Women trail men in economic and political power, but the Nordic countries come closest to closing the gender gap, according to a World Economic Forum survey.

The four Nordic countries have topped the Global Gender Gap Index since it was first released in 2006 by the Geneva-based group. They did so again this year, but Iceland replaced Norway in the No. 1 position. Finland was second; Norway, third; and Sweden, fourth. Two African countries – South Africa and Lesotho – entered the list of the top 10 countries for the first time, according to the survey of 134 countries released Tuesday.

Indonesia ranked 93 out of the 134 nations on the chart, scoring better than neighboring Malaysia, which placed 101st, and Cambodia (104th), but trailing other Southeast Asian nations such as Singapore (85), Vietnam (71), Thailand (59) and the Philippines (9).

Indonesia was also ranked 93rd in 2008, however the country has dropped significantly from its position as 68 out of the 115 countries surveyed in 2006.

The survey assessed gender equality in a number of areas such as education, economy, politics and health.

At the bottom of the list were Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Benin, Pakistan, Chad and Yemen. Results of the survey can be viewed at the World Economic Forum Web site. (Jakarta Globe with Associated Press)