Average Height in Laos (2026 Data)
The average height in Laos is approximately 5'4" (163 cm) for men and 5'0" (152 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled height estimates.
Average Height in Laos: Men and Women
Adult height in Laos 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 163 cm (5'4"); for women, about 152 cm (5'0"). 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 Laos. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Laos
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 165 cm (5'5") | 153 cm (5'0") |
| 26–35 | 164 cm (5'5") | 153 cm (5'0") |
| 36–50 | 163 cm (5'4") | 152 cm (5'0") |
| 50+ | 162 cm (5'4") | 151 cm (4'11") |
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 Laos 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, Laos men are 8 cm shorter than the global male mean and women are 7 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). Laos men are 12 cm shorter than US men on average; Laos women are 10 cm shorter than US women.
Lao men average near Cambodia and Myanmar and several centimeters below Thailand and Vietnam.
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. Laos's Tai-Lao majority and highland ethnic groups, combined with historically high childhood stunting, keep averages among Asia's shorter profiles.
Economic growth is slowly lifting younger adult heights.
Comparing your personal height to Laos'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 Laos'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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