Vigdis Finnbogadottir

Vigdís Finnbogadóttir is one of the best-known figures in modern Icelandic history. Born on 15 April 1930, she worked in education, culture and theatre before being elected President of Iceland in 1980. Vigdís studied French and French literature in Grenoble and at the Sorbonne in Paris. She also studied theatre history at the University of Copenhagen and later completed studies in French and education in Iceland. Before becoming president, she worked with the National Theatre of Iceland, taught at several schools and served as director of the Reykjavík Theatre Company. Vigdís was elected President of Iceland in 1980 and served for sixteen years, until 1996. She became the first woman in the world to be elected president through a popular national vote. Since leaving office she has remained active in cultural and linguistic affairs, particularly promoting the importance of languages, culture and education. She has received numerous international honours and honorary doctorates.