Thematic Map > Children under the age of 5 years underweight - World

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Definition: This entry gives the percent of children under five considered to be underweight. Underweight means weight-for-age is approximately 2 kg below for standard at age one, 3 kg below standard for ages two and three, and 4 kg below standard for ages four and five. This statistic is an indicator of the nutritional status of a community. Children who suffer from growth retardation as a result of poor diets and/or recurrent infections tend to have a greater risk of suffering illness and death.

Source: CIA World Factbook - Unless otherwise noted, information in this page is accurate as of January 1, 2012

See also: Children under the age of 5 years underweight bar chart