Asia, housing the world’s largest population, is frequently linked to shorter average heights compared to Western regions. Height represents a multifaceted characteristic influenced by ethnicity, nationality, historical era, and geographical location. For instance, the Southeast Asian population generally exhibits a smaller average height globally, supporting this perception somewhat. Nevertheless, this generalization doesn’t hold in all cases. Let’s now explore Asian countries where the average height of adult men and women stands out as notably tall, even compared to Western counterparts.
Kuwait
Kuwait is an Arab country in the Middle East and one of the world’s major oil-rich countries. Despite having a population of less than two million, the nation is affluent due to its oil resources, making it one with a high standard of living. The average height of adult men in Kuwait is 172㎝ (5’7″); for women, it’s 158.6㎝ (5’2″). The average height of adult men in Kuwait at the end of the 19th century was slightly over 160㎝ (5’2″).
Singapore
Singapore, positioned on the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia, stands as an island nation predominantly inhabited by Chinese descendants. Approximately 75% of its residents trace their roots to Chinese heritage, contributing to its reputation as a tranquil and stable city-state. Economically, it is a hub of transshipment trade due to its strategic location connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans. It has been a wealthy country since ancient times. The average height of adult men in Singapore is 172.3cm (5’7″), and adult women stand at 160cm (5’2″) inches on average.
Jordan
Jordan, located in West Asia, is a country where 80% of its territory is desert and suffers from severe water shortages. Unlike neighboring Middle Eastern nations, it does not produce oil or natural gas but operates its economy through tourism and services. Recently, unemployment and high poverty rates have emerged as social issues. The average height of adult men in Jordan is 173cm (5’8″), and adult women stand at 159cm (5’2″) on average.
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan, located in Central Asia, shares borders with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. It is renowned for its above-average height among its residents. This country is rich in underground resources such as oil and natural gas, which support its economy. The average height of adult men in Turkmenistan is 173.3㎝ (5’8″), and adult women stand at 162.7㎝ (5’4″) on average.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, a federation bordering the Persian Gulf in the southeastern Arabian Peninsula, is where the capital, Abu Dhabi, occupies more than 85% of the total population and territory. While it is ranked among the top ten nations facing water shortages, it is also counted among the affluent oil-producing countries in West Asia. The average height of adult men in the United Arab Emirates is 173.4cm (5’8″), and adult women stand at 156.4cm (5’1″) on average.
Iran
The Islamic Republic of Iran, located in West Asia, is an Islamic fundamentalist state operating under a unique system known as the Islamic jurist regime. Despite severe human rights oppression, it is an oil-producing country and ranks within the top 20 economies worldwide. In the 1970s, it boasted one of the leading economies in Asia. The average height of adult men in Iran is 173.4㎝ (5’8″), and adult women stand at 159.9㎝ (5’3″) on average.
Turkey
Turkey, located between Southwest Asia and Southern Europe, is a member of the G20 and NATO and ranks 20th in GDP. Although the national economy is steadily growing, it is currently struggling due to the impact of COVID-19 and foreign exchange crises. The average height of adult men in Turkey is 173.6㎝ (5’8″), and adult women stand at 161.9cm (5’3″) on average.
Lebanon
Lebanon, located in the West Asia region, shares borders with Syria and Israel. Despite being a small country, it has developed through trade due to its favorable location on the Mediterranean Sea. It is also recognized as the “Pearl of the Middle East.” Despite a history of economic prosperity, the nation presently grapples with challenges stemming from the Syrian civil war, a significant influx of refugees, and a downturn in tourism. The average height of adult men in Lebanon is 174.1㎝ (5’8″), and women stand at 162.4cm (5’4″) on average.
South Korea
South Korea is the second-tallest country in Asia. In the late Joseon era, foreigners left records saying, “Koreans are tall.” However, even within the same ethnic group, North Korea records one of the lowest average heights in Asia due to poor nutritional status. According to the health checkup statistics of the National Health Insurance Corporation, the average height of adult men in South Korea is 174.2cm (5’8″), and adult women stand at 161.7cm (5’3″) on average.
Israel
Israel, a republic on the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts of West Asia, is the tallest country in Asia. Despite its small and narrow territory with a small population, the nation has significantly developed its economy through technology companies based on military technology. Many global IT companies were born in Israel. The average height of adult men in Israel is 177㎝ (5’9″), and adult women stand at 166cm (5’5″)on average.
By. Deok Soo Choi
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