Chandra Dangi The World’s Shortest Man Ever

Chandra Bahadur Dangi, one of the most iconic record holders to have graced the pages of the Guinness World Records book, sadly passed away earlier this month.

The Nepalese record holder was a primordial dwarf, a condition that rarely sees people survive past thirty, but Mr Dangi remarkably lived for 75 years and touched the world with his strength and spirit.

At 54.6 cm (21.5 in) tall, and weighing just 14.5 kg (31 lb 15.52 oz), Chandra held the prestigious title of Shortest man living, and remains the Shortest man ever following an official measurement at the CIWEC Clinic Travel Medicine Center in Lainchaur, Kathmandu, Nepal on 26 February 2012.

Until his recognition by Guinness World Records, Chandra had spent his entire life in the remote Nepalese mountain village of Rhimkholi, about 250 miles west of Kathmandu. He lived there with his five brothers (all of an average height) and made his living weaving traditional Nepalese garments.

Chandra’s home was so remote that it wasn’t until a forest contractor cutting timber in the village met him and informed local media that his incredible size came to light.

Recalling the historic moment Chandra was recognised as the shortest man on record, Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records says:

I had the honour of accepting Mr Dangi’s invite to Kathmandu in 2012 to oversee his official measurements. It was there that we stood in front of the world’s press and announced his position as not only the shortest man living but the shortest man ever measured in the 60-year history of Guinness World Records.