Vigdís Finnbogadóttir became the first woman in the world to be democratically elected as a head of state when she won the Icelandic presidential election on 29 June 1980. Serving for 16 years until 1996, she established herself as the longest-serving elected female head of state in history, fundamentally altering the perception of political leadership roles for women.
Early Education and Cultural Career
Born in Reykjavík in 1930, she pursued extensive studies in literature and theatre. Her academic path included time at the University of Iceland, Joseph Fourier University, the University of Copenhagen, and the Faculty of Arts of Paris, where she graduated in 1953. Before entering national politics, she served as the artistic director of the Reykjavík Theatre Company and worked as a French teacher. Her public profile grew significantly through her television language instruction for RÚV and her leadership roles within Nordic cultural committees.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →The 1980 Presidential Campaign
Running in the 1980 presidential election, she positioned herself against the presence of the United States military in Iceland. Despite facing accusations of communist sympathy due to her anti-military stance, she secured the presidency with 33.6 percent of the vote in a four-candidate field. She took office on 1 August 1980, becoming the fourth person to hold the presidential title in Iceland.
Presidency and Diplomatic Influence
During her 16-year tenure, she moved beyond the largely ceremonial nature of the Icelandic presidency. She oversaw the 1986 Reykjavík Summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, a pivotal event in Cold War diplomacy. Her domestic agenda emphasized environmental protection, specifically reforestation and the prevention of topsoil erosion, alongside active advocacy for gay rights. In 1994, she navigated internal political pressure regarding European integration, ultimately supporting Iceland's association with the European Economic Area.
Global Advocacy and Honours
Following her presidency, she remained active in international organizations, including serving as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for languages and participating in the Club of Madrid. Her contributions to public and cultural life earned her numerous international accolades, including the Order of the Elephant in 1981, the Order of Saint Olav in 1982, and the Order of Charles III in 1985. She also received honorary doctorates from institutions such as the University of Iceland, the University of Miami, and Grenoble-III University.
Fast facts
- Born: 1930, Reykjavík
- President of Iceland: 1980–1996
- First democratically elected female head of state in the world
- UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for languages
- Recipient of the Order of the Elephant: 1981
- Member of the Club of Madrid
- Adopted a daughter in 1972
- Longest-serving elected female head of state
Questions readers ask
Was she the first female president of Iceland?
Yes, she was the first woman to serve as President of Iceland, holding the office from 1980 to 1996.
Did she hold other professional roles before her presidency?
Yes, she worked as a French teacher, a translator of plays, a television instructor, and the artistic director of the Reykjavík Theatre Company.
Achievements
- President of Iceland (1980–1996)
- Order of the Elephant — 1981
- Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Saint Olav — 1982
- Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose of Finland — 1982
- Collar of the Order of Charles III — 1985
- Educated at Faculty of Arts of Paris and University of Copenhagen
