Average Height in South Sudan (2026 Data)
The average height in South Sudan is approximately 5'9" (174 cm) for men and 5'4" (163 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled height estimates.
Average Height in South Sudan: Men and Women
Adult height in South Sudan 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 174 cm (5'9"); for women, about 163 cm (5'4"). 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 South Sudan. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in South Sudan
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 176 cm (5'9") | 164 cm (5'5") |
| 26–35 | 175 cm (5'9") | 164 cm (5'5") |
| 36–50 | 174 cm (5'9") | 163 cm (5'4") |
| 50+ | 173 cm (5'8") | 162 cm (5'4") |
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 South Sudan 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, South Sudan men are 3 cm taller than the global male mean and women are 4 cm taller 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). South Sudan men are 1 cm shorter than US men on average; South Sudan women are 1 cm taller than US women.
South Sudan includes historically tall Nilotic groups (e.g., Dinka, Nuer), lifting national means above many neighbors.
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. South Sudan includes historically tall Nilotic groups (e.g., Dinka, Nuer), lifting national means above many neighbors.
Like most populations, South Sudan has seen height changes across generations as nutrition, sanitation, and healthcare evolved.
Comparing your personal height to South Sudan'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 South Sudan'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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