Someone new has just been crowned the world’s shortest man.

According to the Guinness World Records, 20-year-old Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh has won the title, standing at 2ft 1.68in (65.24cm) tall.

The previous record for the shortest man belonged to Edward Niño Hernandez, from Bogotá, Colombia, who measured 2ft 4.38in (72.1cm) tall.

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Afshin was born in a remote village in Bukan County, West Azerbaijan Province in Iran, and life hasn’t always been easy.

The house he lives in is modest – and although his family works hard, they sometimes struggle to provide enough for his living expenses, medication and treatment.

“Just thinking about being part of the Guinness World Records family is like a dream. I struggle to believe it sometimes. It is like you wake up the next day and the entire world now knows who you are. That’s magical,” Afshin said.

“I like the attention I get from people. It makes me feel special.

“My dream is to be able to help my parents. This global recognition might help me achieve my dream.”

Unable to attend school, Afshin has struggled with literacy, although he is delighted to have recently learned to write his name.

He was also pleased to have recently been gifted a phone from a friend, which allowed him some greater connectivity.

Afshin added: “Phones in general are heavy to use for a long time, yet I still manage.”

He is very outgoing and kind – and therefore very popular with the locals in his village.

Afshin cannot travel around the village alone, and he is always escorted by one of his parents. While he can actually walk, he sometimes prefers to be carried.

He added: “I know who the Tallest man living in the world is. I might fit in the palms of his hands.”

Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday along with Official Adjudicator Kanzy El Defrawy were in attendance on the day of measurements along with Dr Bindu Devarajan.

Measurements were taken three times on the day of verification, resulting in the accurate record height.

“It's been a privilege to meet with Afshin and his family, and to confirm him as the new world's shortest-living adult man,” Craig said.

“At just 2ft 1.68in, he not only comfortably beats the existing record but he's also one of the shortest men to ever hold this title.

“This is one of those fundamental human-body superlatives, and receiving this official confirmation is a potentially life-changing moment in this charming young man's life.

“Judging by the enthusiasm he's shown during his visit to Dubai, he's more than ready to enjoy his new-found celebrity status and become a household name.

“He's already ticked one item off his bucket list: to visit the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.”

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