Who was the world’s first democratically elected female president?

From 1972-80 Vigdís Finnbogadóttir was Director of Iceland’s National Theatre. She was then democratically elected as the world’s first female President. She served as president from 1980 to 1996. Since 1996 she has been involved in a wide range of international humanitarian and cultural organizations.

Corazon Aquino (Philippines) started her presidency later, in 1986. Mary Robinson (Ireland) started even later, in 1990. Isabel Martínez de Perón (Argentina) started her presidency in 1974, but she was not elected: she assumed power on the death of her husband. By the way, the person in the picture is the President of Croatia

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53 Comments

Dav John

It is true that Peron was the first female president. It is also true, however, that she was not elected.

William Laughlin

The word "Elected" is important here. She assumed the office after the death of her husband without the benefit of an election.

William Laughlin

It's a typo. They transcribed the 8 and the 0. It should read 1980. Quizz Club is terrible at proofreading.

teacherchicky

She inherited the job from her husband upon his death; never an election!

teacherchicky

Another reason for me to move to Iceland! I seriously love Iceland and moving there would be a dream come true!

Howard Groopman

Good question with decent choices. Used the photo to take the right path. Kind of a shame the US still hasn't elected a woman. Someday, maybe. The world will be a much better place when more women have political and economic power.