11 Oldest Serving Prime Ministers in the World

Prime ministers play pivotal roles in the governance of their nations, often serving as the head of government. Some prime ministers have distinguished themselves by their long tenures, demonstrating enduring dedication to public service and governance.

Let’s look at the 11 oldest serving prime ministers in the world, highlighting their contributions, longevity, and impact on their respective countries.

1. Mahathir Mohamad

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Mahathir Mohamad is a towering figure in Malaysian politics, known for his economic policies and efforts to modernize Malaysia during his tenure as Prime Minister from 1981 to 2003. His return to office in 2018, at the age of 93, made him the world’s oldest serving Prime Minister.

Did You Know?

Mahathir Mohamad is not only a statesman but also a prolific author, having written several books on various topics, including politics, economics, and Islam.

2. Sheikh Hasina

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Sheikh Hasina has been Prime Minister of Bangladesh since 2009, serving as the leader of the Bangladesh Awami League. She is known for her strong stance against corruption and efforts to promote economic growth and development.

Did You Know?

Sheikh Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, and has survived several assassination attempts, including one that claimed the lives of many of her family members.

3. Narendra Modi

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Narendra Modi has been Prime Minister of India since 2014, leading the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to a significant victory in the general elections. He is known for his strong leadership and has implemented several economic and social reforms.

Did You Know?

Narendra Modi began his political career as a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization, and served as the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014.

4. Keith Rowley

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Keith Rowley has been Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago since 2015, leading the country through various economic and social challenges. He is a member of the People’s National Movement (PNM) party and has held several ministerial positions before becoming Prime Minister.

Did You Know?

Keith Rowley is a geologist by profession and has served as Minister of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources, Minister of Planning and Development, and Minister of Housing and Urban Development in Trinidad and Tobago.

5. Lee Hsien Loong

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Lee Hsien Loong has been Prime Minister of Singapore since 2004, succeeding Goh Chok Tong. He is the son of Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, and has continued his father’s legacy of economic reform and modernization.

Did You Know? 

Lee Hsien Loong studied mathematics and computer science at the University of Cambridge, and before entering politics, he served in the Singapore Armed Forces, eventually attaining the rank of Brigadier-General.

6. Hun Sen

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Hun Sen has been Prime Minister of Cambodia since 1985, making him one of the longest-serving prime ministers in the world. He rose to power after defecting from the Khmer Rouge and has since played a dominant role in Cambodian politics.

Did You Know? 

Hun Sen’s defection from the Khmer Rouge to join the Vietnamese-backed government helped end the brutal regime of Pol Pot.

7. Hubert Minnis

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Hubert Minnis has been Prime Minister of The Bahamas since 2017, leading the country through various challenges, including hurricanes and economic issues. He is a medical doctor by profession and has served in various capacities in the healthcare sector before entering politics.

Did You Know?

Hubert Minnis is a member of the Free National Movement (FNM) party and has focused on healthcare reform and economic development during his tenure as Prime Minister.

8. Prayut Chan-o-cha

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Prayut Chan-o-cha has been Prime Minister of Thailand since 2014, following a military coup that removed the previous government. He has faced criticism for his authoritarian style of governance but has also implemented several economic and social reforms.

Did You Know?

Prayut Chan-o-cha is a retired Royal Thai Army officer who led the coup that removed Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government in 2014.

9. Mia Mottley

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Mia Mottley has been Prime Minister of Barbados since 2018, leading the country through significant reforms and challenges. She is the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Barbados.

Did You Know?

Mia Mottley is a lawyer by profession and has served as Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs in Barbados before becoming Prime Minister.

10. Gaston Browne

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Gaston Browne has been Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda since 2014, leading the country through various economic and social challenges. He is known for his efforts to promote economic growth and development.

Did You Know?

Gaston Browne has served in various ministerial positions, including Minister of Planning, Trade, Industry, Commerce, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Trade, before becoming Prime Minister.

11. Roosevelt Skerrit

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Roosevelt Skerrit has been Prime Minister of Dominica since 2004, making him one of the youngest prime ministers in the world. He has focused on promoting economic development and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

Did You Know?

Roosevelt Skerrit became the world’s youngest head of government at the age of 31 and has been a vocal advocate for climate change action, given Dominica’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.

Conclusion

These 11 prime ministers have shown remarkable dedication and leadership in serving their countries, many of whom have served for decades. Their contributions have shaped the political landscape of their nations and continue to impact the lives of millions of people.