Scotland's Nicola Sturgeon named one of the most powerful women in the world

LONDON -- Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been named one of the world's most powerful women on Forbes' annual list.  

The leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) was ranked the 50th most powerful woman in the world, with British-born American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who came in at number 28 on the list, followed closely by the Queen, who was rated the 29th most powerful female. 

This was Sturgeon's first time on annual list of top political figures, entrepreneurs, journalists and celebrities, published by the business magazine. 

German chancellor Angela Merkel was named the most powerful woman in the world for the sixth year in a row, and Hillary Clinton was ranked second. 

Sheryl Sandberg also made the top ten, coming in at number seven, while Michelle Obama was named 13th most powerful woman. 

Notable by their absence on this year's list were Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Angelina Jolie, who were major players in 2015's list. 

"[The world's most powerful women] are the smartest and toughest female business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, philanthropists and CEOs making their mark in the world today," wrote Alix McNamara in a piece to accompany the list. 

"They’re women who are building billion-dollar brands, calling the shots in the financial markets, and crisscrossing the globe to broker international agreements and provide aid," McNamara continued. 

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