The average height in the Netherlands will surprise you. In fact, Dutch people have been discovered to be the tallest individuals all over the world.
If you take a trip to The Netherlands, you will realize right away that the Dutch are astonishingly tall. In particular, the average heights of these Dutch people appear to be significantly higher than those of any other nation. So, are the Dutch really the tallest individuals on the planet?
According to 3 research studies, the Dutch are considered the tallest people on the planet. The average size of a Dutch man is 6 feet or approx. 182.88 cm and a Dutch woman stands 5 feet 6.7 inches or approx. 169.4 cm. Because of high standards of living, a top-notch healthcare scheme, and natural processes, the Dutch are extremely tall.
Continue reading to discover more about the average height in the Netherlands and how the Dutch have become the tallest individuals on the planet.
Key Takeaway
- Males who were born in the Netherlands in 2020 (whose height is 22 years old as of this article) are on median 182.9 cm tall, as per their own declarations. On the other hand, females who were born in the Netherlands at the same age stand at 169.3 cm.
- So, the Dutch have grown taller over the last couple of centuries, but this development appears to have stopped after 1980.
- Currently, the average height in the Netherlands for both females and males is widely known as the tallest all over the globe. In particular, Dutch men’s average height is 6 feet or around 182.88 cm. And the average height for Dutch ladies is 5 feet 6.7 inches or around 169.4 cm.
How Tall Is the Average Dutch Person?
To evaluate whether the Dutch are the tallest individuals on the planet, we must first figure out the average height in the Netherlands. So, below is the table of the three big science-based research concentrated on the medium height of Dutch individuals and contrasted it to other nations’ average heights. Let’s have a look at this right now.
| Year of research | Average men height in the Netherlands (feet and inches and cm) | Average women height in the Netherlands (feet and inches and cm) |
| 2016 | 5 feet 11.9 inches (approx. 182.5 cm) (rank 1) | 5 feet 6.9 inches (approx. 170 cm) (rank 2) |
| 2020 | 6 feet 0.4 inch (approx. 183.8 cm) (rank 1) | 5 feet 7.1 inches (approx. 170.4 cm) (rank 1) |
| 2021 | 6 feet (approx. 182.9 cm) | 5 feet 6.7 inches (approx. 169.3 cm) |
All three published research shows that the average size in the Netherlands is nearly the same. In addition, it even shows that the Netherlands’ average size has straightened off during the past few decades. What’s more, the most recent information from the 2021 research even shows a small decrease in the medium height of Dutch people.
In 2021, the average size of males in the Netherlands was recorded at 182,9 cm. On the flip side, the average size of Dutch ladies was documented at 5 feet 6.7 inches or approx. 169.3 cm.
It is, in fact, not shocking that the medium heights in The Netherlands vary a bit between these three studies. Accordingly, the timeframe when the rise in the average tallness in the citizenry was assessed differs between these three research.
The 2020 Lancet research (from 1985 to 2019) examined the same timeframe as the Dutch research from 1985 to 2019. The first research, on the other hand, spanned a longer time span between 1914 and 2014.
Surprisingly, the latest Dutch research found that guys who were born in The Netherlands in 2001 stood 1 cm shorter on average than males who were born in 1980. Correspondingly, females who were born in the Netherlands in 2001 stood around 1.4 cm shorter on average than females who were born in 1980.
In other words, Dutch males tend to be lower than they used to be, and this is also applied to Dutch females as well. As a result, it appears that the impressive development of the Dutch has stalled.
At the moment, it is ambiguous why Dutch development has slowed, but Dutch researchers have investigated a few alternative reasons. First, the influx of immigrants with smaller demographic groups and their kids who were born in the Netherlands could be a factor. Other aspects, such as shifting food patterns in The Netherlands with very few nutrients and vitamins required for development but more calories, might have a greater impact.
Surprisingly, there is little modification in length among Dutch men. In particular, over 40% of Dutch males have a size that is less than 5 cm shorter than the median.
In The Netherlands, males’ height varies depending on where they live. The tallest Dutch man, for instance, is currently living in the north of the country. Males, on the flip side, in the South of the Netherlands are approximately 1.2 inches or approx. 3 cm shorter than males living in the North of the nation.
Correspondingly, the tallest Dutch female is currently in the north of the Netherlands. In addition, females who live in the South of the Netherlands are approx. 1.2 inches or about 3 cm shorter than those who live in the North Netherlands. The cause of the difference, as lots of you might all see now, is currently unclear.
So, now we know what the average height in the Netherlands is, let’s see if the Dutch are truly the tallest individuals on the planet.
The tallest generation was born all over 1980
Dutch males who were born in 1930, accordingly, stood 175.6 cm (approx. 5 feet 9,1 inches) tall on the median, while those who were born in 1980 stood 183.9 cm (approx. 6 feet 0,4 inch), which was 8.3 cm taller than those in previous years.
Similarly, Dutch females have increased massively taller. In particular, Dutch ladies who were born in 1930 went up to an average size of 165.4 cm (approx. 5 feet 5.1 inches). On the other hand, Dutch women who were born in 1980 rose 170.7 cm (approx. 5 feet 7.2 inches), nearly 5.3 cm taller.
Size development, as you can see, has ceased from generation to generation brought into the world after the early 1980s. Specifically, males born in 2001 stood 1 cm shorter than their 1980s counterparts, while females stood 1.4 cm shorter.
If you’re interested in knowing the height of some of the tallest women celebrities, check out this list of tallest women celebrities by height. While many factors may contribute to their height, genetics undoubtedly plays a big part in determining their tall stature.
21% of Dutch males taller than 190 cm
In fact, tall males in the Netherlands remained uncommon in the early 1950s. Between 1930 and 1934, only about 3% of the Dutch population was taller than 190 cm. In particular, more than one in every five young guys in 2020 stood at 190 cm (approx. 6 feet 2.8 inches) at the very least, and 7% stood at 195 cm (approx. 6 feet 4.7 inches) at the very least.
In the 1950s, a Dutch male’s size of less than 175 cm was somewhat common. Particularly, 42% of young males stood shorter than 175 cm (approx. 5 feet 8.9 inches). In today’s generation, this size has become less popular: 13% of young guys stand shorter than 175 cm.
For Dutch ladies, the picture is comparable as well. In particular, a female who stood 180 cm (approx. 5 feet 10.8 inches) remained uncommon around 1950. However, this height was achieved by less than 2% of the female Dutch generation born in the 1930s.
Tall ladies are becoming more common these days. Almost one out of every ten girls born around 1980 stands around 180 cm at the very least. However, this figure is slightly decreasing among the younger generation.
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So, Are The Dutch The Tallest People On The Planet?
In addition, the 2016 and 2020 research findings also contrasted the medium size of the Netherlands to the typical height of other nations.
In both global studies (in 2016 and 2018), Dutch males were found to be the tallest. Dutch ladies, on the flip side, were ranked second in the 2016 report but first in the 2020 research. Therefore, the average height of both females and males in the Netherlands has declined a little bit since 2000. Even so, the Dutch continue to be the tallest individuals on the planet.
The Body Mass Index (widely known as BMI) of Dutch ladies and guys was average. This, in reality, might indicate that they had normal length development.
After examining the medium sizes in The Netherlands, you might be wondering what is regarded as tall in the Netherlands. Well, the size of the tallest 2% of a nation’s female and male populations is frequently used to describe tallness.
What Does Tall Mean in the Netherlands?
The smallest sizes of The Netherlands’ tallest 2% of female and male citizens are displayed in the chart down below.
| Part of population | Men height in the Netherlands | Women height in the Netherlands |
| Tallest 2% | Over 6 feet 6 inches (approx. 198 cm) | Over 6 feet 0.5 inches (approx. 184 cm) |
The tallest 2% of Dutch guys typically stand taller than 6 feet 6 inches or approx. 198 cm. On the flip side, the tallest 2% of Dutch ladies stand taller than 6 feet 0.5 inches or approx. 184 cm.
After we’ve looked at the biggies, now let’s take a look at what the Dutch think to be small.
In the Netherlands, What Is Regarded As Small?
Now, let’s look at the heights of the smallest 2% of Dutch citizens and include them in the chart down below:
| Part of population | Men height in the Netherlands | Women height in the Netherlands |
| Smallest 2% | Under 5 feet 7 inches (approx. 170 cm) | Under 5 feet 2 inches (approx. 158 cm) |
The Netherlands’ smallest 2% of guys, accordingly, stand shorter than 5 feet 7 inches or approx. 170 cm. On the other hand, the smallest 2% of Dutch ladies stand shorter than 5 feet 2 inches or approx. 158 cm.
Now that we’ve described the median, tallest, and shortest heights in the Netherlands, let’s dig deeper into the Dutch population’s development.
If you’re concerned about being too short in the Netherlands, keep in mind that the average height for men is around 5’11” while the average height for women is about 5’7″. However, if you’re still worried about being considered small, check out this article on what height is considered short for a man and woman to get a better idea of how you measure up.
When Did the Dutch Get So Big?
The average size of the Dutch, accordingly, has increased dramatically over the last couple of centuries.
According to the 2016 survey, Dutch males were considered the tallest on the planet in 2014 while placing 12th in 1914. Guys in the Netherlands, accordingly, have expanded approximately 7.9 inches (or approx. 20 cm) on the median this century.
The average height for guys in the US, on the other hand, increased by just 6 cm during this time frame. Development disparities are also noticed between the Netherlands as well as other European nations. Male development in other Western nations has slowed, whereas male development in the Netherlands has kept going.
| Nation | 1914 ranking | 2014 ranking |
| The Netherlands | 12 | 1 |
| Belgium | 33 | 2 |
| Estonia | 4 | 3 |
| United Kingdom | 8 | 32 |
| The United States | 7 | 37 |
| China | 130 | 93 |
| Japan | 187 | 102 |
The most substantial period of time of Dutch development occurred from 1950 to 2000. After 2000, the rise in height evened out. The Dutch, having said that, appear to be approaching a few natural height constraints.
In the Netherlands, the moderate increase in female altitudes is even more striking than the rise in male heights. Dutch ladies, accordingly, were regarded as the globe’s second tallest in 2014, after listing 38 a century ago.
Throughout this period, Dutch ladies have risen up to 7.9 inches or approx. 20 cm taller on the median. Females in the Netherlands, just like Dutch men, kept growing, while the average size in other Western nations leveled off previously.
| Nation | 1914 ranking | 2014 ranking |
| Latvia | 28 | 1 |
| The Netherlands | 38 | 2 |
| Estonia | 16 | 3 |
| United Kingdom | 57 | 38 |
| United States | 4 | 42 |
| China | 134 | 87 |
| Japan | 195 | 112 |
Why Are Dutch People So Tall?
Researchers have determined three interrelated elements to clarify why Dutch females and males are so tall.
In fact, Dutch people are towering because of a mixture of favorable living conditions, good medical care, and natural processes. The Dutch, as you might know, were able to purchase high-quality nutrients because their high standard of living and excellent health care precluded numerous childhood illnesses. In addition, tall Dutch females and males have more kids, raising average altitudes in the Netherlands further and further.
So now, let us look more closely at the three major aspects that fueled the Dutch’s tremendous growth.
If you’re interested in the genetic factors responsible for the tall Dutch population, check out this article about average height in Iceland too. While the causes may not be the same, it’s still fascinating to see how height can vary among different populations.
High standard of living
Throughout the last 200 years, all classes of society in the Netherlands have already seen their living standards rise exponentially. In particular, a previous Dutch development burst in the middle of the nineteenth century is intimately associated with The Netherlands’ burgeoning democratic republic. As a consequence, the income disparity in the Netherlands has shrunk considerably from that time.
The Netherlands was, in fact, already wealthy, but its wealth was concentrated at the top of a tiny upper crust. Riches started to classify through all thresholds of Dutch society as equality, and social movement improved. This, as a consequence, noticeably enhances the expectations for everyday comforts. Besides, this procedure even began in the middle of the nineteenth century. It acted as a driver for everyone’s well-being and wellness in the Netherlands at any and all stages of society.
Furthermore, the revelation and discovery of massive natural gas deposits in the Netherlands in 1960 produced tens of billions of Euros per year. This, as a consequence, allowed the country to construct a benefits system. What’s more, the formation of this social safety net significantly increased the overall level of wealth.
Dutch parents, for instance, get € 1000-1200 per kid per year to help them provide nutritional benefits for their kids. A family of three kids gets up to € 3000-4000 to spend on premium-quality food.
The rise in the standard of living during the last century enabled the Dutch to pay for better nourishment. Therefore, their well-nourished kids started growing significantly faster. Even so, since 2000, shifting food patterns of fewer nutrients while consuming more calories in the Netherlands have resulted in a decrease in Dutch median heights.
Dutch growth, even so, has frequently been chalked up to their usage of dairy products. It is also true that unprocessed meats from dairy products are beneficial to kids’ development and growth.
The intake of milk, even so, cannot be the only clarification for the rise in Dutch tallness. Long before Dutch folks began to grow so much, as you might not know, they ate a lot of milk and dairy products. As a result, other factors must have made a significant contribution to the Dutch development burst in the past century.
A Superb Healthcare System
The yearly salary from natural oil and gas drilling, in addition to the high standard of living, was also utilized to construct an outstanding worldwide system of healthcare in the Netherlands.
Another possible explanation for the Dutch being so tall is that the Dutch system of healthcare inhibits numerous childhood illnesses that stunt a child’s well-being. Furthermore, Dutch infants are heavily watched and treated as soon as any illness appears.
Newborns develop much more quickly in the Netherlands since they obtain excellent medical care. In particular, immunizations against serious illnesses, such as polio, for instance, are completely free of charge, and a lot of these childhood illnesses have vanished in the Netherlands.
When living in a country with a top-tier healthcare system like the Netherlands, it’s important to prioritize your physical well-being. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to maintain your health, and high-quality equipment can make all the difference. Check out the aerobics and skating classes near Army Post for a great way to stay active and meet like-minded individuals who share your commitment to wellness.
Evolutionary Selection
In fact, the rise in Dutch height might not be attributed solely to higher standards of living and better health. Other Western countries have seen comparable enhancements in both living conditions and medical services, but their individuals have not developed as rapidly as the Dutch.
In other European countries, tallness increases peaked far earlier than in the Netherlands. As a result, other attributes must add value to adolescent development in the Netherlands.
Size is an inherent characteristic. Taller parents, accordingly, typically have taller kids than average parents. On the other hand, tall guys seem to be more common with females in the Netherlands than petite guys.
Both tall females and males have more kids in the Netherlands compared to other nations. This distinctive feature has resulted in an increase in the medium height of Dutch citizens.
So, are the Dutch population proud of their towering heights? We believe that people in the Netherlands can definitely be proud of their tallness as a sign of long-term well-being.
