Peru (162.5 cm)
In South America, Peru is home to a considerable number of short people. The average height of the adult population barely exceeds 160 cm – this applies to both women and men. Hunger, disease and cultural problems have all played a role in stunted growth. Poverty, food insecurity and low agricultural productivity exacerbate the problem of malnutrition.
Nigeria (163 cm)
The figures show that there are 2 million malnourished children in the country – the arid environment contributes to this. The lack of clean water and poor sanitation also do nothing to help growth.
Sri Lanka (162.5 cm)
A 2022 study shows that Sri Lanka ranks second for the level of malnutrition in South Asia. The problem is compounded by poor nutrition, childhood illnesses and other factors. Notably, even children from wealthy families in Sri Lanka suffer from malnutrition. This is also because the region's cuisine does not provide a sufficient amount of the necessary nutrients.
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Ecuador (162 cm)
The typical diet of Ecuadorians includes fish, rice and potatoes, as well as coffee. Not a very healthy diet – Ecuador ranks second in Latin America for the level of chronic malnutrition among children.
Nepal (161.5 cm)
Ironically, Nepal, located next to the highest mountain on earth, is home to some of the shortest people on earth. A 2019 UNICEF report shows that more than 17% of the population lives in extreme poverty. Moreover, inadequate infant-feeding practices also take their toll – here a child is weaned almost immediately.
Cambodia (161 cm)
The Cambodian diet consists of fish and fruit, which leads to a diet low in fat and calories. That is why the average height of Cambodian citizens is so small. Reports have shown that 32% of children here suffer from stunted growth, with rural areas affected the most.
Vietnam (160.5 cm)
An isolated demographic is one of the factors causing short people to be born in Vietnam. This is especially noticeable in secluded mountain communities. Short stature here can be called a hereditary problem.
Philippines (160 cm)
The European Commission recently published data showing that 28.8% of Filipino children under the age of five are malnourished. This leads to abnormalities such as stunted growth and learning difficulties. The second cause is frequent pregnancy at an early age, when the mother is not physically prepared for childbirth and caring for a child.
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Bolivia (159 cm)
Bolivia is home to some of the shortest people in the world. One in three children under the age of five struggles with chronic malnutrition, which often leads to below-average height. Genetics and hormonal factors should not be discounted either, and Bolivian girls suffer more often than boys.
Indonesia (158 cm)
The population of Indonesia ranks first when it comes to the shortest people. At the same time, the diet of Indonesians is relatively rich. Although traditional cuisine has many vegetarian dishes, most residents here do not follow strict vegetarianism. They usually eat duck and goat meat. But all the same, for more than a hundred years now, exceptionally short boys and girls have been born here.
