<P> Since 2004, Forbes has compiled a list of the 100 most powerful women in the world . It is edited by notable Forbes journalists, including Moira Forbes, and is based on visibility and economic impact . German Chancellor Angela Merkel has remained at the top spot since 2006, with the brief exception of 2010 where she was temporarily supplanted by the then U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama . </P> <Ol> <Li> Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany </Li> <Li> Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom </Li> <Li> Melinda Gates, Co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation </Li> <Li> Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook </Li> <Li> Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors </Li> <Li> Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube </Li> <Li> Abigail Johnson, President - CEO of Fidelity Investments </Li> <Li> Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund </Li> <Li> Ana Patricia Botín, Executive Chairman of Banco Santander </Li> <Li> Ginni Rometty, CEO of IBM </Li> </Ol>

Most powerful woman in the world by forbes