Sri Lanka was the first country ever to elect a woman as prime minister.

Quick Scoop

  • The world’s first woman prime minister was Sirimavo Bandaranaike.
  • She became prime minister of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) after her party won the July 1960 general election.
  • Because of that 1960 victory, Sri Lanka holds the distinction of being the first country to elect a woman prime minister.

So, if you’re answering a quiz or forum thread asking “what country elected the first woman ever to be prime minister?” , the answer is: Sri Lanka.

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