Average Height in Bhutan (2026 Data)
The average height in Bhutan is approximately 5'5" (165 cm) for men and 5'1" (154 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled height estimates.
Average Height in Bhutan: Men and Women
Adult height in Bhutan reflects genetics, childhood nutrition, healthcare access, and living conditions. Pooled international estimates provide the best available figures for current average adult stature.
For men, the population mean is about 165 cm (5'5"); for women, about 154 cm (5'1"). These figures represent adults aged 18 and older and are typically measured barefoot in health surveys.
Height varies by region, ethnicity, and birth cohort within Bhutan. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Bhutan
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 167 cm (5'6") | 155 cm (5'1") |
| 26–35 | 166 cm (5'5") | 155 cm (5'1") |
| 36–50 | 165 cm (5'5") | 154 cm (5'1") |
| 50+ | 164 cm (5'5") | 153 cm (5'0") |
Age-group estimates derived from NCD-RisC pooled height estimates. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Bhutan Compares to the World and the US
Globally, the approximate mean adult height is about 171 cm (5'7") for men and 159 cm (5'2.5") for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Compared to this, Bhutan men are 6 cm shorter than the global male mean and women are 5 cm shorter than the global female mean.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Bhutan men are 10 cm shorter than US men on average; Bhutan women are 8 cm shorter than US women.
Bhutan's Himalayan population and historically high stunting keep averages among Asia's shorter profiles.
Why Heights Differ: Genetics, Nutrition, and Trends
Height is roughly 80% genetic and 20% environmental, but nutrition in the first years of life matters enormously at the population level. Bhutan's Himalayan population and historically high stunting keep averages among Asia's shorter profiles.
Like most populations, Bhutan has seen height changes across generations as nutrition, sanitation, and healthcare evolved.
Comparing your personal height to Bhutan's average is informative, but percentile rankings depend on which reference population you use. Our calculator compares against US CDC/NHANES data, which may differ from Bhutan's national distribution.
Data source: NCD-RisC pooled height estimates. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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