On Tuesday, the World Economic Forum released its Global Gender Gap Report for 2009, which ranks countries on gender equality, based on education, economic participation, health and political empowerment

Iceland came out on top, followed by Finland and then Norway. The report focuses on how resources are being divided between the sexes, regardless of a country’s overall resource levels.

South Africa made significant improvements, in its rankings, come in 6th this year as opposed to 22nd last year. Its improvements can largely be attributed to significant improvements in female labour force participation, gains for women in parliament and women ministers in the new government.

India, on the other hand, came in at 114 out of 134 countries, faring particularly badly in areas like health/survival and economic participation and opportunity. Its overall ranking would have far worse, were it not for high scores in political participation. “India has been a good role model for political empowerment of women but has formidable challenges to address issues of poor sex ratio and creating economic opportunities for women at higher levels,” said Deirdre Boyd, India’s UNDP Director when reached for comment about the report.

To read a summary of India’s position in the report, click here.

The UK came in at 15, the US at 31, China at 60 and Sri Lanka at 16.

The full report is available here.