Which Countries Have the Thinnest People in the World?

The term ldquo;thinrdquo; when referring to a country typically indicates that its residents have a lower average Body Mass Index (BMI). A country with the thinnest people usually has citizens with BMI readings well below the global average. According to recent data, certain countries stand out in terms of their residents' low BMI averages.

The Thinnest Countries in the World

Going by the average BMI data from 2014, three countries consistently rank at the top of the list for their skinniest populations:

Eritrea

With an average BMI of 20.5, Eritrea holds the top spot. The Eritrea flag is a striking red triangle with a gold emblem, flanked by green and blue triangles on top and bottom. The colors used in the flag include blue, green, red, and yellow. The flag's proportion is 1:2 and was adopted in 1993.

Burundi

Following closely behind Eritrea is Burundi, with an average BMI of 20.9. This small, landlocked nation in East Africa has faced economic and social challenges, which might contribute to its low BMI averages.

Bhutan

Bhutan, another country that often appears on these lists, has an average BMI of 21.0. Known for its unique culture and commitment to Gross National Happiness (GNH), Bhutan's population has generally maintained a healthy lifestyle, contributing to its residents' lower BMI.

Geographical Cultural Factors

While the data points to specific nations, there are other considerations, such as geography and cultural factors, that play a role in explaining why certain countries have the thinnest people. For instance, geography can influence diets and lifestyles:

Chile

Chile, a long and narrow country that stretches over 4,270 km with an average width of 356 km at its broadest point near Antofagasta and 64 km at its narrowest, might have a thinner population due to its terrain. The physical nature of its landscape, demanding environments such as deserts and vast distances, can lead to lifestyle choices that favor a slimmer population.

North Korea

Interestingly, North Korea also ranks high in terms of its residents' low BMI. However, North Korea's claim as the world's thinnest country is based on a more controversial set of data. Despite facing challenges like famine and a socialist economic structure, its population's average BMI is reportedly 19.1 as of 2014. This ranking might be influenced by the country's unique social and economic systems, which may promote healthier habits and modest nutrition.

Other Considerations

It's important to note that while BMI can be a useful metric, it doesn't always capture the full picture of a country's health or lifestyle. Other factors such as nutritional practices, physical activity levels, and cultural attitudes toward body image can also play significant roles.

Conclusion

Based on 2014 data, several countries, including Eritrea, Burundi, and Bhutan, have the thinnest populations, with low BMI averages. Other factors such as geography and cultural practices contribute to these rankings. Countries like Chile and North Korea also show interesting patterns, highlighting the complexities of global health and nutrition issues.