In today’s society, height is often seen as important, but many women have achieved incredible success regardless of being shorter than average. Here, we celebrate some of the shortest women in the world, showcasing how their stature hasn’t limited their extraordinary accomplishments. Presenting the Top 10 Shortest Women in the World.
10. Nicole Polizzi – 142 cm (56 in)
American TV personality Nicole Polizzi, standing at just 142 cm (56 inches), holds the title of the shortest female celebrity. Other notable petite stars include Neha Kakkar at 148 cm (58 inches), Demi Lovato at 150 cm (59 inches), Jennifer Lawrence at 152 cm (60 inches), and Rebel Wilson at 153 cm (60 inches).
9. Susanna Bokoyni – 101.5 cm (40.0 in)
Susanna Bokoyni lived an extraordinary life, born in Hungary in 1879 and passing away in 1984 at the remarkable age of 105. As a circus performer, she earned a place in the Guinness World Records as the longest-lived dwarf on record. Despite her small stature, Bokoyni’s life was rich and full of meaning, embodying resilience and the power of the human spirit. She inspired many with her strength and determination, leaving a lasting legacy.
8. Katyucia Hoshino – 91.1 cm (35.9 in) (Shortest Married Couple)
Brazilian beauty salon owner Katyucia Hoshino ranks 8th on our list of the world’s shortest women, standing at 91.13 cm (35.9 in). She is married to Paulo Gabriel Barros, a civil servant just slightly shorter at 90.3 cm (35.6 in).
In 2016, the couple from Brazil was recognized by Guinness World Records as the Shortest Married Couple. While their height difference is minimal, their relationship stands out for more than just their record-breaking stature.
Despite their size, the Hoshinos emphasize that their love is unaffected by their height, and they hope their story encourages other couples to embrace their unique differences.
7. Elif Kocaman, measuring 72.6 cm (28.58 in).
Elif Kocaman, a Turkish celebrity, was once celebrated as the world’s smallest living woman. Standing at just 72.6 cm (28.58 in), she held the Guinness World Record for the smallest woman from 2009 until 2011. Elif’s remarkable stature brought her global recognition, but she sadly passed away in 2021 at the age of 33.
6. Stacey Herald – 72.4 cm (28.5 in) (world’s smallest mother)
Stacey Herald, an American woman, held the Guinness World Record as the world’s smallest mother, standing at just 2 ft 5 in (74.60 cm) tall. She passed away in 2018 at the age of 44 due to a rare condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, which stunted her growth. Despite her condition, she gave birth to three ‘miracle’ children.
5. Bridgette Jordan – 69 cm (27 in)
Bridgette Jordan is an American basketball player who has been playing professionally since 2008. Known for her unique stature, she is one of the shortest female basketball players in the world. Jordan has achieved significant success in her career, including being a member of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team, and is currently signed with the Harlem Globetrotters.
4. Lucia Zarate – 68 cm (26.8 in)
Lucia Zarate, born in Mexico in 1864, is believed to hold the record as the lightest human ever documented. She was diagnosed with microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II, a rare form of dwarfism. Despite her small stature, Zarate gained international recognition during her life. Sadly, she passed away in 1890 at the age of 26.
3. Madge Bester – 65 cm (26 in)
Madge Bester, once recognized as the world’s smallest living woman, stood just 65 cm (2 ft 1.5 inches) tall. Born in South Africa in 1963, she lived with primordial dwarfism, a rare condition that shaped much of her life. Bester held the title of the world’s smallest living woman for many years. She passed away in 2018 at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and inspiration.
2. Jyoti Amge – 62.8 cm (24.7 in)
Jyoti Amge is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s shortest living woman. An Indian actress and model, she gained fame for her role in the American horror TV series, American Horror Story: Freak Show. Despite her small stature, she has achieved significant success as an actress and has won awards for her work.
1. Pauline Musters – 61 cm (24 in)
Pauline Musters, born in the Netherlands in 1878, held the title of the world’s shortest woman during her lifetime. Her small stature gained her recognition, and she toured with the circus, captivating audiences. Tragically, Musters passed away at just 19 years old in 1895, but her legacy as the world’s shortest woman remains a remarkable part of history.