The number of billionaires has reached an all-time high, totalling 2,781 individuals, which is an increase of 141 from the previous year. Their collective wealth has also soared, reaching $14.2 trillion, marking a $2 trillion rise from 2023.
In the United States, billionaires have surged to a new pinnacle of 813, with their combined wealth amounting to $5.7 trillion. China retains its position as the second-ranking country in terms of billionaire numbers, including Hong Kong, boasting 473 billionaires with a total wealth of $1.7 trillion. Despite challenges such as weak consumer spending and a real estate downturn that led to a loss of approximately $300 billion in wealth, China's billionaire count remains robust.
India has also achieved a record number of billionaires, totalling 200, securing its place as the third-ranking country in terms of the billionaire population.
Most rich as per Forbes list
Bernard Arnault and his family are at the top of the wealth rankings, commanding the number one position with a staggering net worth of $233 billion. Arnault, the head of LVMH, is closely followed by Elon Musk, with a substantial net worth of $195 billion. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, secures the third spot with a net worth of $195 billion. Following closely behind is Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, with a wealth of $177 billion.
Who is the wealthiest woman on the list?
The world's wealthiest woman is Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the granddaughter of the founder of L'Oreal, who boasts a fortune of $99.5 billion. Alice Walton, the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, follows closely behind, with a substantial net worth of $72.3 billion. Julia Koch and her three children collectively hold assets valued at $64.3 billion. Jacqueline Mars follows with a wealth of $38.5 billion, while MacKenzie Scott, the former wife of Jeff Bezos, holds a net worth of $35.6 billion.
Here's the top 10 richest people in the world
1- Bernard Arnault & family
Net Worth: $233 Billion | Age: 75 | Country/Territory: France | Industry: Fashion & Retail
Bernard Arnault oversees the LVMH empire of 75 fashion and cosmetics brands, including Louis Vuitton and Sephora.
2 - Elon Musk
Net Worth: $195 Billion | Age: 52 | Country/Territory: United States | Industry: Automotive
Elon Musk cofounded six companies, including electric car maker Tesla, rocket producer SpaceX and tunnelling startup Boring Company.
3- Jeff Bezos
Net Worth: $194 Billion | Age: 60 | Country/Territory: United States | Industry: Technology
Jeff Bezos founded e-commerce giant Amazon in 1994 out of his Seattle garage.
4- Mark Zuckerberg
Net Worth: $177 Billion | Age: 39 | Country/Territory: United States | Industry: Technology
A 19-year-old Mark Zuckerberg started Facebook in 2004 for students to match names with photos of classmates.
5 - Larry Ellison
Net Worth: $141 Billion | Age: 79 | Country/Territory: United States | Industry: Technology
Larry Ellison is chairman, chief technology officer and co-founder of software giant Oracle, of which he owns just under 40%.
6 - Warren Buffett
Net Worth: $133 Billion | Age: 93 | Country/Territory: United States | Industry: Finance & Investments
Known as the "Oracle of Omaha," Warren Buffett is one of the most successful investors of all time.
7 - Bill Gates
Net Worth: $128 Billion | Age: 68 | Country/Territory: United States | Industry: Technology
Bill Gates diversified his fortune from software firm Microsoft into dozens of holdings, including waste disposal firm Republic Services and tractor maker Deere & Co.
8 - Steve Ballmer
Net Worth: $121 Billion | Age: 68 | Country/Territory: United States | Industry: Technology
Steve Ballmer is the high-wattage former CEO of Microsoft, who led the company from 2000 to 2014.
9 - Mukesh Ambani
Net Worth: $116 Billion | Age: 66 | Country/Territory: India | Industry: Diversified
Mukesh Ambani chairs and runs $110 billion (revenue) Reliance Industries, which has interests in petrochemicals, oil and gas, telecom, retail and financial services.
10 - Larry Page
Net Worth: $114 Billion | Age: 51 | Country/Territory: United States | Industry: Technology
Larry Page stepped down as CEO of Alphabet, Google's parent company, in 2019 but remains a board member and a controlling shareholder.
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