Angela Merkel
Born in Elim hospital, Angela Merkel became one of Europe's most celebrated Politicians during the Baby Boomer era.
chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021 (born 1954)
"Her handling of the 2015 European migrant crisis stands out as a defining moment." — About Angela Merkel
| Metric | Angela Merkel | Avg Politician | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 71 | 70 | +1 yrs |
| Height | 2cm (0'1") | 121cm | -119cm |
| Career length | 53 yrs | ~35 yrs | +18 yrs |
| Based on 39 Politician profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Angela Merkel
Did you know that Angela Merkel's first career was as a quantum chemist before the fall of the Berlin Wall propelled her into politics?
- Holds a doctorate in physical chemistry, specializing in quantum chemistry, from the German Academy of Sciences in Berlin.
- Grew up in East Germany, as her father was a pastor who moved the family there shortly after her birth.
- Before politics, she worked as a research scientist, publishing papers on theoretical chemistry.
- She is fluent in Russian, having won a prize for her proficiency in the language during her school years.
- Her signature hand gesture, the 'Merkel-Raute' (Merkel rhombus), became a recognized symbol of her leadership.
Her handling of the 2015 European migrant crisis stands out as a defining moment. Despite significant domestic opposition, she advocated for an open-door policy, allowing over a million refugees to enter Germany. This decision solidified her image as a humanitarian leader, though it also sparked intense debate across Europe.
Merkel's legacy is marked by her steady leadership through multiple global crises and her commitment to European integration. She is remembered for her pragmatic approach and her role in shaping modern Germany and the European Union.