Height is an important physical characteristic that can provide insights into the health and genetics of a population. Here we will explore the average height of French people and how it has changed over time. Understanding the height of a population can reveal trends in nutrition, healthcare, and standard of living.
What is the average height of French men?
According to data from national health surveys, the average height for French men is around 175.6 cm or 5 feet 9 inches. This is based on height measurements of adult men over the age of 18 between the years 2008 and 2019.
Height distribution for French men
| Height Range (cm) | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Under 162 cm | 5% |
| 162-167 cm | 15% |
| 168-173 cm | 30% |
| 174-179 cm | 35% |
| Over 180 cm | 15% |
As the table shows, the majority of French men (around 35%) fall in the 174-179 cm range. Only 5% are under 162 cm, while 15% are over 180 cm tall.
How does this compare to other countries?
The average height for French men is taller than many countries in Asia and Latin America, where average male height remains below 170 cm in nations like Indonesia and Guatemala. However, French men are shorter on average compared to countries in Europe with the tallest populaces. For example, the average male height is around 180 cm in the Netherlands and 182 cm in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Average male height by country
| Country | Avg. Male Height |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | 180.8 cm |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 182.0 cm |
| France | 175.6 cm |
| Japan | 171.2 cm |
| Guatemala | 159.9 cm |
As the data shows, French men are taller than populations with nutritional deficiencies but shorter than Europe’s tallest nations. Genetics, diet, and childhood healthcare likely play roles in these differences.
How has French male height changed over time?
The average height of French men has increased significantly over the past century. In 1896, the average French soldier stood around 166 cm tall (5 ft 5 in). Improved childhood nutrition and healthcare during the 20th century allowed the average height to increase. By 1978, the average French man was 171 cm tall (5 ft 7 in). The average is now 175.6 cm, showing height continues to increase.
French male height over time
| Year | Average Height |
|---|---|
| 1896 | 166 cm |
| 1978 | 171 cm |
| 2008-2019 | 175.6 cm |
This steady growth over decades shows the positive impact of improved living standards. With childhood health and nutrition enabling people to reach their full genetic height potential.
What is the average height for French women?
French women have an average height of around 162.1 cm or 5 feet 4 inches. This is based on data collected from 2008 to 2019 for adult women over 18 years old. While men saw larger height gains during the 20th century, female height has also continued to increase but at a slower rate.
Height distribution for French women
| Height Range (cm) | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Under 150 cm | 2% |
| 150-155 cm | 10% |
| 156-160 cm | 25% |
| 161-165 cm | 35% |
| Over 166 cm | 28% |
The most common height range for French women is from 161-165 cm, encompassing over one-third of the female population. Only 2% of women fall below 150 cm while 28% are above 166 cm tall.
How do French women compare globally?
At an average 162.1 cm, French women are taller than populations in many Asian and Latin American nations. However, they are still shorter on average than women in the tallest European countries. For example, the average female height is around 167 cm in the Netherlands and 168 cm in Latvia.
Average female height by country
| Country | Avg. Female Height |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | 167.5 cm |
| Latvia | 168.7 cm |
| France | 162.1 cm |
| Philippines | 150.2 cm |
| Guatemala | 140.6 cm |
Genetic and environmental factors underlie these population differences. With wealthier Northern European nations seeing greater height compared to less developed regions.
Changes in French female height over time
As with males, the average height for French women has steadily increased over the past century as living conditions improved. In 1896, the average French woman was 158 cm tall (5 ft 2 in). By 1978, female height had reached 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) showing slow but steady growth.
French female height over time
| Year | Average Height |
|---|---|
| 1896 | 158 cm |
| 1978 | 160 cm |
| 2008-2019 | 162.1 cm |
These generational height gains highlight better health and nutrition enabling French girls to grow taller. But the pace of increase has been slower than in men.
Conclusion
In summary, the average height for French men today is around 175.6 cm (5 ft 9 in) while women average around 162.1 cm (5 ft 4 in). French people have experienced steady height gains over the past century, reflecting improved living standards. However, the French remain shorter on average than populations in some Northern European countries like the Netherlands. Height provides insights into the health and genetics of a nation over generations.