Forbes’ 38th Annual World’s Billionaires List has just been released, showcasing the wealthiest individuals on the planet. The list features a total of 2,755 billionaires, with a collective net worth of $13.1 trillion. This marks an increase from last year’s list, as the global economy continues to rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States remains the country with the most billionaires, with a total of 724 individuals making the list.
Tech mogul Elon Musk topped the list this year, with a staggering net worth of $197 billion. Musk’s wealth has skyrocketed in recent years, primarily driven by the success of his electric car company, Tesla. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos came in at a close second, with a net worth of $189 billion, followed by French luxury goods tycoon Bernard Arnault, with a net worth of $114 billion. Notable newcomers to the list include Kim Kardashian, who made her debut with a net worth of $1 billion, thanks to her successful beauty and shapewear businesses.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the wealth distribution among billionaires, with some gaining massive fortunes while others have seen their net worth decline. For example, the wealth of tech and e-commerce billionaires has surged during the pandemic, as people turned to online shopping and digital services while stuck at home. On the other hand, billionaires in industries like hospitality and travel have experienced sharp declines in their wealth due to the lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the virus.
The list also highlights the gender disparity among billionaires, with only 328 women making the cut, accounting for just 11.9% of the total billionaires. However, it’s worth noting that the number of female billionaires has been steadily increasing over the years, as more women achieve success in various industries. The youngest billionaire on the list this year is 18-year-old Kevin David Lehmann, whose father founded the German drugstore chain DM. Lehmann inherited his wealth after his father passed away in 2017.
Overall, Forbes’ World’s Billionaires List provides a fascinating insight into the wealth landscape around the globe and how it has been shaped by recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The list showcases the incredible wealth amassed by individuals in various industries, from tech and e-commerce to luxury goods and beauty. It also sheds light on the growing number of female billionaires and the potential for more women to enter the ranks of the world’s wealthiest individuals in the future. As the global economy continues to recover and evolve, it will be interesting to see how the fortunes of billionaires on the list change in the coming years.
