Biography:In 1980 Vigdís Finnbogadóttir became the first woman in the world to be elected as head of state in Iceland. She was re-elected three times before retiring in 1996. Although the position was largely ceremonial, she is credited with raising the profile of Iceland during her time in office.
Prior to her election Finnbogadóttir worked as a theatre director and television presenter of culture and language classes.