Average Height in Ethiopia (2026 Data)
The average height in Ethiopia is approximately 5'6" (167 cm) for men and 5'2" (157 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data. Ethiopia ranks below both the global and US averages.
Average Height in Ethiopia: Men and Women
Adult height in Ethiopia reflects decades of genetics, childhood nutrition, healthcare access, and living conditions. The most recent national health surveys provide the best estimates for current average stature among adults.
For men, the population mean is about 167 cm (5'6"); for women, about 157 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 Ethiopia. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Ethiopia
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 169 cm (5'7") | 158 cm (5'2") |
| 26–35 | 168 cm (5'6") | 158 cm (5'2") |
| 36–50 | 167 cm (5'6") | 157 cm (5'2") |
| 50+ | 166 cm (5'5") | 156 cm (5'1") |
Age-group estimates derived from NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Ethiopia 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, Ethiopian men are 4 cm shorter and women are 2 cm shorter.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Ethiopian men are 8 cm shorter than US men on average; Ethiopian women are 5 cm shorter than US women.
Ethiopia's position below global averages reflects its diverse ethnic composition and the impact of historical nutritional challenges, though heights vary significantly by region and ethnic group within the country.
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. Ethiopia's average stature is shaped by its diverse ethnic groups—including Amhara, Oromo, and Tigray peoples—and a traditional teff-based diet that provides essential nutrients but has historically been calorie-constrained in some regions.
Heights vary significantly by region and ethnic group within Ethiopia. Some ethnic groups, particularly those in the Rift Valley, record taller averages. Economic development and improved food security are contributing to height gains among younger cohorts in urban areas.
Comparing your personal height to Ethiopia'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 Ethiopia's national distribution.
Data source: NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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