Forbes announces richest man in the world - Carlos Slim

Mexico's telecoms magnate, Carlos Slim Helú (age 70), has been announced by Forbes as the richest man in the world, overtaking americans Bill Gates (54) and Warren Buffett (79). It is the first time a person from outside the USA leads the rankings since 1994 when Japanese billionaire, Yoshiaki Tsutsumi, held the top spot.



Carlos Slim's net worth is estimated at US$53.5 billion! Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft Corp holds the second spot with US$53 billion and Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, third spot with US$47 billion.



Top 10 richest people in the world (Source: Forbes)

South Africa's mining magnate, Patrice Motsepe, and Johann Rupert & family are tied at #421 with a net worth of US$2.3 billion each.



Other interesting facts

• There are 1011 billionaires in the world this year, up from 793 last year.


• Asia's richest person is Mukesh Ambani from India, ranked 4th


• Brazil's Eike Batista had the biggest increase in net worth from US$7.5bn to US$27bn


• Richest woman on list is Christy Walton (Walmart) at #12

The Forbes rankings are based on information including stakes in publicly traded and privately held companies; real estate holdings; and investments in items such as art, gems and yachts; and compiled as of the close of U.S. markets on Feb. 12.



Related links

The World's Billionaires - Forbes

Slim Overtakes Gates, Buffett to Become Forbes Richest Person - BusinessWeek