2014 Forbes Billionaire List
The following is a guest post and infographic created by the InvestingTips360 team.
The 2014 Forbes list of Billionaires was recently released, and as always the facts & figures never fail to leave jaws wide open from members of the average working class. The list, which attempts to track the wealth gained and lost from the richest people on the planet is now on it’s 28th edition.
The past year has shown to be a good one for the wealthy as the markets and economies of the world’s strongest continued to grow and grow. The total number of Billionaires in the world grew by 219 to 1,645. Even the African countries of Algeria, Tanzania, and Uganda now have Billionaires. As in past years, the US had the most with 429 residing in the States while China’s growing economy was second with 152 Billionaires.
On the flip side, not all countries had such a spectacular year. For example, Turkey’s economy waved goodbye to 19 Billionaires due to soaring inflation rates and a sagging economy. Indonesia said goodbye to 8 Billionaires due to their national currency, the Rupiah, losing 20% as compared to the US Dollar. Additionally, there were 16 Billionaires who died in the past year.
While compiling the annual list, Forbes conducts an extensive amount of research each year to ensure the integrity of the list is kept intact. This includes employing dozens of researchers worldwide throughout the year to uncover and calculate wealth of the world’s richest. They attempt to value all major assets including investments, equity held in companies, art, real estate, yachts, cash holdings, and even debt. They even attempt to verify their figures with the Billionaires themselves. Some are cooperative, while others are not very cooperative at all.
Needless to say, the list is probably one of the most credible out there. Would you ever have guessed that Vince Ed McMahon from WWE would make the list?!?!?
This is really interesting, and a very cool infographic. I am not surprised about Vince McMahon (by the way,you typed Ed McMahon when you first mention his name in the post) because entertainment always does so well, even when times are hard.
Sher@KNSFinancial recently posted…Six Money Saving Tips for a First Time Home Buyer
Sher,
That’s a good point on the hard times position. Thanks for the typo find – I’ll fix it now 🙂
This is a great infographic. Interesting that the youngest is only 24. That is some serious earning he did (unless he inherited a good portion of it). Still, these things fascinate me and motivate me at the same time. Thanks for sharing!!
Jon @ Money Smart Guides recently posted…Betterment Review
Jon,
I agree – it’s very motivating to see young folks earning so much. It speaks to the enormous possibilities that are out there for us!