On August 1, 1980, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir became the world’s first democratically elected female head of state, and Iceland’s fourth president.

Vigdís’s impact on Iceland and the world is immeasurable. She was a trailblazer who broke down barriers, challenged stereotypes, and paved the way for women in politics. Her legacy lives on in the many young women who have been inspired by her example and who have gone on to become leaders in their own right.
Vigdís Finnbogadóttir is 95 today – RÚV.is

Vigdis Finnbogadottir
Released 1994 as part of the
50th Anniversary of Republic set

 She released a statement April this year, on her 95th birthday. 

One of life’s great adventures for me was to serve as the highest and most respected official of the nation for sixteen years. Along that journey, I often spoke of the shared treasures that are found in our beautiful country and in the culture that human life has cultivated here over the centuries. These values are so important and deeply rooted in us that we hardly give them a thought in daily life.

Just like the air we breathe, we tend to take our unspoiled nature and our Icelandic culture for granted. But neither should be taken as such. These values can be lost in a short time if we are not vigilant.

Icelandic culture is a champion of peace and freedom, and it has been the stage for outstanding literary achievements by a small nation. The Icelandic language is the soul of Icelandic culture. It is our tool for thought and communication – the instrument and the material of the most beautiful expressions in Icelandic literature.

So I have no greater wish than this: that the nation will have the wisdom and good fortune to protect the nature of this land and the Icelandic language for all the years to come.
Vigdís Finnbogadóttir is 95 today – RÚV.is

Last year we dipped into English history with a brief look at one of Henry VIII’s ill fated wives Catherine Howard