The Evolution of Adult Height Across Spanish Regions 1950-1980: A New Source of Data

This paper presents new evidence on the evolution of adult height across Spanish regions for cohorts born between 1950 and 1980 using the available augmented sample of the European Community Household Panel (ECHP) for Spain. This augmented sample is available only for the year 2000, and collects self-reported height data representative at the Spanish region level (Comunidad Autónoma). Our main findings show that female average height experienced an increase of 4 cm between 1950 and 1980, while male average height increased by 5 cm. We also make available a new dataset of quinquennial mean heights across Spanish regions, in a conventionally accessible form, which allows researchers to study the determinants of population heights by means of a within-country analysis.