The Smallest Person On Earth: Meet The Two Record Holders Under 2 Feet 2 Inches

As of December 2025, the title of "the smallest person on earth" is a distinction held by two extraordinary individuals, split into gender categories: the shortest living woman and the shortest living man. While the shortest living woman, Jyoti Amge, holds the overall record for being the shortest mobile person alive, the world's shortest living man, Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh, is only marginally taller. These record holders, both standing at just over two feet tall, have captured global attention, transforming their unique physical stature into platforms for advocacy and inspiration.

This article provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive look at the lives, achievements, and biological realities of the two people who officially hold the title of the world's shortest.

The Smallest Person on Earth (Overall): Jyoti Amge

The person who holds the record for the overall shortest living person (mobile) is Jyoti Amge from India. Her height of just 62.8 cm (2 ft 0.6 in) makes her one of the most recognizable faces in the world of record-breaking.

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• Full Name: Jyoti Kisanji Amge
• Date of Birth: December 16, 1993
• Height: 62.8 cm (2 ft 0.6 in)
• Nationality: Indian
• Place of Birth: Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
• Record Title: Shortest Living Woman (Mobile)
• Record Date: Certified on her 18th birthday, December 16, 2011
• Medical Condition: Achondroplasia
• Notable Career: Actress, featuring in the American horror anthology series American Horror Story: Freak Show.

Jyoti Amge: Life and Career After the Record

Jyoti Amge's journey began with a childhood marked by her unique size. She was first recognized by Guinness World Records as the "Shortest living teenager (female)" before claiming the adult title on her 18th birthday in 2011. Her condition, Achondroplasia, is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, which affects bone growth and is the reason her height is fixed.

Despite the challenges associated with her size, Jyoti has embraced her fame. She has become a cultural icon, using her platform to travel the world and meet other record holders. Notably, she has met the world's tallest living man, Sultan Kosen, and the world's tallest living woman, Rumeysa Gelgi, creating iconic images that highlight the extreme range of human height.

Her most significant professional achievement came when she was cast as Ma Petite in the 2014 season of American Horror Story. This role was a groundbreaking moment, showcasing her talent and proving that her size was not a limitation to a successful acting career. Her presence continues to inspire millions, demonstrating resilience and a powerful positive outlook on life.

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The World's Shortest Living Man: Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh

The title of the world's shortest living man is currently held by Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh, who is only slightly taller than Jyoti Amge, making him the world's second shortest mobile person overall.

• Full Name: Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh
• Date of Birth: July 13, 2002
• Height: 65.24 cm (2 ft 1.6 in)
• Nationality: Iranian
• Place of Birth: Bukan County, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran
• Record Title: Shortest Living Man (Mobile)
• Record Date: Certified in December 2022
• Medical Condition: A form of primordial dwarfism (unspecified)
• Current Status: Internet personality and advocate.

Afshin Ghaderzadeh: The Newest Record Holder

Afshin Ghaderzadeh was officially recognized as the world's shortest living man in late 2022, replacing the previous record holder. Hailing from a remote village in Iran, Afshin's life was challenging from the start. His small size meant he was unable to attend school, and his strength limitations made finding work difficult.

His recognition by Guinness World Records in Dubai was a life-changing event. His newfound fame has provided him with opportunities, including a significant social media presence as an Internet personality. The media attention has brought much-needed support to his family and has allowed him to experience the world outside his village. Although the specific type of dwarfism is not as widely publicized as Jyoti's Achondroplasia, his condition is a severe form of growth restriction, often categorized under the umbrella of primordial dwarfism.

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Afshin's story is one of overcoming isolation. He has expressed his desire to use his fame to help his parents and to raise awareness about the difficulties faced by people with extreme short stature, focusing on the need for better accessibility and inclusion.

The Science and Life Challenges of Extreme Short Stature

The extraordinary heights of Jyoti Amge and Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh are due to rare and complex medical conditions that fall under the category of dwarfism or skeletal dysplasia. Understanding the science behind their size is crucial for appreciating their life journeys and the challenges they face.

Achondroplasia vs. Primordial Dwarfism

The most common form of dwarfism is Achondroplasia, which is the condition affecting Jyoti Amge. This is a genetic disorder that results in disproportionately short arms and legs, while the torso is usually of average length. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene.

In contrast, Afshin Ghaderzadeh’s condition, which is characterized by his extremely small size, is likely a rarer form of primordial dwarfism. Conditions like Microcephalic Osteodysplastic Primordial Dwarfism Type II (MOPD II) are among the most severe and rare types of dwarfism, resulting in proportionate but extremely small stature and often leading to various health complications.

The Daily Life and Social Entities

Life for the world's smallest people involves significant daily hurdles. Simple tasks that the average person takes for granted—like opening a door, reaching a light switch, or even sitting comfortably in a standard chair—become major operations. Their world is not built for them, necessitating custom-made clothing, furniture, and tools.

However, both Jyoti and Afshin have channeled their unique circumstances into positive topical authority and advocacy. They serve as powerful entities in the global conversation about diversity, disability, and resilience. Their public profiles, maintained through their work with Guinness World Records, have helped to normalize short stature and challenge societal perceptions. Their stories, and the LSI keywords associated with them (life challenges, acting career, internet personality), highlight a life lived on a grand scale, despite their small size.

The meeting of the shortest and tallest people, such as the famous encounters between Jyoti Amge and Sultan Kosen, are not just photo opportunities; they symbolize the vast and inspiring spectrum of human existence. These individuals, through their sheer presence and positive attitude, continue to redefine what it means to live a big life.