The Richest People on Earth

This 25th year of tracking global wealth was one to remember. The billionaires list breaks two records: Total number of listees (1,210) and combined wealth ($4.5 trillion). This hoard surpasses the gross domestic product of Germany, one of only six nations to have fewer billionaires this year.

BRICs led the way: Brazil, Russia, India and China produced 108 of the 214 new names. These four nations are home to one in four members, up from one in 10 five years ago. Before this year only the US had ever produced more than 100 billionaires. China now has 115 and Russia 101. Atop the heap is Mexico’s Carlos Slim, who added $20.5 billion to his fortune and is now worth $74 billion, well ahead of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. Two-thirds of returning billionaires are richer, helping push up the average worth by $100 million to $3.7 billion.


Mexico's Carlos Slim Helu has been named the world's richest man with worth $74 billion by Forbes Magazine.

Why do we spend so much time counting other people’s money? Because these moguls have the power to shape our world. Najib Mikati (No. 409) is keeping Lebanon’s government together. Ernesto Bertarelli (No. 81) is saving ocean life. Where their inspirations lead, we will follow. Zynga’s Mark Pincus (No. 1,140) taught people to farm on Facebook. Lululemon’s Chip Wilson (No. 651) sells yoga pants. So what if fortune follows an irregular path?

To know all about this year’s Forbes Billionaires, visit www.forbes.com/billionaires