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Joe Biden
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Explainer | Joe Biden is almost 78. Here are the world’s oldest leaders

  • World’s oldest elected leader is Cameroon’s 87-year-old president
  • Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has spent 68 years on the throne

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Joe Biden. Photo: AFP
Agence France-Presse

By the time Joe Biden is sworn on January 20, 2021, he will be 78 years and 61 days old. He would be America’s oldest president, ever.

‘The Sphinx’

The world’s oldest elected leader is Cameroon’s 87-year-old president Paul Biya.

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Although “The Sphinx” has been in power for nearly four decades, he is a mere stripling compared to Malaysia’s 95-year-old Mahathir Mohamad, who only stepped down as prime minister in February.

With 68 years on the throne, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth holds the record for the longest period in office. Now 94, she is the head of state of 16 countries including Canada and Australia.

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Cameroon President Paul Biya is 87. File photo: Reuters
Cameroon President Paul Biya is 87. File photo: Reuters
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