The new German Chancellor Angela Merkel smiles during the handing-over ceremony at the Chancellory in Berlin, Tuesday, November 22, 2005. (Franka Bruns/AP Wide World)

November 23, 2005—Angela Merkel made history on Tuesday when she was sworn in as Germany's first female Chancellor, or leader. The election was held in September, but the race was so close that Merkel didn't take office for two months.

"You are the first ever elected female head of government in Germany," said Parliament President Norbert Lammert when he announced her victory. "That is a strong signal for many women—and certainly for some men too."

Germany and the United States choose their leaders very differently. In the United States, Americans vote for their favorite presidential candidate. Germans choose only their lawmakers. Their lawmakers elect the German Chancellor.

From Science to Politics

At 51 years old, Merkel is the youngest German chancellor. The daughter of a pastor, she was born in a rural town and studied to become a scientist. But her life's path took a turn in 1990. That year, both halves of Germany united to become one country. The half where Merkel was born, East Germany, had been Communist. (Communism is a policial system in which land, houses, and factories belong to the government, and profits are shared by all.)

Merkel joined a growing democracy movement, and soon found herself involved in politics. Since then, she has held the posts of Minister for Women and Youth, Minister for the Environment, and Secretary-General of her party.

Merkel's Plan

One of Merkel's goals is to improve Germany's relationship with the United States. The U.S.-led war in Iraq was very unpopular throughout Europe. Most Germans, including their former chancellor, opposed it. Relations between Germany and the U.S., once very strong, grew shaky.

Merkel supported the war. She vowed to work closely with the U.S., England, and smaller European countries in the future.

Merkel also announced another top priority: helping Germans get jobs. About one in eight Germans is unemployed, the worst figure in 70 years.

Her first task as Chancellor will be to meet with her fellow European leaders. She visits French President Jacques Chirac on Wednesday, and travels to London to meet British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Thursday.

History for Kids: Germany
Want to know more about Germany? Visit this site from History for Kids to read about the people, the food, and the art.

Germany: CIA World Factbook
Learn more about Germany when you visit this site from the CIA World Factbook.

Germany
Visit this Web site from the German National Parliament to learn more about Germany's government. You can also check out the live Web cast.