Average Height in Burkina Faso (2026 Data)
The average height in Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso: Men and Women
Adult height in Burkina Faso 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 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 Burkina Faso. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Burkina Faso
| 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 Burkina Faso 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, Burkina Faso 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). Burkina Faso men are 4 cm shorter than US men on average; Burkina Faso women are 1 cm shorter than US women.
Burkina Faso's averages are typical of the West African Sahel, with Mossi and other ethnic variation.
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. Burkina Faso's averages are typical of the West African Sahel, with Mossi and other ethnic variation.
Like most populations, Burkina Faso has seen height changes across generations as nutrition, sanitation, and healthcare evolved.
Comparing your personal height to Burkina Faso'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 Burkina Faso's national distribution.
Data source: NCD-RisC pooled height estimates. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare Your Height to US Percentiles
Our free calculator uses CDC/NHANES data to show your exact height percentile among US adults—with charts, comparisons, and male/female breakdowns.
Try the Height Percentile Calculator →