In 2024, the number of registered billionaires reached an unprecedented mark of 2,781 people, while their total fortune increased to $14.2 trillion. Compared to last year, the number of countries where the wealthiest people on the planet live has increased. Now there are 78 of them. Let's find out which of them can boast the largest number of tycoons
US
The United States still holds the leading position in the rating. On the territory of this country, there are 813 billionaires, which is noticeably more than last year's figure of 735 people. The total fortune of these financial tycoons is estimated at $5.7 trillion, up from $4.5 trillion in 2023. The richest American billionaire is the owner of SpaceX and Tesla, Elon Musk, with a fortune of $195 billion. His success in the space industry and the car market has not only contributed to technological advances but has also made a significant contribution to the economic power of the United States on the international stage.
China
A year ago, China ranked second in the world ranking in terms of the number of billionaires living on its territory, even though their number has decreased this year. Today, there are 406 tycoons whose fortune exceeds $1 billion, which is 89 less than a year earlier. Their total capital is $1.3 trillion. The wealthiest Chinese businessman is Zhong Shanshan, the owner of the company Nongfu Spring, which produces bottled water. According to the latest data, his fortune exceeds $62 billion.
India
The third line in the ranking is occupied by India. This year, the number of billionaires in this country rose to 200 from 169. Their total fortune grew from $675 billion to an impressive $954 billion. The richest Indian businessman is Mukesh Ambani, who accumulated a wealth of $116 billion. This businessman is at the helm of the conglomerate Reliance Industries, whose interests include a wide range of industries, such as oil refining, telecommunications, and retail sales.
Germany
On the fourth line of the rating is Germany, the largest economy in Europe. Over the past year, the number of billionaires in this country has advanced to 132 from 126 billion. Their combined fortune surged to $644 billion from $585 billion. Klaus-Michael Kuehne is the richest German billionaire and the owner and key shareholder of the transportation and logistics company Kuehne + Nagel. His capital stays at $39.2 billion.
Russia
Russia took fifth place in the ranking of countries with the largest number of billionaires. Despite the many sanctions imposed by the West, over the past year, the number of billionaires in this country has jumped to 120 from 105. Their total wealth has grown to $537 billion from $474 billion. The list of the richest Russian businessmen is headed by Vagit Alekperov, founder and former president of one of the largest Russian oil companies, "Lukoil." According to the latest data, his capital is $28.6 billion.