- 5 Feb 2005
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I guess Japan still has a lot to do in the near future. 
(Kyodo) _ Japan ranks 91st in terms of gender equality among the world's 128 countries, slipping 11 ranks from a year ago, according to the latest annual report released by Swiss-based think tank World Economic Forum on Thursday.
The survey was enlarged to cover 13 more nations than a year ago, seven of which, including Cuba and Vietnam, finished above Japan.
The statistics reflect the gaps women face in economic participation and opportunities, educational attainments, and health, as well as the degree of their political empowerment.
Japan placed 37th in health and 69th in education. It fared much more poorly in other fields, finishing 97th in economic opportunities and 94th in political empowerment.
Three Scandinavian countries stayed in the top slots, with Sweden again topping the rankings, followed by Norway and Finland.
The Philippines, ranked sixth, is the only Asian country that made it into the top 10, as it did last year. China ranked 73rd and South Korea 97th.
Among major industrialized powers, Germany ranked seventh, Britain 11th and the United States 31st.
The World Economic Forum is known for sponsoring an annual economic meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Source