The global billionaire population has reached a record high of 2,781 individuals, with a combined wealth of $14.2 trillion. This represents an increase of 141 billionaires from the previous year and $2 trillion more in total wealth. The concentration of wealth at the top is evident, with 14 individuals now part of the exclusive $100 Billion Club, collectively holding $2 trillion in assets.
Leading the pack is Bernard Arnault, the chairman of luxury conglomerate LVMH, with an estimated net worth of $233 billion. Following closely behind are Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, worth $195 billion and $194 billion, respectively. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg saw the biggest increase in wealth, adding $116.2 billion to his fortune, bringing his total net worth to $177 billion.
The technology industry has played a significant role in the wealth boom, with a surge in AI-related wealth creation. Newcomers in this field include Charles Liang of Super Micro Computer, Lisa Su of Advanced Micro Devices, and Harvey Jones, a board member at Nvidia. Other notable additions to the billionaire list include celebrities like Taylor Swift, Dick Wolf, and Magic Johnson.
The United States continues to lead in the number of billionaires, with 813 individuals worth $5.7 trillion. China and India follow behind, with 406 and 200 billionaires, respectively. Despite the overall increase in billionaire numbers, women remain underrepresented, accounting for just 13% of the total billionaire population.
The average age of billionaires is 66, with the youngest billionaire being 19-year-old Livia Voigt. The list also includes several individuals aged 33 or younger, with a majority being self-made billionaires. However, bankruptcies, scandals, and stock crashes have led to the removal of 189 individuals from the list, and the deaths of 32 others.
Forbes’ World’s Billionaires list is a comprehensive ranking of individuals with a net worth of $1 billion or more as of March 8, 2024. The methodology includes extensive research, interviews, and analysis of various assets and liabilities. The full list of billionaires can be accessed on the Forbes website.
