LIFESTYLE  The World's Billionaires  

Forbes' 16th annual ranking of the world's billionaires is a tad more exclusive this year. Forbes tracked 497 billionaires, down from 538 last year. That includes 28 newcomers and 12 returnees. But for every billionaire who joined or returned to their roster, two others departed. Of the ones who made the list's final cut, 50% saw their net worth fall, 23% saw it rise and 19% held steady. The billionaires' average net worth dipped from $3.2 billion to $3.1 billion.

 

     

Rank

Name Country Worth (US$ Bil)
1. Gates, William H III United States 52.8
2. Buffett, Warren E United States 35.0
3. Albrecht, Karl & Theo Germany 26.8
4. Allen, Paul G United States 25.2
5. Ellison, Lawrence J United States 23.5
6. Walton, Jim C United States 20.8
7. Walton, John T United States 20.7
8. Walton, Alice L United States 20.5
9. Walton, S Robson United States 20.4
10. Walton, Helen R United States 20.4
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