NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) — Mexico’s Carlos Slim continues to top Forbes’ 2011 list of the world’s billionaires – which was released on Wednesday – with a net worth of $74 billion, $20.5 billion more than he had the previous year.
Slim’s $18 billion lead over Microsoft’s Bill Gates – who was ranked in second place with $56 billion – could be largely due to Gates’ philanthropic endeavors. Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he has reportedly donated around $30 billion to various charitable organizations and scientific research programs.
Meanwhile, Slim’s fortune largely comes from his telecommunication businesses, Telmex and America Movil, reportedly worth 62 percent of his fortune.
According to the study, during the last 12 months, 214 people became billionaires, bringing the number of billionaires around the world to 1,210 holding a total of $4.5 trillion. China had a total of 54 new billionaires while Russia added 31, bringing its total to 115 as its capital city of Moscow is the city with the most billionaires in the world with 79.
The U.S., which has four people in the top ten list – Gates (Microsoft), Warren Buffet (Berkshire Hathaway), Larry Ellison (Oracle), and Christy Walton & family (Walmart), added 23 new billionaires, bringing its total number to 413 with a net worth of $1.5 trillion.
The report also showed that Europe has 300 billionaires worth $1.3 trillion, Asia-Pacific has 332 worth $996 billion, the Middle East and Africa have 89 worth $251 billion, and the Americas (excluding the U.S.) have 76 billionaires worth $419 billion.
Forbes’ 2011 list recorded the most billionaires ever with 1,210, and their $4.5 trillion combined fortune is also the highest ever recorded.
dno u need to do a survey to find out how many millionaires we have in dominica and see who is in the top ten
This man is in his 60s or 70s and has worked since his teens. He has amassed his fortune legitimately and with dedication. Poverty has existed since the beginning of time, it’s unfortunate but there is absolutely nothing wrong with working hard and reaping your rewards. Besides, as Oh Well mentioned, he maybe donates a hefty sum to charity every month…you don’t know!
@ Oh well, despite these billionaires’ donations to charitable organizations, the fact remains there will always be inequality in the distribution of wealth, whereby the poor stay poor or get poorer n the rich continue to make billions and increase their fortunes. And of course there are always those in between, who manage to raise their standard of living. What a better world it would be if they would give to the needy more.
AND PPL STARVING AROUND THE WORLD …………………..
How do you know that this gentleman has not be charitable with his fortune ?