Average Height in Nicaragua (2026 Data)
The average height in Nicaragua is approximately 5'6" (168 cm) for men and 5'1" (155 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled height estimates.
Average Height in Nicaragua: Men and Women
Adult height in Nicaragua 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 168 cm (5'6"); for women, about 155 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 Nicaragua. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Nicaragua
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 170 cm (5'7") | 156 cm (5'1") |
| 26–35 | 169 cm (5'7") | 156 cm (5'1") |
| 36–50 | 168 cm (5'6") | 155 cm (5'1") |
| 50+ | 167 cm (5'6") | 154 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 Nicaragua 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, Nicaragua men are 3 cm shorter than the global male mean and women are 4 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). Nicaragua men are 7 cm shorter than US men on average; Nicaragua women are 7 cm shorter than US women.
Nicaragua's male average matches El Salvador and sits a few centimeters below Costa Rica and Panama.
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. Nicaragua's averages reflect Mestizo and Indigenous ancestry alongside uneven childhood nutrition. Rural areas typically report lower stature than Managua and other urban centers.
Secular gains continue but lag wealthier Central American peers.
Comparing your personal height to Nicaragua'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 Nicaragua'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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