Timor-Leste ranks as the shortest country in the world by average height

A recent ranking shows Timor-Leste has the shortest average height in the world, with men averaging 5 feet 3 inches and women 4 feet 11.5 inches. Many of the shortest countries are located in Asia and Africa. The data highlights that genetics, nutrition, and socioeconomic factors significantly influence height. Countries with high food insecurity, like Madagascar and Rwanda, often have shorter populations. Additionally, exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy can affect height. The study also notes that high smoking rates do not correlate with shorter average heights in some regions, such as the Balkans.