We all face challenges in our daily lives, but imagine having to struggle through everything from the moment you’re born. That’s the reality for the shortest person in the world on today’s list.
Today is all about people who were born so small that it altered the trajectory of their lives forever. While some survived and pursued their dreams regardless, others weren’t that lucky.
However, they all have something in common, and that’s using their voices to speak for people just like them. From the little girl who lived way longer than expected to another that stopped growing at two years old, here are 10 of the smallest people in the world you won’t believe exist.
Who is the shortest person in the world?
Chandra Bahadur Dangi, from Nepal, was officially recognized as the shortest person adult ever documented, with a height of 21.51 inches (54.64 cm). His height was confirmed by Guinness World Records in 2012. Chandra’s remarkable stature brought him international fame, and he was celebrated for his unique place in history until his passing in 2015.
Prior to Chandra, Gul Mohammed from India held the title of the shortest person in the world, with a verified height of 22 inches (57 cm). His height was confirmed by Guinness World Records in 1992. Gul Mohammed remained the shortest man ever verified until 2012.
Who is the shortest woman alive?
As of August 2024, Jyoti Amge from India is the shortest woman alive and holds the title of shortest living woman according to the Guinness Book of World Records, which measures 62.8 cm (24.7 in) in height.
The 10 Shortest Men in the World Who Ever Lived!
10: He Ping Ping
- Country: China
- Height: 2 feet, 5.37 inches
- Weight: Not specified
- Age at Death: 21 years
- Known For: Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s smallest man in 2008
He Ping Ping was born in China in 1988, and he was diagnosed with a form of primordial dwarfism, which is a rare genetic condition that affects the growth of the bones. He grew to a height of just two feet, 5.37 inches, making him one of the smallest people in the world.
In 2008, He Ping Ping was officially recognized by the Guinness World Book of Records as the world’s smallest man. He was just 20 years old at the time, and like anyone else, he was thrilled to receive the title.
He even got to travel to different countries to promote his record and raise awareness about dwarfism. Sadly, He Ping Ping passed away in 2010 at the age of 21 from chest pains.
9: Kagendra Thapa Magar
- Country: Nepal
- Height: 2 feet, 2.4 inches
- Weight: Not specified
- Age at Death: 27 years
- Known For: Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s shortest teenager in 2010
Kagendra Thapa Magar was born in Nepal in 1992, and he was also diagnosed with dwarfism called primordial dwarfism. He grew to a height of just two feet, 2.4 inches, which made him one of the smallest people in the world.
In 2010, Kagendra was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s shortest teenager. He was just 18 years old at the time. Sadly, Kagendra passed away in 2020 at the age of 27.
Despite his short life, he made a big impact on the world. He inspired people around the globe with his positive attitude and determination, and he helped to break down stereotypes about people with dwarfism.
8: Charlotte Garside
- Country: United Kingdom
- Height: 2 feet, 5 inches
- Weight: Not specified
- Age at Death: Not applicable (still living)
- Known For: Happy and active child with a big personality
Charlotte Garside was born in the UK in 2007, and she was diagnosed with primordial dwarfism as well. She grew to a height of just two feet, five inches, and despite her small size, she’s a happy and active child who loves to play and learn.
She has a big personality and a contagious smile. Even though she’s often faced with challenges such as finding clothes and shoes that fit her properly, she’s also faced with the risks of medical complications due to her small nature.
Her parents, Scott and Emma, have been advocates for their daughter and people with dwarfism. They’ve helped to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with this condition.
7: Bridget Jordan
- Country: United States
- Height: 2 feet 3 inches
- Weight: Not specified
- Age at Death: Not specified
- Known For: Holds two Guinness World Records, including one with her brother as the smallest siblings
Bridget Jordan was born in the U.S. in 1989, and she was diagnosed with a type of dwarfism called microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type 2 (MOPD2). She grew to a height of just two feet, three inches, making her one of the smallest living people in the world.
She holds two Guinness World Records: one as one of the smallest people in the world, and the second she holds with her brother as the smallest siblings to ever exist. Unfortunately, she lost her brother. Despite all this, Bridget had a big personality and a positive outlook on life.
She was an advocate for people with dwarfism and used her platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with this condition before she passed away two years after her brother’s demise.
6: Elif Kokoman
- Country: Taiwan
- Height: 2 feet 2.6 inches
- Weight: Not specified
- Age at Death: Not applicable (still living)
- Known For: advocating for people with disabilities
Elif Kokoman was born in Turkey in 1993, and she was diagnosed with primordial dwarfism. She grew to a height of two feet, six inches. She’s one of the smallest people in the world and has been very resilient, as people like her are often faced with harsh and unfair treatment and social stigma.
She, however, used this peculiarity in a positive light. Her classmates used to tease her a lot because of her stature. However, she’s remained strong and determined, and she’s become an inspiration to many people around the world. She held the world’s record for being the smallest woman in the world in 2010 before Bridget Jordan took over.
It was at the Guinness World Record conference that she met the tallest man at the time, Sultan Kosen. Her parents hoped that she would grow taller; however, when she clocked 10 years of age, they knew that it was a permanent condition. Her mother said that she had no complications when she was pregnant with Elif.
5: Edward Nino Hernandez
- Country: Colombia
- Height: 2 feet, 4 inches
- Weight: Not specified
- Age at Death: Not applicable (still living)
- Known For: Former Guinness World Record holder
Edward Nino Hernandez was born in Colombia, and he was diagnosed with primordial dwarfism at birth. He grew to a height of just two feet, four inches. The former Guinness World Record holder was just 15 inches long when he was born in 1986 and has not grown since he was two years old.
As a result, he has stubby fingers, which make it very challenging for him to write. In addition to this, he also has cataracts, which affect his vision. He had to retake many years of school before quitting at the age of 13.
Despite all of this, Edward Nino Hernandez has a big personality and an optimistic perception of life. It was revealed in an interview in 2019 that he has an 18-year-old girlfriend and performs dances on the side.
4: Lin Yu Chi
- Country: United States
- Height: 2 feet 2.6 inches
- Weight: Not specified
- Age at Death: Not specified
- Known For: Holds two Guinness World Records, including one with her brother as the smallest siblings
Lin Yu Chi was born in Taiwan in 1972, and he was diagnosed with dwarfism called achondroplasia. He grew to a height of just 2 feet 2.6 inches, making him one of the smallest living people in the world. He wasn’t aware that he had the illness until he was in his twenties when he attended a conference.
Since then, Lin Yu Chi has been an advocate for people with disabilities. He has raised awareness about accessibility and inclusion of small people like himself, and he’s worked within his community to make it a more inclusive and welcoming place for people with disabilities.
3: Lucia Zarate
- Country: Mexico
- Height: 21.5 inches
- Weight: Not specified
- Age at Death: 26 years
- Known For: Talented performer and one of the smallest people in history
Lucia Zarate was born in Mexico in 1864, and she was diagnosed with a form of dwarfism called microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type 2. She grew to a height of just 21.5 inches, making the list as one of the smallest people in history. Lucia had a remarkable life.
She was a talented performer and toured with various circuses and sideshows throughout the United States and Europe. Lucia Zarate’s small size made her a popular attraction, and she was often billed as the world’s smallest woman.
However, she was also a talented singer and dancer, and she was known for her beautiful voice and graceful movements. Unfortunately, Lucia Zarate’s life was not always easy. She faced many challenges due to her size, including health problems and social stigma.
However, she remained strong and determined, and she continued to perform and entertain audiences until she died in 1890 at the age of 26.
Shortest Person in the World
2. Jyoti Amge ( Smallest Woman in the World )
- Country: India
- Height: 2 feet, 0.6 inches
- Age at Death: Not applicable (still living)
- Known For: being the smallest living woman in the world, according to Guinness World Records
Jyoti Amge was born in Nagpur, India, in 1993, and she was diagnosed with a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia. She currently stands at just 2 feet, 0.6 inches tall, making her the smallest living woman in the world, according to Guinness World Records.
Due to her weak bones, she requires ongoing care from her family and friends. However, she has a big personality and a strong will. She performed in the Bollywood film “Pan Supari” in 2012 and aspires to work as an actress in Hollywood.
She recently started classes at the Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University. As a result, she’s become a role model for many people, and she has shown that size is not a barrier to success.
Jyoti Amge, just like other people with this disability, is an advocate for people with disabilities. She has worked to raise awareness about accessibility and inclusion.
1. Chandra Bahadur Dangi ( The shortest person in the world )
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- Country: Nepal
- Height: 1 foot, 9.5 inches
- Weight: Not specified
- Age at Death: 75 years
- Known For: Shortest adult human ever recorded
Chandra Bahadur Dangi was born in Nepal in 1939, and he was diagnosed with a condition of dwarfism known as primordial dwarfism. He grew to a height of just 1 foot, 9.5 inches, which is the smallest person in the world.
His condition caused his stature to remain abnormally short, but unlike other types of dwarfism, the consequences did not affect the proportion of his limbs and organs to the rest of his body. In 2012, Chandra was discovered by a team of researchers who were traveling through his remote village in Nepal.
They measured him and confirmed that he was the shortest adult human ever recorded. Chandra was 72 years old at the time. He lived an inspiring life and passed away in 2015 at the age of 75, so he achieved the Guinness World Record for the World Record for the world’s smallest person.
List of the Verified shortest person in the world 2024
Sure! Here’s a detailed table of some of the verified shortest people in the world:
Name | Height | Nationality | Lifespan | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chandra Bahadur Dangi | 54.6 cm (21.5 in) | Nepal | 1939–2015 | The shortest human adult ever documented and verified. |
Gul Mohammed | 57.0 cm (22.4 in) | India | 1957–1997 | The shortest man ever verified up to 2012. |
Junrey Balawing | 59.9 cm (23.6 in) | Philippines | 1993–2020 | Former shortest living man in the world. |
István Tóth | 65 cm (26 in) | Hungary | 1963–2011 | Shortest man claimant, verification by Guinness World Records is needed. |
Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh | 65.24 cm (25.69 in) | Iran | 2002– | The world’s shortest man living (mobile) as of December 2022. |
Khagendra Thapa Magar | 67 cm (26 in) | Nepal | 1992–2020 | He was the shortest man in the world until 2011. |
Lin Yü-chih | 67.5 cm (26.6 in) | Taiwan | 1972– | The world’s shortest non-mobile man lives. |
Edward Niño Hernández | 70.21 cm (27.64 in) | Colombia | 1986– | He was named the shortest man after Pingping’s death in 2010. |
Dor Bahadur Khapangi | 73.43 cm (28.91 in) | Nepal | 2004– | Confirmed as the shortest-living teenager (Male) by Guinness World Records. |
He Pingping | 74 cm (29 in) | China | 1988–2010 | Officially verified as the shortest living man (mobile) until his death in 2010. |
Pauline Musters | 61 cm (24 in) | Netherlands | 1876–1895 | Recognized by Guinness World Records as the shortest woman ever recorded.. |
I hope you find this information interesting! If you have any other questions or need more details, feel free to ask.
I hope this helps! Let me know if there’s anything else you need.
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FAQ’s the smallest person in the world
What is the smallest human?
The smallest human ever recorded was Chandra Bahadur Dangi from Nepal, who measured 54.6 cm (21.5 in) in height.
Who is the smallest person in the world right now?
As of the latest records, the smallest person in the world is Jyoti Amge from India, who measures 62.8 cm (24.7 in) in height.
Who is the smallest adult alive?
The smallest adult alive is also Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh, from Iran.
Who is the shortest woman alive?
The shortest woman alive is Jyoti Amge from India, who measures 62.8 cm (24.7 in) in height.