchers use to generate
velocity and a release point closer to the plate, which means the ball reaches the batter more quickly. The ball
also comes from a higher release angle opposed to a shorter pitcher. While taller position players have a larger
strike zone, most position players are at least of average height because the larger frame allows them to generate
more power.

[edit] Basketball

Taller players have an advantage in basketball because their shots have less distance to travel to the basket; they
start out closer to the rebound; and their ability to reach higher into the air yields a better chance of blocking
shorter players' shots.[97]

In college and professional basketball, even the shortest players are usually above the average in height
compared to the general population. In men's professional basketball, the average height for basketball players is
about 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m).

[edit] Cricket

In cricket, some of the great batsmen like Donald Bradman 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in), Sachin Tendulkar 1.65 m (5 ft 5
in) and Sunil Gavaskar 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) are or were below average height. This may be because a smaller body
makes for an advantage in footwork and balance. Similarly, the most graceful wicket-keepers have tended to be
average height or below. Although there are fewer tall batsmen, the stand-outs are often noted for their heavy
hitting and an ability to get a long stride forward to reach a full length delivery. England's Kevin Pietersen at
1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) is a modern example of a powerful, tall batsman. Past greats like Clive Lloyd and Graeme
Pollock were above 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in).

On the other hand, many of the most successful fast bowlers have been well above average height; for example
past greats Joel Garner, Courtney Walsh, and Curtly Ambrose were all approximately 2.00 m (6 ft 6 1⁄2 in) tall.
Similarly, Glenn McGrath, also regarded as one of the finest bowlers to play the game, was 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)
tall, well above average height. Taller bowlers have access to a higher point of release, making it easier for them
to make the ball bounce uncomfortably for a batsman. For extreme pace however, bowlers tend to be closer to
average height. The fastest modern bowlers have ranged from Lasith Malinga 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) through to
Dilhara Fernando at 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in), and Steve Harmison and Shaun Tait at 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in).

Height does not appear to be an advantage to spin bowling and few international spinners are ever much taller
than 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in). Tall spin bowlers like Sulieman Benn (2.01 m (6 ft 7 in)) use extra pace and bounce,
whereas spin is traditionally about using a looping, plunging trajectory at slow (70–90 km/h or 40–60 mph)
speeds. The most successful bowlers ever in Test cricket, Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne are 1.70 m (5
ft 7 in) and 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) respectively.

[edit] Cycling

Road racing cyclists can be of all heights but their height generally determines what role they choose. Taller
cyclists tend to excel at the cobbled classics, as pure power helps get over the difficult and brutal cobblestones.
Cyclists over 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) often understand the difficulties in hilly races, and realise their talents in cobbled
classics from an early age and focus on them for their careers. This includes Johan Vansummeren 1.97 m (6 ft 5
1
⁄2 in) Taylor Phinney 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) and Magnus Bäckstedt 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in). In recent years Paris–Roubaix
has been dominated by Fabian Cancellara 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) and Tom Boonen 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in).

Smaller cyclists on the other hand tend to become super climbers who dominate mountain stages of Grand
Tours. Their lack of body mass helps as it means they have less weight to carry up the steep inclines. Marco
Pantani 1.72 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 in), Joaquim Rodríguez 1.69 m (5 ft 6 1⁄2 in), Riccardo Riccò 1.72 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 in),
Gilberto Simoni 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in), José Rujano 1.62 m (5 ft 4 in) and Igor Antón 1.72 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 in) are
examples of pure climbers.

However none of the above mentioned small climbers are known for their time trialing abilities, and in this
slightly taller climbers, known as all rounders often gain the advantage in grand tours. Lance Armstrong 1.77 m
(5 ft 9 1⁄2 in), Alberto Contador 1.76 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 in), Miguel Indurain 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in), and Denis Menchov 1.80
m (5 ft 11 in) have all won long Time trial stages in Grand Tours they won, and Samuel Sánchez 1.75 m (5 ft 9
in) Alejandro Valverde 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) and Vincenzo Nibali 1.79 m (5 ft 10 1⁄2 in) are, on top of their
climbing and time trialing abilities, 3 of the worlds best descenders.

In recent years taller cyclists with low builds have become among the world's best climbers, particularly on long
gradual climbs. The best examples of this are Ivan Basso 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) who won on the Monte Zoncolan in
2010, Mauricio Soler 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) and the brothers, Andy Schleck and Fränk Schleck both 1.86 m (6 ft 1
in) who specialise on the Alpine stages of the Tour de France.

While there are exceptions to these rules, taller climbers do feature more in cobbled races and smaller riders in
mountain stages. But where cycling does become indiscriminate height wise, is in sprinting. Sprints have been
contested between Robbie McEwen 1.71 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 in) and Mario Cipollini 1.89 m (6 ft 2 1⁄2 in), or as the 2010
Milan – San Remo between Óscar Freire 1.71 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 in) and Tom Boonen 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in).

[edit] Fencing

In fencing, it is generally advantageous to be taller because a longer arm span allows one's weapon to reach
one's opponent's body from a further distance – although, differences in height can be mitigated in sabre or foil,
because those weapons have rules such that hitting first does not necessarily result in points. In épée, height
poses a debatable advantage as the entire body is a target, and the closest point of the body (the hand) is always
a sword's distance away.[citation needed]

[edit] Formula 1
The average height is around 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in). Fernando Alonso is 1.71 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 in) tall. Lewis Hamilton
and Michael Schumacher are 1.74 m (5 ft 8 1⁄2 in).

[edit] Football (Soccer)

Football is a non-discriminatory sport when it comes to body type. A player's height may somewhat determine
the position that they play; however, people of all heights have an equal opportunity to excel professionally at
the sport. Goalkeepers, centre backs and "target" heading forwards tend to be taller, while players in wide,
central and attacking positions tend to be shorter. A study of the greatest male players in history showed that the
distribution of heights approximated the "average man" and, when also looking at the typical weight
distribution, an estimated 95% of the world's population would fall into the body type distribution of great
footballers. A sample of reasonably select players from ages 11–18 in the USA tended to approximate the height
distribution of the population.[98][99] In addition, there is an overwhelming tendency for the 11 most picked
players in a squad to be shorter than their team-mates, which could suggest a bias in the scouting system. [100]

For wide, central and attacking positions the players are generally relatively shorter. Many of the best players in
history have been shorter than average and in many cases gained an advantage from their low center of gravity,
e.g., Maradona 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in)); Roberto Carlos, Nobby Stiles 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in); Garrincha, Lionel Messi,
Romário 1.69 m (5 ft 6 1⁄2 in); Puskás, Makélélé, Iniesta, Xavi 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in). However, height is generally
considered advantageous for some forwards who usually aim to score with their heads, such as Abby Wambach,
Jan Koller, Stefan Maierhofer and Nikola Žigić (2.02 m (6 ft 7 1⁄2 in)) as well as Peter Crouch (2.01 m (6 ft 7
in)).

Height is often an advantage for central defenders who are assigned to stop forwards from scoring through the
air, as exemplified by players like Matej Bagarić (2.01 m (6 ft 7 in)), Per Mertesacker (1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)), Brede
Hangeland (1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)), Christoph Metzelder (1.94 m (6 ft 4 1⁄2 in)) and Christopher Samba (1.93 m (6 ft
4 in)).[101] There are, however, central defenders who aren't strongly above average height, such as Franco Baresi
(1.76 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 in)), Fabio Cannavaro (1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)), Michael Reiziger, Carles Puyol (1.78 m (5 ft 10
in)), Iván Córdoba (1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)) and Christie Rampone.

Goalkeepers tend to be taller than average because their greater armspans and total reach when jumping enable
them to cover more of the goal. Examples of particularly tall keepers include Gianluigi Buffon (1.91 m (6 ft 3
in)), Vanja Iveša, Željko Kalac, Goran Blažević, Andreas Isaksson, Edwin van der Sar (1.97 m (6 ft 5 1⁄2 in)),
Petr Cech (1.96 m (6 ft 5 in)), Vladimir Stojković and Doni. In addition, there are examples of successful
goalkeepers who are not significantly taller than average, such as Jorge Campos (1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)), Óscar Pérez
(1.72 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 in)), René Higuita (1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)), Fabien Barthez (1.81 m (5 ft 11 1⁄2 in)), Iker Casillas
(1.82 m (5 ft 11 1⁄2 in)) and Hope Solo (5 ft. 10).

[edit] Gridiron football

In American and Canadian Football, a tall quarterback is at an advantage because it is easier for him to see over
the heads of large offensive and defensive linemen while he is in the pocket in a passing situation. At 1.75 m (5
ft 9 in), Doug Flutie was initially considered to be too short to become a NFL quarterback despite his Heisman
Trophy-winning success at the college level. In addition, shorter quarterbacks have an advantage with their
lower center of gravity and balance, which means they are better able to duck under a tackle and avoid a sack.
According to the former Washington Redskins quarterback Eddie LeBaron, being shorter means you can throw
the ball higher instead of a sidearm release, meaning it is harder for the defense to knock it down. Shorter
quarterbacks also generally have a quicker release time than taller quarterbacks.

Tall wide receivers have an advantage of being able to jump considerably higher than shorter defensive backs to
catch highly thrown passes. Of course, this advantage has limits because exceedingly tall receivers are normally
not as agile or lack overall speed or strength. Tight ends are usually over 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) because they need
greater body mass to be effective blockers and greater height is an advantage for them as receivers, since they
run shorter routes based less on speed. By contrast, shorter defensive backs are utilized because of their typically
greater agility, as the ability to change directions instantly is a prerequisite for the position.
Offensive and defensive linemen tend to be at least 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) and are frequently as tall as 2.03 m (6 ft 8
in) to be massive enough to effectively play their positions. Height is especially an advantage for defensive
linemen, giving them the ability to knock down passes with their outstretched arms.

Short running backs are at an advantage because their shorter stature and lower center of gravity generally
makes them harder to tackle effectively. In addition, they can easily "hide" behind large offensive linemen,
making it harder for defenders to react at the beginning of a play. Thus, in the National Football League and in
National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football, running backs under 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) are more
common than running backs over 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in). Former Heisman Trophy winner and Pro Football Hall of
Famer Barry Sanders, thought by some to be the greatest running back in history, is a classic example of a
running back with an extraordinarily low center of gravity, as he stood only 1.71 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 in).

[edit] Ice hockey

While the history of the National Hockey League (NHL) is filled with shorter players who achieved greatness
(Theo Fleury, Martin St. Louis), and the highest scorer in NHL history, Wayne Gretzky, is 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) tall
and played at 185 lb (84 kg), the game's increasingly physical style has put a premium on imposing players,
particularly over 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) tall and over 100 kg (220 lb) (Mario Lemieux, Eric Lindros, Chris Pronger).
Taller, bigger players have a longer reach, are more able to give out and sustain body checks, and have greater
leverage on their shooting such as a slap shot[citation needed] (examples include Tyler Myers at 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m), and
Eric Staal, Rick Nash, Ryan Getzlaf, and Joe Thornton, all at 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m). The average height of an NHLer
is just over 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) tall. Zdeno Chára, at 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m), is the tallest player ever to play in the NHL.

[edit] Mixed martial arts

In mixed martial arts, taller fighters have a distinct advantage in striking, because of their increased range.
Shorter fighters on the other hand, tend to be stronger than taller opponents of equal weight, and often have the
advantage while grappling. While height is still regarded as an overall advantage, there have been many great
fighters who are shorter than average.[citation needed] Fedor Emilianenko, once widely regarded as the greatest
heavyweight fighter in the world[citation needed], stands less than 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m), and has defeated opponents
almost exclusively taller than him such as Hong Man Choi, who stands 2.18 m (7 ft 2 in) tall.

[edit] Rowing

In rowing, tallness is advantageous, because the taller a rower is, the longer his or her stroke can potentially be,
thus moving the boat more effectively. The average male Olympic rower is 1.92 m (6 ft 3 1⁄2 in), and the average
female Olympic rower is 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in),[102] well over the average height.

[edit] Rugby league

Unlike rugby union, height is not generally seen as important, often extreme height being a hindrance rather
than a useful attribute.[103] Second-row forwards are generally not as tall as their rugby union counterparts due to
the absence of line-outs. However, recent tactics of cross-field kicking have resulted in the success of taller
outside backs.

Fullbacks and halfbacks such as Andrew Johns (1.77 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 in)), Billy Slater (1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)), Brett
Hodgson (1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)), Brett Kimmorley (1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)), Cooper Cronk (1.77 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 in)), Darren
Lockyer (1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)), Hazem El Masri (1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)), Johnathan Thurston (1.79 m (5 ft 10 1⁄2 in)),
Kurt Gidley (1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)), Matt Orford (1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)), Rhys Wesser (1.74 m (5 ft 8 1⁄2 in)) and Scott
Prince (1.77 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 in)) are usually average height due to their speed and agility.

Israel Folau (1.96 m (6 ft 5 in)), Greg Inglis (1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)), Mark
Gasnier (1.94 m (6 ft 4 1⁄2 in)), Colin Best (1.89 m (6 ft 2 1⁄2 in)), Manu Vatuvei (1.89 m (6 ft 2 1⁄2 in)), Jarryd
Hayne (1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)), Krisnan Inu (1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)) and Jason Nightingale (1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)) are
examples of the trend in taller wingers and centres.

[edit] Rugby union

Locks are tall and typically the target of a rugby lineout.

In rugby union, lineout jumpers, generally locks, are usually the tallest players, as this increases their chance of
winning the ball, whereas scrum-halves are usually nearer the average. As examples, current world-class locks
Victor Matfield, Chris Jack, and Paul O'Connell are all at least 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in), while the sport's all-time
leader in international appearances, scrum-half George Gregan, is 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in).[104]

[edit] Sailing

When sailing small dinghies (rather than keelboats), the crew hiking or trapezing - essentially hanging off the
side - is an important factor in keeping the boat upright and sailing it fast. A tall sailor can get their centre of
gravity further out, thus providing more righting moment. For example, in the 470 class, only the crew is on
trapeze, so it is beneficial to have a taller crew and a smaller skipper (because the boat requires a light overall
weight). Australia's top crew of Matt Belcher and Malcolm Page exemplify this at 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) and 6 ft 1 in
(1.85 m) respectively.

[edit] Sumo

Professional sumo wrestlers are required to be at least 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) tall.[citation needed] Some aspiring sumo
athletes have silicone implants added to the tops of their heads to reach the necessary height.[105] The average
height for a sumo wrestler is 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in), far above the national average in Japan.

[edit] Swimming

Height is generally considered advantageous in swimming. Taller swimmers with longer arms are able to
achieve better leverage, hence more acceleration, in the water.[citation needed] And also, water resistance goes down
with increasing height (see Froude number).

This is especially true for freestyle. An example of a tall swimmer is Michael Phelps, at 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) who
won eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games. The average height of the eight finalists in the 100 meter
Freestyle final at the US Olympic Trials was 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m). Another exceptionally tall swimmer is Michael
Groß, a German great of the 1980s who is 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) with an arm span of 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m). Notable
exceptions for shorter swimmers, are Japanese Kosuke Kitajima, who at 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) is much shorter, and
with a more slender build, than a typical Olympic champion swimmer, has achieved astounding results in
breaststroke, and Ricardo Prado, a Brazilian medley swimmer of 1980's, who at 1.58 m (5 ft 2 in) held a world
record and a world title for 400 metres medley for a number of years.

[edit] Taekwondo

In taekwondo, a taller height gives the advantage of having a longer range and increased chance to strike a target
when sparring. However due to the length of the kicks, combinations and reflexes will not be as quick when
compared with a fighter standing at a shorter height. A shorter height will also increase a lower centre of gravity
giving a fighter better balance.

[edit] Tennis

Height can be advantageous to a tennis player as it allows players to create more power when serving [citation needed],
and it gives tall players a greater arm span, allowing them to get to sharp-angled shots more easily. However,
being tall can have some disadvantages, like the difficulty of bending down to reach low volleys or hitting the
ball close to the torso/body.[citation needed]

Examples of tall players are 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) Ivo Karlovic, 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) John Isner, 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)
Juan Martín del Potro, 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) Marin Cilic, and 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) Mario Ancic, all known for their
powerful serves. However, Roger Federer 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in), Rafael Nadal 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in), Novak Djokovic
1.88 m (6 ft 2 in), and Andy Murray 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in), the four top-ranked players in the world at the end of
2008, are all between 1.84 m (6 ft 1⁄2 in) and 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) in height. Venus Williams, Lindsay Davenport,
Dinara Safina and Maria Sharapova are successful tall players on the women's side, all measuring 1.85 m (6 ft 1
in) or taller. There have also have been some successful players that were of average size, like Rod Laver and
Justine Henin, or shorter than average, such as Pancho Segura and Dominika Cibulková.

[edit] Weightlifting and Bodybuilding

Short height helps weight lifters to make shorter levers and spend less energy.

In weightlifting shorter levers are advantageous and taller than average competitors usually compete in the 105
kg (230 lb) + group. Short people also have a lower consumption of ATP and glycogen than a tall person to
make the same proportional effort[106]. So at professional level, it is more advantageous to have short stature.

In bodybuilding, competitors are generally tall (reaching 6 feet and more), however there are many builders of
short stature who have been famous and successful. Some examples are 1.76 m (5 ft 8 in) Mike Mentzer, 1.70 m
(5 ft 7 in) Shawn Ray, 1.68,9 m (5 ft 6 1/2 in) Alexey Lesukov, 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) Franco Columbu, 1.63 m (5 ft
4 in) Lee Priest, 1.61 m (5 ft 3 in) Mohamed Bin Aziza, and much shorter with 1.58 m (5 ft 2 in) Danny Padilla
and 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) Flavio Baccianini.

[edit] History of human height

Average height of troops born in the mid-nineteenth century, by country or place.

Country Height
Australia 1.72 m (5 ft 7 3⁄4 in)[107]
England 1.72 m (5 ft 7 3⁄4 in)
U.S. 1.71 m (5 ft 7 1⁄4 in)
Norway 1.69 m (5 ft 6 1⁄2 in)
Ireland 1.68 m (5 ft 6 1⁄4 in)
Scotland 1.68 m (5 ft 6 1⁄4 in)
Sweden 1.68 m (5 ft 6 1⁄4 in)
Bohemia 1.67 m (5 ft 5 3⁄4 in)
Lower Austria 1.67 m (5 ft 5 3⁄4 in)
Moravia 1.66 m (5 ft 5 1⁄4 in)
France 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in)
Wales 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in)
Germany 1.64 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 in)
Netherlands 1.64 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 in)
Spain 1.62 m (5 ft 3 3⁄4 in)
Italy 1.61 m (5 ft 3 1⁄2 in)

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Europeans in North America were far taller than those in Europe and
were the tallest in the world.[108] The original indigenous population of Plains Native Americans was also among
the tallest populations of the world at the time.[109] Several nations, including many nations in Europe, have now
surpassed the US, particularly the Netherlands, and the Scandinavian nations.

In the late nineteenth century, the Netherlands was a land renowned for its short population, but today it has the
second tallest average in the world, with young men averaging 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) tall and in Europe are only
shorter than the peoples of the Dinaric Alps (a section largely within the former Yugoslavia), where males
average 1.856 m (6 ft 1 in) tall. The Dinarians and the Dutch are now well known in Europe for extreme
tallness. In Africa, the Maasai, Dinka and Tutsi populations have been noted for their height. However, the
popular belief that Dinka "often" reach more than seven feet finds no support in scientific literature. An
anthropometric survey of Dinka men published in 1995 found a mean height of 1.764 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 in) in the
Ethiopian Medical Journal.
In the south pacific the height of the Samoan and Tongan populations have long been known for their great size
and stature. Early descriptions from european explorers of these polynesians, speak of their great size and
physiques. In 2009 a survey by the University of Hawaii found that both islands had males averaging 1.8034 m
(5 ft 11 in) tall, while immigrants descending from both nations equalled that of Dinarians and Dutch at 1.857 m
(6 ft 1 in) tall. The reasons for this is believed that the Polynesians of Samoa and Tonga are truly genetically the
largest people in the world. This is based on the fact that, though the environmental and dietary factors
contribute to Dinarian and Dutch heights, This is not the case for the height of peoples of Samoan and Tongan
heritage. This makes them one of the tallest peoples in the world and history, as the 9000 year old skeleton of
the Kennewick man (also of polynesian origin) was 1.778 m (5 ft 10 in) in height. The suspected reason for their
great stature is due to a long practices of eugenics by selecting tall strong warriors as mates. Sālote Mafile‘o
Pilolevu Tupou III the late former queen of tonga was 1.905 m (6 ft 3 in) and Tui Manuʻa Elisala the king of the
Samoan island of Manu'a was recorded is being 1.9812 m (6 ft 6 in) in height.

Colonial populations present an interesting case in the evolution of human height. Though the European
population in South Africa is principally descended from Dutch and British settlers of the 17th, 18th and 19th
centuries (at a period when both England and Holland reported average male heights of under 5 ft 6 in (1.68
m)), the present European descended population has shown a similar increase in height as have the nations from
which they are descended. A 1998 survey recorded an average height of 1.77 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 in) for European
descended South African males, and 1.64 m (5 ft 4 1⁄2 in) for European descended South African females.[58]
Australians likewise are taller than their ancestors, averaging over 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in), and women 1.639 m (5 ft
4 1⁄2 in) in a survey conducted in 1995.[4] By comparison, a British survey from a similar period averages the
male population height at 1.744 m (5 ft 8 1⁄2 in), and the female population at 1.61 m (5 ft 3 1⁄2 in).[69] This means
that despite many Australians and European descended South Africans having descended from British people,
their current average height is over an inch greater than the present UK average (approximately 0.4 Standard
Deviations).

Average male height in impoverished Vietnam and North Korea[110] remains comparatively small at 1.63 m (5 ft
4 in) and 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in), respectively. Currently, young adult North Korean males are actually significantly
shorter. This contrasts greatly with the extreme growth occurring in surrounding Asian populations with
correlated increasing standards of living. Young South Koreans are about 12 cm (4.7 in) taller than their North
Korean counterparts, on average. There is also an extreme difference between older North Koreans and young
North Koreans who grew up during the famines of the 1990s–2000s. North Korean and South Korean adults
older than 40, who were raised when the North and South's economies were about equal, are generally of the
same average height.

In the early 1970s, when anthropologist Barry Bogin first visited Guatemala, he observed that Mayan Indian
men averaged only 1.575 m (5 ft 2 in) in height and the women averaged 1.422 m (4 ft 8 in). Bogin took another
series of measurements after the Guatemalan Civil War had erupted, during which up to a million Guatemalans
had fled to the United States. He discovered that Mayan refugees, who ranged from six to twelve years old, were
significantly taller than their Guatemalan counterparts. By 2000, the American Maya were 10.24 cm (4.03 in)
taller than the Guatemalan Maya of the same age, largely due to better nutrition and access to health care. Bogin
also noted that American Maya children had a significantly lower sitting height ratio, (i.e., relatively longer legs,
averaging 7.02 cm (2.76 in) longer) than the Guatemalan Maya