But what sets Nino apart is his size. He is slightly taller than a piece of carry-on luggage and weighs just 22 pounds (10kg).

Nino has just been officially certified as the world's shortest living man by Guinness World Records, measuring 27 inches (70cm).

"He hasn't grown since he was two years old," his mother Noemi Hernandez said of the oldest of her five living children.

The previous titleholder was He Pingping of China, who was 1.5 inches taller and died on March 13. Guinness discovered Nino afterwards.

They say Nino's reign is not likely to last long, however. Khagendra Thapa Magar of Nepal is expected to take over after he turns 18 on October 14. He measures about 22 inches (56cm) and is recognised by Guinness as the shortest living teenager.

"I feel happy because I'm unique," Nino said.

But being the world's smallest man does have its drawbacks.

"It bothers me that people are (always) touching me and picking me up," he said.