By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Various factors, including genetics, nutrition, healthcare, and socio-economic conditions, influence human height. Across the globe, average heights vary significantly, with some populations being notably shorter due to genetic predispositions and environmental factors. This article explores countries with the shortest people’s population.
1. Timor Leste (East Timor)
Timor-Leste, a Southeast Asian nation, is known to have the shortest population in the world, with a height averaging just 156.42 centimeters. Factors contributing to this include limited access to diverse nutrition and a history of economic challenges.
2. Guatemala
Guatemala, located in Central America, has the second shortest people’s population worldwide, averaging 157.64 cm. Due to structural inequalities and climate crises, Guatemala is the sixth most chronically malnourished country in the world, affecting the health and well-being of men and women as well as contributing to stunted growth in some children.
3. Laos
Laos, a Southeast Asian country, is the third country with the shortest people in the world, with an average height of 157.94 centimeters. Socioeconomic factors, including health and diet influenced by heredity, play significant roles in the height of this population.
4. Nepal
Nepal, a South Asian country, has an average height of 158.38 centimeters, making it the fourth country with the shortest population in the world. Social problems such as food insecurity, geographical challenges, and a lack of adequate healthcare access have resulted in large numbers of malnutrition in the country.
5. Bangladesh
Bangladesh, a South Asian country with an average height of 158.73 centimeters, is the fifth country with the shortest population in the world. Food insecurity is a prominent concern in Bangladesh, resulting in stunted growth.
While the average height in these countries may be lower than the global average, height is just one aspect of human diversity.
Tribune