Filipino Declared World’s Shortest Man

On the same day he turned 18, Filipino Junrey Balawing was declared the world’s shortest man by the Guinness Book of World Records.  Balawing stands 59.93 centimeters or 23.5 inches high, about 2.5 inches shorter than the previous record holder,  Khagendra Thapa Magar of Nepal.  Junrey’s parents took him out of school because they were afraid for his safety.  He has trouble standing up and speaking, and local doctors had trouble diagnosing his problem (his three siblings are normal height).  It is hoped that he and his family can benefit economically from his new found fame, as the previous record holder from Nepal and his family benefited from being part of a tourism campaign for Nepal.