Top 10 Shortest People In The World (2023)

Delving into the realm of extraordinary individuals, we uncover the captivating stories of men and women who have defied the odds, achieving fame and fortune despite their relatively minute statures. Dwarfism, a remarkable condition with over 200 medical factors, can lead to limited growth and stature.

Some of the shortest people in the world include Chandra Bahadur Dangi from Nepal, Gul Mohammed from India, Junrey Balawing from the Philippines, István Tóth from Hungary, and Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh from Iran. As a seasoned fact-finder, let’s embark on a journey through their intriguing and inspiring lives.

Top 10 Shortest People In The World

1. Chandra Bahadur Dangi – Nepal

• Height: 54.6 cm (21.5 in)
• Lifespan: 1939–2015

At the top of our list is the Nepalese legend, Chandra Bahadur Dangi, born on November 30, 1939, and leaving an indelible mark on history before his passing on September 3, 2015, at the age of 75. Chandra’s story began in the scenic landscapes of Nepal, where he worked as a farmer and craftsman. But it wasn’t until he was spotted by a wood contractor that he was catapulted into the limelight of the media.

Chandra Bahadur Dangi holds the prestigious title of being the shortest person in the world ever documented and verified. Guinness World Records confirmed his height at 54.64 cm (21.51 in). His achievement was truly awe-inspiring, and three of his five brothers also stood at less than 4 feet tall, while the rest of his siblings had an average height. Despite his diminutive stature, Chandra’s impact was immeasurable, and his remarkable journey continues to inspire people worldwide.

2. Gul Mohammed – India

• Height: 57.0 cm (22.4 in)
• Lifespan: 1957–1997

The story of Gul Mohammed, a man from New Delhi, India, is equally remarkable. Born on February 15, 1957, he left a lasting impression on the world until his passing on October 1, 1997. During his lifetime, Gul Mohammed’s existence and height were independently verified, making him known as the shortest adult human being of his time.

Gul Mohammed was verified by Guinness World Records as the shortest man ever documented up until 2012 when he was surpassed by Chandra Bahadur Dangi. His height was recorded at 57 cm (22 in).

Despite facing respiratory complications from asthma and bronchitis, Gul Mohammed’s indomitable spirit was evident. When examined at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, he stood tall at 57 cm and weighed only 17 kg. His legacy as one of the shortest men to have ever lived continues to inspire awe and admiration.

3. Junrey Balawing – Philippines

• Height: 59.9 cm (23.6 in)
• Lifespan: 1993–2020

At number three stands the Filipino wonder, Junrey Balawing. Born on June 12, 1993, Junrey captured the world’s attention on his 18th birthday when he was declared the “shortest man alive.” His extraordinary height of 59.9 cm earned him this prestigious title, surpassing the record held by Khagendra Thapa Magar of Nepal.

Junrey Balawing held the title of the world’s shortest living man, with a height of 56.0 cm (22.0 in) verified by Guinness World Records in 2012. He succeeded Chandra Bahadur Dangi following the latter’s passing in 2015.

Junrey’s journey, however, took an unexpected twist when it was discovered that he stopped growing at the tender age of one. Nonetheless, his small stature did not impede making a big impact in the hearts of many worldwide.

4. István Tóth – Hungary

• Height: 65 cm (26 in)
• Lifespan: 1963–2011

Diving deeper into the list, we come across the incredible story of Pauline Musters, born on February 26, 1876, in Ossendrecht, The Netherlands. Pauline, who stood at an awe-inspiring height of exactly 61 cm, earned the distinction of being the shortest woman to have ever lived, as recorded by the esteemed Guinness Book of Records.

István Tóth claimed to be the shortest person in the world, with a height of 65 cm (26 in). However, his Guinness World Records verification remains a subject of contention. Tragically, Pauline’s life was cut short when she passed away on March 1, 1895, in New York City, succumbing to a combination of pneumonia and meningitis.

5. Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh – Iran

• Height: 65.24 cm (25.69 in)
• Lifespan: 2002– Till Date

The life of Lucia Zarate, a Mexican entertainer, adds further intrigue to our list. Born on January 2, 1864, in San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas, present-day Ursulo Galvan, Veracruz, Lucia’s journey was marked by her identification with the rare Majewski osteoplastic primordial dwarfism type II. This condition resulted in brain and skeletal abnormalities, contributing to her extraordinary stature.

At the tender age of 17, Lucia Zarate entered the esteemed Guinness World Records as the “lightest recorded adult,” weighing a mere 4.7 pounds. Her full growth was attained by the age of one, and her family home is now a museum open to the public, preserving the memory of this extraordinary individual. Her height surpassed Edward Niño Hernández’s record. Afshin’s achievements have brought global attention to the diversity of human heights.

6. Jyoti Kisange Amge – India

• Height: 67 cm (26 in)
• Lifespan: 1992–2020

An exceptional tale unfolds with the Indian luminary, Jyoti Kisange Amge, who holds the Guinness World Record for the “World’s Smallest Living Woman.” Born on December 16, 1993, Jyoti was officially crowned with this title on her 18th birthday, standing tall at 62.8 centimeters.

Jyoti’s stature can be attributed to a genetic disorder called achondroplasia. Her journey was punctuated by several media appearances, including the 2009 documentary titled “Body Shock” and guest participation in the Indian television show “Bigg Boss 6.” Moreover, Jyoti is a multitalented individual, excelling as a cook, entrepreneur, and writer. One of her most significant aspirations is to win an Oscar award, a testament to her boundless dreams and ambitions.

7. Lin Yü-chih – Taiwan

• Height: 67.5 cm (26.6 in)
• Lifespan: 1972– Till Date

Lin Yü-chih holds the title of the World’s Shortest Non-Mobile Man Living, an honor he has held intermittently since 2009. Lin’s resilience and unwavering spirit make him a symbol of strength, breaking barriers and stereotypes.

8. Edward Niño Hernández – Colombia

• Height: 70.21 cm (27.64 in)
• Lifespan: 1986– Till Date

Edward Niño Hernández, from Colombia, became the shortest man after the passing of Pingping in March 2010. However, he later lost the title to Khagendra Thapa Magar and then regained it following Magar’s passing in 2020.

9. Dor Bahadur Khapangi – Nepal

• Height: 73.43 cm (28.91 in)
• Lifespan: 2004 – date

Dor Bahadur Khapangi holds the distinction of being the confirmed shortest-living teenager (Male) according to Guinness World Records. Despite his young age, Dor’s journey is a testament to the fact that greatness knows no age limits.

10. He Pingping – China

• Height: 74 cm (29 in)
• Lifespan: 1988–2010

He Pingping was once officially verified as the shortest living man (mobile) at 74 cm (29 in) until his unfortunate passing in March 2010. He Pingping’s story reminds us that every life, regardless of height, is unique and precious.

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Conclusion

The cases of the shortest people in the world exemplify the diversity of the human experience. Each individual’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of resilience in the face of challenges.

From Nepal’s Chandra Bahadur Dangi to China’s He Pingping, these extraordinary individuals have left an indelible mark on the world.