London, Feb 7 : German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been used as the model for a Barbie doll to mark its 50th birthday celebrations.

The doll, which is based on the 54-year-old German leader, was presented at the international toy fair in Nuremberg and will go on sale for 17 pounds.

"She''s simply a good role model for girls around the world," the Telegraph quoted a spokesman for Mattel, the company that makes Barbie dolls, as saying.

Merkel is yet to comment on the doll, which has been given a youthful look and a slim waistline devoid of any of the physical downsides of the onset of middle age.

The Angela Merkel Barbie doll also boasts her blonde bob hairstyle and a crisply tailored jacket.

The special edition doll was among 70,000 new toys presented at the fair, which was celebrating its 60th anniversary. (ANI)