What is the Tallest Nationality in Europe?

Alright, let’s talk about something that you’ve probably wondered at least once while traveling or flipping through photos of international sports teams: who is the tallest nationality in Europe? I mean, we all know there are some tall folks out there, but which nationality is, on average, just a little bit taller than the rest? You might be surprised by the answer, so let’s dive into the details.

Let’s Set the Stage: European Height Differences

Before we get into specifics, it’s important to understand that height, like so many things, is influenced by a mix of genetics, diet, and overall health. Now, that doesn’t mean everyone in these countries is reaching for the top shelf in the supermarket. But on average, some European nations definitely stand out for their height.

Alright, ready for the big reveal?

The Netherlands: Not Just Windmills and Tulips

If you've been following any conversation about tall Europeans, the Dutch are probably already on your radar. No, they don’t grow taller from all the windmill spinning or biking around (although that might help), but the Dutch are undoubtedly the tallest nationality in Europe. Seriously, if you look at statistics, the average height for Dutch men is around 6 feet (183 cm), and for women, it’s about 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm).

I remember a trip to Amsterdam a few years back, and let me tell you, it felt like every other person was towering over me! It's almost comical how noticeable it is. I’m not short by any means (I’m about 5'10"), but walking through the streets of Amsterdam, I had to constantly look up. It's not just an anecdotal thing either; these numbers come from extensive studies on average height across the globe.

The Secret Behind the Tallness: Genetics, Diet, and Environment

So, why the Netherlands? It turns out the Dutch have benefitted from a unique combination of genetics and environment. For centuries, the country has had a mix of healthy eating habits and high standards of living. You can credit the Dutch diet, rich in dairy (we’re talking milk, cheese, you name it), which is believed to help in maximizing height during the growth years. Plus, the Netherlands has consistently ranked high in health and wellness, which obviously plays a role in development.

And don't forget genetics. The Dutch population has a long history of selective breeding that may have favored taller individuals. Over generations, taller people may have simply had more success in passing down their genes. Makes you wonder, right? How much can genetics play a role in height?

Other Tall Countries in Europe: A Quick Rundown

But wait, the Dutch don’t have all the height glory. There are other countries in Europe that are also known for their tall populations, though not quite as towering.

• Denmark: Danish people also tend to be pretty tall, with men averaging around 5'11" (180 cm) and women not far behind at 5'7" (170 cm). It’s probably something in the water or, more likely, in the Nordic genes.

• Norway and Sweden: The Scandinavian countries, in general, also have tall populations. Norway’s average height is close to 5'11" for men, and Sweden comes in at just about the same. Plus, Scandinavians are known for their athleticism, which likely plays a role in their physical stature.

• Germany: Germans aren’t far behind either. The average height for men in Germany is around 5'10" (178 cm), while women measure up at 5'6" (167 cm).

And Then There Are the Shorter Nations...

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but there are countries in Europe that don’t quite match up in the height department. For example, Southern European countries like Italy, Spain, and Portugal generally have shorter populations. It’s not that the people there are "short" per se, but the average height is lower than in countries further north.

I’ve noticed this when I traveled to places like southern Italy and parts of Spain—people tend to be a bit shorter compared to the tall folks you see in northern Europe. It's just an interesting regional difference, shaped by historical, genetic, and even climatic factors.

So, What Does This All Mean?

If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands and worried about feeling short, don’t sweat it (unless, of course, you're 5'4" and standing next to someone who’s 6'4", in which case… prepare yourself). But in all seriousness, understanding these height differences gives us a little more insight into the way cultures and populations evolve over time. Genetics, nutrition, and even lifestyle choices all come together to influence the height averages we see today.

So, if you’ve ever wondered why you’ve got to tilt your head back so far to chat with someone from the Netherlands, well, now you know: they’ve got a serious height advantage going on. And it’s not just by a little bit—these guys are tall, in a big way!

At the end of the day, though, height is just one of those fun facts about different nationalities. Whether you’re towering over the crowd or looking up a little more than usual, it’s all part of the fascinating diversity that makes Europe (and the world) so interesting.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.