German Chancellor Angela Merkel ranks first in 2012 Forbes list of most powerful women in the world, a top that includes TV star Oprah Winfrey, singer Lady Gaga, Queen Elizabeth II, singer Beyonce Knowles and actress Angelina Jolie, informs AFP. This is the fifth time in six years when Angela Merkel is seen by editors of Forbes the most powerful woman in the world.
Angela Merkel, aged 58, is the “iron lady of the European Union and a major actor in the eurozone economic crisis that continues to threaten world markets,” said Forbes editors. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ranks second, and Dilma Rousseff, President of Brazil ranks third.
The top 10 of most powerful women in the world is completed, in order, by Melinda Gates – Co-Chair of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Jill Abramson – editor of the New York Times, Sonia Gandhi – India’s Congress Party president, Michelle Obama – U.S. First Lady, Christine Lagarde – IMF Managing Director, Janet Napolitano – Secretary of Homeland Security Department of the United States and Sheryl Sandberg – Facebook chief operating officer of the company.
The most powerful 100 women in the world work in business, politics, media, technology, fashion, entertainment or charities. The eccentric Lady Gaga, aged 26, is the youngest of them, and Queen Elizabeth II is, at 86, the oldest of the women included in this list. The strength of women comes from their wealth, their ratings, but also from the influence and popularity enjoyed in social networks, according to journalists from Forbes.
The top 100 also includes Oprah Winfrey (11th place), Lady Gaga (14), Queen Elizabeth II (26), Ariana Huffington (29), Beyonce Knowles (32), Jennifer Lopez (38), Shakira (40), Ellen DeGeneres (47), Anna Wintour (51), Christiane Amanpour (53), Angelina Jolie (66), Miuccia Prada (67), Sofia Vergara (75), JK Rowling (78), and Gisele Bundchen (83).
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