Top 10 Richest People In The World

The world's richest people made less money this year, not it makes any difference they are still billionaires but it shows that everyone is affected when the world's economy is bad.

This year the world's billionaires have an average net worth of $3 billion, down 23% in 12 months. The world now has 793 billionaires, down from 1,125 a year ago. Meaning that some people went from billionaires to millionaires, which is still not bad if you ask me.

Net Worth:$40.0 bil
Fortune:self made
Source:Microsoft
Age:53
Country Of Citizenship:United States
Residence:Medina, Washington
Industry:Software
Education:Harvard University, Drop Out,
Marital Status:married, 3 children

Bill Gates regains the tittle this year even though he lost some money, the world's richest man is known for his microsoft company, xbox platform, MSN.com and much, much more.

Net Worth:$37.0 bil
Fortune:self made
Source:Berkshire Hathaway
Age:78
Country Of Citizenship:United States
Residence:Omaha, Nebraska
Industry:Investments
Education:University of Nebraska Lincoln, Bachelor of Arts / Science, Columbia University, Master of Science
Marital Status:widowed, remarried, 3 children

Last year Warren was the world's richest man. This year he has to settle for second place after losing $25 billion in 12 months. Although he lost that much he still managed to stay in second place.

Net Worth:$35.0 bil
Fortune:self made
Source:telecom
Age:69
Country Of Citizenship:Mexico
Residence:Mexico City
Industry:Telecommunications
Education:NA,
Marital Status:widowed, 6 children

Mexican billionaire funded Telecom and now controls over 90% of Mexico's landlines

Net Worth:$22.5 bil
Fortune:self made
Source:Oracle
Age:64
Country Of Citizenship:United States
Residence:Redwood City, California
Industry:Software
Education:University of Illinois, Drop Out,
Marital Status:married, 2 children

Chicago native studied physics at U. of Chicago, didn't graduate. Started Oracle in 1977. Public 1986, a day before Microsoft. FYI he is a college drop-out

Net Worth:$22.0 bil
Fortune:self made
Source:Ikea
Age:83
Country Of Citizenship:Sweden
Residence:Lausanne
Industry:Retail
Education:NA,
Marital Status:married, 4 children

Opened first Ikea store 50 years ago; stores's name is a combination of initials of his first and last name, his family farm and the nearest village. Retired in 1986 company's "senior adviser" still reportedly works tirelessly on his brand. Discount retailer now sells 9,500 items in 36 countries,prints catalog in 27 languages.

Net Worth:$21.5 bil
Fortune:self made
Source:Aldi
Age:89
Country Of Citizenship:Germany
Residence:Mulheim an der Ruhr
Industry:Retail
Education:NA,
Marital Status:married, 2 children

Germany's richest person owns discount supermarket giant Aldi Sud.He plans to open 75 US stores in 2009 starting in New York.

Net Worth:$19.5 bil
Fortune:inherited and growing
Source:petrochemicals
Age:51
Country Of Citizenship:India
Residence:Mumbai
Industry:Manufacturing
Education:University of Bombay, Bachelor of Arts / Science, Stanford University, Drop Out
Marital Status:married, 3 children

Oversees Reliance Industries, India's most valuable company by market cap despite stock falling 40% in past year. Merging his Reliance Petroleum with flagship Reliance Industries.

Net Worth:$19.3 bil
Fortune:inherited and growing
Source:steel
Age:58
Country Of Citizenship:India
Residence:London
Industry:Steel
Education:St Xavier's College Calcutta, Bachelor of Arts / Science,
Marital Status:married, 2 children

Indian immigrant heads world's largest steel company; ArcelorMittal was formed via hostile takeover 3 years ago. Stock in company makes up bulk of his fortune; shares at a 4-year low with steel prices down 75% since last summer.

Net Worth:$18.8 bil
Fortune:self made
Source:Aldi, Trader Joe's
Age:87
Country Of Citizenship:Germany
Residence:Foehr
Industry:Retail
Education:NA,
Marital Status:married, 2 children

Runs discount supermarket group Aldi Nord, firm holding up amid economic downturn, but still managed to rank #9

Net Worth:$18.3 bil
Fortune:self made
Source:Zara
Age:73
Country Of Citizenship:Spain
Residence:La Coruna
Industry:Retail
Education:NA,
Marital Status:married, 3 children

Railway worker's son started as a gofer in a shirt store. With then-wife Rosalia Mera, also now a billionaire, started making dressing gowns and lingerie in their living room. Business became one of world's most successful apparel manufacturers. Today Inditex has more than 4,000 stores in 71 countries.

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