Sweden, Iceland, Finland and Norway take the top spots as the best countries for working women, according to The Economist's latest glass-ceiling index released on Thursday.
Details: The U.S. ranked at No. 18 out of 29, earning less than the average overall score of 60. Sweden came in at No. 1 with more than 80 points.
- The U.S. received low marks as the only country in the ranking that does not offer paid leave for mothers.
- It also had a low score in political representation, with women holding only 27.5% of seats in the House of Representatives.
- The country placed in the top 5 countries with the highest gender wage gap — women earn 18.5% less than men
But, but, but: The U.S. had higher scores for women in management and on company boards— women hold 40.7% of managerial positions and 28.2% of board seats.
- It also scored above average in women taking GMAT exams— 37.6% are taken by women.
Context: The glass-ceiling index is a report released by The Economist that ranks conditions for working women across 29 countries.