Written by:
Shuang Yang

World's Billionaires 2009

Over the past year, the global economic crisis has severely affected the world’s wealthiest people. This year, there are 793 billionaires worldwide, down 30% from the 1,125 billionaires on last year’s list. It was the first time since 2003 that there was a net loss in the number of billionaires. Here are some more interesting facts about this year’s list:

  • From last year’s 1,125 billionaires, 378 fell off the list (355 from declining fortunes, 18 from death). On the other hand, there were 38 newcomers and 3 returnees to billionaire status.
  • The collective net worth of the world’s billionaires is $2.4 trillion, down $2 trillion from last year. The average net worth is $3 billion, down 23%.
  • New York is the billionaire capital of the world with 55 billionaires.
  • 656 billionaires lost money in the past year, while 44 increased their fortunes.
  • Once again, despite losing $18 billion, Bill Gates is the world’s richest man, while last year’s richest man, Warren Buffet, is now the world’s second richest man.

Check out the full article for more interesting facts and to see the top 20 richest people in the world.