Forbes has released its annual ‘Most Powerful Women in the World’ list – and it’s dominated by politicians, economists and businesswomen.

The list is compiled using four metrics: money, media presence, spheres of influence and impact and, for the first time this year, social media influence.  Six categories are represented: business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, philanthropists and CEOs. 

According to Forbes, the list contains women who “influence more than a billion people around the world, and control or influence nearly $2 trillion in revenues”. 

Topping the list was German chancellor Angela Merkel – her 8th year in the top spot. British PM Theresa May, French economist Christine Lagarde,  General Motors CEO Mary Barra and businesswoman Abigail Johnson made up the rest of the top five.

Forbes’ Top Ten Most Powerful Women

1. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of German

2. Theresa May, British Prime Minister

3. Christine Lagarde, Managing Director at IMF

4. Mary Barra, Chairperson and CEO at General Motors

5. Abigail Johnson, Chairman and CEO of Fidelity Investments

6. Melinda Gates, Cochair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

7. Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube

8. Ana Botin, Chairman of Banco Santander SA

9. Marillyn Hewson, CEO of Lockheed Martin

10. Ginni Rometty, CEO of IBM

Other notable entries included Serena Williams, Sheryl Sandberg and Oprah Winfrey.  The youngest woman on the list is Taylor Swift, 28, in 68th place; the oldest is Queen Elizabeth II at 92 and in 23rd place.

“At no time has more light been shone on women leaders and the need for more diversity. From #MeToo to #TimesUp to ‘We Too’, a term most recently used to describe the rise of women’s voices in the United Nations this year, women are mobilising for change,” wrote Forbes Women editor Christina Vuleta. 

“The women on Forbes 15th annual Most Powerful Women list are among the toughest, smartest leaders the world has today. They are creating solutions for some of the world’s biggest problems and making their mark.”

Images: Getty