The Ultimate List: Who Is The Smallest Person Ever? (Historical And Current Records)

The question of "who is the smallest person ever" is more complex than a single name, involving separate categories for men, women, historical figures, and current living record holders. As of December 15, 2025, the title of the shortest person in recorded history belongs to a man from Nepal, while the shortest living titles are held by an Iranian man and an Indian woman, each with incredible stories of resilience and global recognition. This article provides the most updated facts and figures on the individuals who hold these extraordinary Guinness World Records. The official records are meticulously maintained by Guinness World Records (GWR), distinguishing between the "shortest person ever" (the historical record) and the "shortest living person" (the current title holder). These records are often separated by gender to acknowledge the distinct achievements of both men and women.

The Shortest Man Ever Recorded (Historical Record)

The undisputed title of the shortest man in history belongs to Chandra Bahadur Dangi, a man who lived his entire life in a remote village in Nepal. His story captivated the world when he was discovered and officially measured in 2012.

Chandra Bahadur Dangi: Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Chandra Bahadur Dangi
• Nationality: Nepali
• Birth Date: November 30, 1939
• Birth Place: Reemkholi village, Dang district, Nepal
• Height: 54.6 cm (21.5 in or 1 ft 9.5 in)
• Weight: Approximately 14.5 kg (32 lb)
• Occupation: Farmer and craftsman (made traditional Nepali head straps and mats)
• Date of Death: September 3, 2015
• Age at Death: 75
• Cause of Death: Pneumonia (while traveling for work in the US territory of American Samoa)
• Record Held: Shortest man ever and shortest person in history (verified in 2012)

A Life of Isolation and Sudden Fame

Chandra Bahadur Dangi was born in 1939 and lived a life of relative obscurity in his small, agricultural Nepalese village. He had five brothers and two sisters, all of whom were of average height. His condition was never formally diagnosed during his life, but his extreme shortness was a lifelong reality. He was discovered by a timber contractor who read about a local man of small stature in a newspaper. This led to his official measurement by a Guinness World Records representative in 2012. At 72 years old, Dangi was verified at just 54.6 cm (21.5 inches) tall, officially breaking the record previously held by Gul Mohammed of India. His sudden fame brought him the opportunity to travel the world, something he had never done before.

Meeting the Tallest Man

One of the most iconic moments of his life was meeting the world's tallest man, Sultan Kösen of Turkey, in London in 2014 for Guinness World Records Day. The stark contrast between Dangi's 54.6 cm and Kösen's 251 cm (8 ft 2.8 in) highlighted the incredible range of human variation.

The Shortest Living People: Current Record Holders (2025)

While Chandra Bahadur Dangi holds the historical record, the titles for the shortest living man and woman are currently held by two individuals whose heights are still being tracked by GWR.

1. Afshin Ghaderzadeh: The World's Shortest Living Man

The current title holder for the shortest living man is Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh, a young man from Iran. His verification replaced the previous record holder, Edward Niño Hernández of Colombia.

Afshin Ghaderzadeh: Profile

• Full Name: Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh
• Nationality: Iranian
• Birth Date: July 13, 2002 (Age 23 as of 2025)
• Birth Place: Bukan, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran
• Height: 65.24 cm (2 ft 1.6 in)
• Weight: Approximately 6.5 kg (14.3 lb)
• Record Held: Shortest living man (verified in 2022)

Afshin’s height of 65.24 cm was officially measured in Dubai in December 2022. He was born with a form of primordial dwarfism, a rare growth disorder. His life has been challenging, as his small size prevents him from attending school or working in his family's construction business. However, his Guinness World Records title has brought him global attention, allowing him to pursue his dream of helping his family and living a more normal life. He has also been recognized for having the world's smallest hands among men.

2. Jyoti Amge: The World's Shortest Living Woman

The shortest living woman is a globally recognized figure who has successfully transitioned her fame into a career in acting and television.

Jyoti Amge: Profile

• Full Name: Jyoti Kishanji Amge
• Nationality: Indian
• Birth Date: December 16, 1993 (Age 31 as of 2025)
• Birth Place: Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
• Height: 62.8 cm (2 ft 0.7 in)
• Weight: Approximately 5 kg (11 lb)
• Condition: Achondroplasia (a form of dwarfism)
• Record Held: Shortest living woman (verified on her 18th birthday in 2011)

Jyoti Amge was declared the shortest living woman on her 18th birthday in 2011. Her condition is a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, which has prevented her from growing past her current height. Despite her small stature, Jyoti has embraced her fame. She has appeared in various television shows and documentaries, most notably in the American horror anthology series *American Horror Story: Freak Show*, where she played the role of Ma Petite. Her current life involves acting, media appearances, and advocating for people with dwarfism.

The Shortest Woman Ever Recorded (Historical Record)

The historical record for the shortest woman is held by a Dutch woman from the 19th century, whose height was even shorter than the current living record holder, Jyoti Amge.

Pauline Musters: Princess Pauline

Pauline Musters, known professionally as "Princess Pauline," holds the record for the shortest woman ever recorded.

Pauline Musters: Profile

• Full Name: Pauline Musters
• Nationality: Dutch
• Birth Date: February 26, 1876
• Birth Place: Ossendrecht, Netherlands
• Height: 61 cm (24 in or 2 ft 0 in)
• Date of Death: March 1, 1895
• Age at Death: 19
• Record Held: Shortest woman ever recorded

Pauline Musters was a traveling performer who toured Europe and the United States in the late 19th century. At birth, she reportedly measured only 30 cm (12 in). She reached her final, verified height of 61 cm (24 inches) as an adult. She died young in New York City from a combination of pneumonia and meningitis, leaving behind a legacy as a global sensation and the shortest female in history.

The Science Behind Extreme Short Stature

The extraordinary heights of these record holders are typically due to rare genetic or medical conditions that affect bone growth and development.

Key Medical Entities

• Primordial Dwarfism: This is a group of rare disorders characterized by a proportionate lack of growth that begins in the womb. Chandra Bahadur Dangi and Afshin Ghaderzadeh are believed to have had or have a form of this condition.
• Achondroplasia: The most common form of dwarfism, caused by a gene mutation that affects bone growth, particularly in the limbs. Jyoti Amge has this condition.
• Hypopituitarism: A condition involving the pituitary gland, which produces growth hormone. This can lead to a lack of growth hormone and proportional dwarfism.

The stories of Chandra Bahadur Dangi, Jyoti Amge, Afshin Ghaderzadeh, and Pauline Musters are not just about measurements; they are powerful narratives of individuals who have navigated a world not built for them. Their recognition by Guinness World Records has turned their unique physical stature into a platform for global awareness, respect, and celebration of human diversity.