Average Height in Greece (2026 Data)
The average height in Greece is approximately 5'10" (178 cm) for men and 5'5" (164 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Greece ranks above the global and US averages.
Average Height in Greece: Men and Women
Adult height in Greece reflects Mediterranean genetics combined with post-war improvements in nutrition and healthcare. The most recent pooled population studies provide the best estimates for current average stature among adults.
For men, the population mean is about 178 cm (5'10"); for women, about 164 cm (5'5"). These figures represent adults aged 18 and older and are typically measured barefoot in health surveys.
Height varies by region and birth cohort within Greece. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Greece
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 180 cm (5'11") | 165 cm (5'5") |
| 26–35 | 179 cm (5'10") | 165 cm (5'5") |
| 36–50 | 178 cm (5'10") | 164 cm (5'5") |
| 50+ | 176 cm (5'9") | 163 cm (5'4") |
Age-group estimates derived from NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Greece 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, Greek men are 7 cm taller and women are 5 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Greek men are 3 cm taller than US men on average; Greek women are 2 cm taller than US women.
Greece's position relative to global and US averages reflects its combination of Mediterranean genetics with significant nutritional improvements since the post-WWII era, particularly the adoption of the protein-rich traditional Greek diet.
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. Greece's average stature is shaped by Mediterranean genetics and the traditional Greek diet rich in dairy, olive oil, legumes, and protein.
Greek heights increased significantly in the post-WWII period as the country modernized and the Mediterranean diet—now recognized as one of the healthiest in the world—became more consistently available to the general population.
Comparing your personal height to Greece'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 Greece's national distribution.
Data source: NCD-RisC pooled estimates. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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