World’s shortest man is smaller than some newborn babies

For 72 years, Chandra Bahadur Dangi has lived in his remote Nepalese village, unaware that he is, in fact, a world record holder. But all that has now changed, with Guinness World Record officials this week confirming his status as the world’s shortest man.

Dangi measures in at 54.6cm, which is a clear five centimetres shorter than the previous record holder, Junrey Balawing of the Philippines, making him the shortest living man. But it also makes him the shortest adult ever measured, cutting 2.4cm off Gul Mohammed’s record of 57cm.

Measured three times within 24 hours to confirm his miniature stature, Dangi makes his living making traditional Nepalese garments in a remote village about 550km west of Kathmandu. At 72 years old, he has never actually received a diagnosis for his condition, nor has he ever had a proper checkup from a doctor.

On the upside, he’s taking his newfound fame and title well. “I’m very happy that I’m being recognised by Guinness World Records and that my name will be written in book. It’s a big thing for my family, my village and my country. I am very happy,” he said. He also plans to use his new found fame to set up a charity for his local village.

Web: Guinness World Records
Images: Guinness World Records