Portugal used to have the shortest population of Europe, on average, but not anymore. I believe the average height increased over 3 inches (9cm) during last century, and from those, 2 inches during the last 30-40 years.
The main causes are certainly better pre and post natal care, and general wealth of the population, and correspondent changes in food habits, namely the inclusion of calcium rich dairy products in children diet.
You may find it hard to believe but it would be common in poor rural areas some 40 years ago to feed children with a soup made of bread soaked in wine. That didn't produce tall, handsome, smart adults, for sure...