Where Do The Shortest People In The World Live?

  • A small island nation in Southeast Asia, East Timor, or Timor-Leste, has the world’s smallest inhabitants, with an average height of 1.78 meters (5.7 feet). On this island, the average height is 5 feet 1.28 inches (155.47 cm).
  • Iranians have developed the most over the twentieth century, which is interesting. Their average height has risen by 6.5 inches, giving them a significant boost and removing them from the world’s list of smallest nations.
  • Since 1896, when they were just 5 feet tall on average, the inhabitants of East Timor had grown a little, however, there were moments when they were even taller. They reached an average height of 5 feet 3.3 inches in the 1960s, but by the 1970s, they had begun to fall.




The answer to your question about the world’s shortest person would be easy. Junrey Balawing, a Filipino woman who stands 23.62 inches tall, holds the record. 

But things get more difficult when we attempt to determine which country has the lowest average number of people. Although it might seem difficult to answer, there have been many types of research done in recent years that can help us to find the answer.

It is also helpful to know that the Philippines has the shortest man in the world. This country is highly ranked on the list of countries that have the shortest people. 

It is not the only one. East Timor (or Timor-Leste), which is an island nation in Southeast Asia, is the country with the most people. This island’s average height is 5 feet 1.28 inches or 155.47 cm.

World Height Distribution

Although it may seem strange to consider that your height is determined by where you were born, this is true. Researchers tracked the heights and changes over time of millions of people around the globe. 

These researches have shown us how height distribution across the globe is and how it has changed over time

Surprisingly, Iran has grown the fastest over the past 20 years. Their average height has increased by about 6.5 inches.




This gave them a huge boost and took them off the list of the world’s most shortened countries. Many countries in Africa, South Asia, and elsewhere maintained the same average height. 

It is important that you note that many of these countries have issues with nutrition and health, which could influence their height.

Height Distribution In The World

The Netherlands is the country with the highest average height, at 6 feet, and it’s no surprise. This is 9 inches higher than the average East Timor height, which is the country with the most people who are shorter. 

The average East Timoran was 5 feet tall in 1896. However, there were occasions when they were taller. They reached an average height of 5ft 3.3ins in the 1960s. However, it began to fall again in the 1970s. 

The country was experiencing civil wars and Indonesian occupation during this time, which may have contributed to the slow growth.

Similar events occurred in Yemen, another country plagued by past troubles. Some people are just born with shorter heights than the average. 




Genetics are responsible for more than 60% of an individual’s height. While we may blame some periods of history for East Timor’s average height, genetics is most likely the main reason people are so short.

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