The Tiniest Titans: Who Is The Shortest Person In The World Right Now? (Updated 2025)

As of December 13, 2025, the official Guinness World Record title for the shortest man living is held by Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh from Iran, measuring a diminutive 65.24 cm (2 ft 1.6 in). The record for the shortest woman living belongs to Jyoti Amge from India, who stands at 62.8 cm (24.7 in). These two individuals represent the pinnacle of human variation, captivating the world with their extraordinary stature and inspiring stories of resilience and ambition. This article provides the most current and detailed information on the living record holders, their recent activities, and delves into the incredible history of the shortest people ever verified, exploring the medical conditions that define these remarkable lives and the legacy they are building in the modern world.

The Shortest People Living Today: A Detailed Biography

The current record holders are not just defined by their height; they are global personalities, actors, and motivational figures who have embraced their unique stature to inspire millions.

Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh: Shortest Man Living

Afshin Ghaderzadeh, a young man from a remote village in Iran, became the world’s shortest living man on December 13, 2022, when his height was officially measured in Dubai, UAE.

• Full Name: Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh
• Country of Birth: Iran (West Azerbaijan Province)
• Date of Birth: July 13, 2002
• Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 23 years old
• Official Height: 65.24 cm (2 ft 1.6 in)
• Medical Condition: A form of Primordial Dwarfism, a rare genetic disorder that significantly restricts growth.
• Key Facts: He was born weighing only 700 grams (1.5 lb). Due to his size, he was unable to attend school but is fluent in both Kurdish and Persian.
• Recent Life Updates (2024/2025): Since gaining the record, Afshin has enjoyed visiting several new countries, a stark change from his previously isolated life. He enjoys watching cartoons, particularly Tom & Jerry, dancing, and is a passionate supporter of his favorite football team.

Jyoti Amge: Shortest Woman Living

Jyoti Amge has held the Guinness World Record for the shortest living woman since her 18th birthday in 2011. Her vibrant personality and successful career as an actress have made her a global icon.

• Full Name: Jyoti Kishanji Amge
• Country of Birth: India (Nagpur, Maharashtra)
• Date of Birth: December 16, 1993
• Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 32 years old
• Official Height: 62.8 cm (24.7 in or 2 ft 0.7 in)
• Medical Condition: Achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, which limited her growth.
• Key Facts: Her clothes, jewelry, and even plates are custom-made to fit her tiny stature. She has a strong presence on social media.
• Recent Life Updates (2024/2025): In a significant public appearance in April 2024, Jyoti Amge cast her vote in the Lok Sabha Elections in Nagpur, India, using her platform to encourage civic duty. She has also made recent appearances in the US, including hosting meet-and-greets at Ripley's Believe It or Not Christmas Park in Miami. Most notably, she met the world's tallest woman, Rumeysa Gelgi, for afternoon tea in a historic meeting celebrated by Guinness World Records.

The Science Behind the Stature: Dwarfism and Genetics

The record holders' extraordinary heights are the result of specific medical conditions, primarily different forms of dwarfism. Understanding these conditions is key to appreciating the complex biological factors involved.

Primordial Dwarfism vs. Achondroplasia

The two main conditions associated with the shortest living people are distinct and affect growth in different ways.

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• Primordial Dwarfism (PD): This is a group of rare conditions characterized by a lack of growth beginning in the womb, resulting in a very small size from birth throughout life. Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh and the shortest man ever, Chandra Bahadur Dangi, were diagnosed with this condition. PD often results in a proportional body shape, but with a significantly smaller overall size.
• Achondroplasia: This is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism. It is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene that affects bone growth, particularly in the limbs. Jyoti Amge's stature is attributed to Achondroplasia, which typically results in a normal-sized torso but short arms and legs.

Both conditions require specialized medical care and can present unique challenges, but the individuals holding these records continue to live full, active, and highly visible lives, demonstrating incredible strength and a powerful 'can-do' attitude.

The Shortest People Ever Recorded: A Historical Perspective

While Afshin Ghaderzadeh and Jyoti Amge hold the current titles, the history of Guinness World Records includes two individuals who were even shorter, holding the titles for the shortest man and woman "ever recorded."

Chandra Bahadur Dangi: The Shortest Man in History

Before Afshin Ghaderzadeh, the undisputed record for the shortest adult human ever verified belonged to Chandra Bahadur Dangi.

• Name: Chandra Bahadur Dangi
• Country: Nepal
• Lifespan: November 30, 1939 – September 3, 2015 (Age 75)
• Official Height: 54.6 cm (1 ft 9.5 in or 21.5 inches)
• Condition: Primordial Dwarfism.
• Legacy: Dangi lived in a remote Nepalese village and worked as a farmer. He gained international fame late in life, being measured and recognized by Guinness World Records in 2012. He remains the shortest person in recorded history.

Dangi's height was significantly shorter than the current record holder, Afshin Ghaderzadeh, cementing his place as an all-time historical figure in the record books.

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Pauline Musters: The Shortest Woman in History

The historical record for the shortest woman is held by a Dutch performer from the 19th century known as 'Princess Pauline'.

• Name: Pauline Musters (known professionally as Princess Pauline)
• Country: The Netherlands
• Lifespan: February 26, 1876 – March 1, 1895 (Died at age 19)
• Official Height: 61 cm (2 ft 0.7 in or 1 foot 11.2 inches)
• Condition: A form of dwarfism, often cited as primordial dwarfism.
• Legacy: Despite her short life, Pauline became a celebrated performer, traveling across Europe and the United States. She was measured at 61 cm at the age of 9 and was recognized as the shortest woman ever recorded by Guinness World Records.

These historical records provide a fascinating context to the current titles, highlighting the enduring human interest in the extremes of physical stature. The lives of Afshin Ghaderzadeh and Jyoti Amge continue this incredible legacy, using their unique titles to spread awareness, pursue their passions, and challenge societal expectations of what it means to live a 'big' life.