Received the Heinz Galinksi Award in Berlin, Germany, in 2012
Her contributions toward greater European integration were recognized in 2006 with the Vision for Europe Award
Topped "Forbes" magazine's list of "The World's 100 Most Powerful Women" for the first time in 2006
Earned her doctorate for her thesis on quantum chemistry after studying the subject at the Central Institute for Physical Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences
Prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall and her involvement in politics, she worked as a researcher and published several scientific papers
Quote: "Human rights are indivisible․ Human dignity isn't just important in Germany, but everywhere in the world․ I'm convinced that the rule of law, democracy and freedom will be unstoppable everywhere in the long run․"
Quote: "We are all connected to one another, because for us in Germany, much depends on what happens Portugal, Greece, Spain and other countries․ We are all in the same boat․ No European country can be strong in the long term if others are not doing well․"
Became the first woman to lead the Christian Democratic Union in 2000
Was elected as the Chancellor of Germany in 2005, making her the first woman to hold the office
Enjoys soccer, and has been known to not only listens to games, but also frequents games of the national team in her official capacity