Chandra Bahadur Dangi from Nepal holds the Guinness World Record as the shortest person ever, standing at just 54.6 cm (1 ft 9½ in). Born on November 30, 1939, in the village of Reemkholi in Nepal’s Salyan District, Dangi lived a quiet life until 2012. A visiting wood contractor noticed his small stature and brought him to media attention. Dangi broke the previous record held by Gul Mohammed, who measured 57 cm (1 ft 10 in).
Dangi worked as a weaver and had never left his remote village, which was located 400 kilometers from Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. Despite living in isolation, he embraced his newfound fame and aimed to use it to promote his country. He expressed a desire to travel and share the beauty of Nepal with the world.
In 2012, Dangi met Jyoti Amge, the world’s shortest woman, and they posed together for the Guinness World Records 2013 edition. Later, in November 2014, he met the world’s tallest living man, Sultan Kösen, during Guinness World Records Day in London.
Dangi fulfilled his dream of traveling in his final years. He toured the South Pacific with Samoa’s Tupa’l Bruno’s Magic Circus, showcasing his record-breaking stature. Sadly, Dangi passed away on September 3, 2015, at the age of 75. He died in American Samoa after battling pneumonia. Despite his physical challenges, Dangi’s life story is one of resilience and pride in his heritage. His legacy as the shortest man in recorded history continues to inspire curiosity and admiration around the world.
