Average Height in Botswana (2026 Data)
The average height in Botswana is approximately 5'7" (171 cm) for men and 5'3" (161 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled height estimates.
Average Height in Botswana: Men and Women
Adult height in Botswana reflects decades of genetics, childhood nutrition, healthcare access, and living conditions. The most recent pooled international estimates provide the best available figures for current average stature among adults.
For men, the population mean is about 171 cm (5'7"); for women, about 161 cm (5'3"). 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 Botswana. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Botswana
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 173 cm (5'8") | 162 cm (5'4") |
| 26–35 | 172 cm (5'8") | 162 cm (5'4") |
| 36–50 | 171 cm (5'7") | 161 cm (5'3") |
| 50+ | 170 cm (5'7") | 160 cm (5'3") |
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 Botswana 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, Botswana men are about the same height as the global male mean and women are 2 cm taller 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). Botswana men are 4 cm shorter than US men on average; Botswana women are 1 cm shorter than US women.
Botswana sits near South Africa and above several East African national male means.
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. Botswana's Tswana-majority population and relatively strong Southern African healthcare and nutrition systems support mid-range African averages.
Heights have been relatively stable with gradual gains in younger urban cohorts.
Comparing your personal height to Botswana'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 Botswana'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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