Average Height in Central African Republic (2026 Data)
The average height in Central African Republic is approximately 5'6" (168 cm) for men and 5'2" (158 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled height estimates.
Average Height in Central African Republic: Men and Women
Adult height in Central African Republic 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 168 cm (5'6"); for women, about 158 cm (5'2"). 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 Central African Republic. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Central African Republic
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 170 cm (5'7") | 159 cm (5'3") |
| 26–35 | 169 cm (5'7") | 159 cm (5'3") |
| 36–50 | 168 cm (5'6") | 158 cm (5'2") |
| 50+ | 167 cm (5'6") | 157 cm (5'2") |
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 Central African Republic 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, Central African Republic men are 3 cm shorter than the global male mean and women are 1 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). Central African Republic men are 7 cm shorter than US men on average; Central African Republic women are 4 cm shorter than US women.
CAR's Central African averages are constrained by long-term conflict and childhood undernutrition.
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. CAR's Central African averages are constrained by long-term conflict and childhood undernutrition.
Like most populations, Central African Republic has seen height changes across generations as nutrition, sanitation, and healthcare evolved.
Comparing your personal height to Central African Republic'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 Central African Republic'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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