Iceland tops global gender gap index as most female-friendly

Iceland has topped the list as the world’s most gender-equal country.

It’s the seventh year Iceland has been ranked first by the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index, taking into account economic opportunities, health and political standing.

Australia ranked 46 falling behind New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom and United States.

Simmi Valgeirsson, President of the Icelandic Association of Australia in NSW, told Tom Elliott it came down to background.

‘They have their good old Viking spirit and tend to be fairly independent, that’s for sure,’ he said.

Fast facts about Iceland:

• 48% seats in their parliament have been won by female candidates
• The country elected the world’s first female head of state 

Click PLAY to listen to Simmi Valgeirsson on 3AW Drive: