Average Height in Malawi (2026 Data)
The average height in Malawi is approximately 5'5" (166 cm) for men and 5'1" (156 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled height estimates.
Average Height in Malawi: Men and Women
Adult height in Malawi 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 166 cm (5'5"); for women, about 156 cm (5'1"). 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 Malawi. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Malawi
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 168 cm (5'6") | 157 cm (5'2") |
| 26–35 | 167 cm (5'6") | 157 cm (5'2") |
| 36–50 | 166 cm (5'5") | 156 cm (5'1") |
| 50+ | 165 cm (5'5") | 155 cm (5'1") |
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 Malawi 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, Malawi men are 5 cm shorter than the global male mean and women are 3 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). Malawi men are 9 cm shorter than US men on average; Malawi women are 6 cm shorter than US women.
Malawi's averages remain below the African mean due to historically high childhood stunting rates.
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. Malawi's averages remain below the African mean due to historically high childhood stunting rates.
Like most populations, Malawi has seen height changes across generations as nutrition, sanitation, and healthcare evolved.
Comparing your personal height to Malawi'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 Malawi'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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