Portal:Iceland/Selected biography/11
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Vigdís Finnbogadóttir (born 15 April 1930) was the fourth president of Iceland, serving from 1980 to 1996. She was the world's first elected female president. She was Iceland's first and so far only female president and head of state. In 1980 she was the first woman in the world to be elected the head of state in a democratic election. She was narrowly elected over three male opponents. She was subsequently reelected three times (in 1984, in 1992, and overwhelmingly in 1988), before retiring in 1996. Although the Icelandic presidency is largely a ceremonial position, she took an active role in promoting the country as a cultural ambassador and enjoyed great popularity. Currently, she is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, and a Member of the Club of Madrid.
