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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The world is currently led by several figures, with some of the oldest presidents holding significant power and influence. This article highlights the top ten oldest presidents in the world, showcasing their extensive political careers and contributions to their respective countries.
Each of these oldest leaders reflects a unique blend of experience, challenges, and achievements. Let’s explore these notable figures and their roles on the global stage, as cited from Britannica, India Times, and Statista.
1. Paul Biya | Age: 91
Born February 13, 1933, Paul Biya is the current president of Cameroon, a role he has held for more than four decades—since 1982. Before his presidency, he served as the nation’s Prime Minister from 1975 to 1982. Biya is not only one of the world's oldest presidents but also one of the longest-serving heads of state, with a political career that has significantly shaped Cameroon’s history.
2. Mahmoud Abbas | Age: 89
Born on November 15, 1935, Mahmoud Abbas is one of the oldest current presidents and a key figure in Palestinian politics. Serving as president since 2005, his political career spans back to the 1950s. Abbas has been deeply involved in efforts to achieve peace with Israel, most notably through his support for the two-state solution, a cornerstone of his diplomatic strategy.
3. King Salman | Age: 88
As the son of the founder of Saudi Arabia, King Salman has ruled the nation for over a decade. Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 31, 1935, he first began his career in government in 1954 as the deputy governor of Riyadh. He held the position of governor from 1955 to 1960 and was reappointed as governor in 1963. King Salman remains a significant figure among the oldest heads of state globally, shaping Saudi Arabia’s progress both as governor and king.
4. Harald V | Age: 87
King Harald V, born on February 21, 1937, has served as the King of Norway since 1991, following the death of his father, King Olav V. Citing from the Royal House of Norway, King Harald V fulfills his royal duties by engaging in discussions with the Prime Minister, making annual visits to various regions of Norway, and attending numerous events and commemorative activities throughout the country. He holds the role of general in the Army and Air Force as well.
5. Michael Higgins | Age: 83
Michael D. Higgins is the ninth president of Ireland since 2011, having been re-inaugurated in 2018. As one of the oldest world leaders, he is well-regarded for his commitment to social justice, equality, and human rights, which he has emphasized throughout his presidency. Born on 18 April 1941, Higgins is known as a passionate human rights activist.
He is also a poet with four books published prior to his presidency and has served as a university lecturer in political science and sociology at the University of Galway.
6. Joe Biden | Age: 82
The 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden, is one of the oldest presidents in the world. He was born on November 20, 1942, and has consistently showcased his remarkable influence on the politics of the U.S. Joe Biden was one of the youngest Americans ever elected to the U.S. Senate, starting his career at the age of 29. He served for 36 years before becoming the 47th vice president under President Barack Obama. In 2021, he was elected president, building on a long legacy of public service.
7. Narendra Modi | Age: 74
Narendra Modi was born on September 17, 1950, and has served as the Prime Minister of India since 2014. Beforehand, he used to hold the role of chief minister of Gujarat in 2001–2014. Modi is best known for his impressive impact on India’s economic growth.
Between 2014 and 2022, India’s gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, which reflects income per person, increased from US$5,000 (£4,000) to more than US$7,000, marking an approximate 40% rise over eight years. On April 9, 2024, Modi was re-elected for a third term, further solidifying his leadership in Indian politics.
8. Shehbaz Sharif | Age: 73
Shehbaz Sharif is the 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan, having assumed office in March 2024 after previously serving from April 2022 to August 2023. He started his political career in the late 1980s and served as the Chief Minister of Punjab province from 2018 to 2018. Throughout his long journey in political landscapes, Sharif has demonstrated a focus on the country’s development, governance, and infrastructure.
9. Prabowo Subianto | Age: 73
Prabowo Subianto, born on October 17, 1951, is the eighth president of Indonesia. He was inaugurated on October 20, 2024, alongside his vice president, Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Before assuming his presidency, Prabowo served as Indonesia's Minister of Defense from 2019 to 2024. Known for his strong leadership style, he ran for the presidency three times, in 2014, 2019, and finally winning in 2024.
10. Vladimir Putin | Age: 72
Completing the list of oldest presidents in the world, Vladimir Putin is certainly a central figure in Russian politics for over two decades. Born on October 7, 1952, he served as President from 1999 to 2008 and again from 2012 to the present. Prior to his presidency, Putin held the position of Prime Minister in 1999 and from 2008 to 2012. His leadership is characterized by a strong emphasis on national security, military, and a significant role in international affairs, shaping Russia’s domestic and global standing.
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