Hello. I know there were 62 women heads of state in the world during
the 20th century. In order to have a comparative look, I need to know
how many heads of state were in the world (in 20th century) in total.
Thanks.

http://womenshistory.about.com/library/weekly/aa010128a.htm
(46 listed, mostly 1970?s to the present)

http://womenshistory.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.guide2womenleaders.com%2Fwomen_heads_of_governments.htm

http://womenshistory.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fterra.es%2Fpersonal2%2Fmonolith%2F00women1.htm

Do monarchs count as well? Or religious leaders such as the Pope or the Dalai Lama?

To get an accurate count of total leaders in the 20th century may be
highly misleading and difficult to research as countries were absorbed
by empires and/or later reestablished. The number of 3rd world nations
that did not exist until post-colonialism after WW II is substantial.
Do governments in exile in wartime count? Or quasi-governments in
disputed territories such as the PLO?

Thanks badger75. I know the about.com sites. The discrepancy between
their 46 figure and mine is due to the fact that 62 takes into account
women queens and monarchs, while about.com only counts presidents and
prime ministers. I agree with you that getting an accurate number of
total heads of state is a difficult task, but how can we otherwise
assess if 62 is a 'low' or a 'high' proportion? So I say yes, lets
count monarchs and extinguished country leaders, and lets leave out
religious leaders, exile governments and non-state governments like
the PLO and Western Sahara regimes. Cheers.