The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual report has ranked Vietnam as 72nd for gender equality in terms of politics, education, job and health. The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual report has ranked Vietnam as 72nd for gender equality in terms of politics, education, job and health.

Vietnam was listed for the first time in the WEF’s annual report in 2007, at the 42nd.position. It ranked 68th in 2008 and 71st in 2009.

Iceland tops the list this year, for the second consecutive time. Northern European countries rule the ranking, with Norway, Finland and Sweden in the top five.

The Philippines holds the highest, 9th position in the list among Asian countries . The three countries at the bottom include Pakistan (132nd), Chad (133rd) and Yemen (134th).

“Gender equality has direct influence on the competitiveness of an economy. Women must be treated equally if their countries want to develop,” said WEF Chair Klaus Schawab.

Here are the top 15 countries: Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, New Zealand, Ireland, Denmark, Lesotho, Philippines, Switzerland, Spain, South Africa, Germany, Belgium and Great Britain.

Phuong Linh