Average Height in Peru (2026 Data)
The average height in Peru is approximately 5'6" (168 cm) for men and 5'1" (155 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Peru ENDES demographic survey data. Peru ranks below both the global and US averages.
Average Height in Peru: Men and Women
Adult height in Peru 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 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 Peru. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Peru
| 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 estimates and Peru ENDES demographic survey data. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Peru 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, Peruvian men are 3 cm shorter and women are 4 cm shorter.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Peruvian men are 7 cm shorter than US men on average; Peruvian women are 7 cm shorter than US women.
Peru's position below global averages reflects its large indigenous Andean and mestizo populations, where shorter average stature has both genetic and historical nutritional components. Heights are rising as nutrition improves, particularly in urban coastal areas.
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. Peru's average stature is shaped by its indigenous Andean and mestizo populations, where shorter stature has both genetic origins and connections to high-altitude adaptation that may affect growth patterns.
There is significant regional variation in Peru: coastal urban populations (Lima) tend to be taller than highland and Amazonian communities. Improving nutrition, reduced childhood stunting rates, and economic growth are contributing to height gains among younger Peruvians.
Comparing your personal height to Peru'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 Peru's national distribution.
Data source: NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Peru ENDES demographic survey data. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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