In 2024, the world has seen an unprecedented rise in billionaire wealth, with a record 2,781 individuals gracing Forbes’ World’s Billionaires list. Top Countries with the Most Billionaires in 2024. These billionaires collectively hold a staggering $14.2 trillion. Spanning 78 countries, up from 77 last year, here’s where the world’s wealthiest individuals call home.
1. United States
- Total Billionaires: 813 (vs. 735 last year)
- Total Net Worth: $5.7 trillion (vs. $4.5 trillion)
- Richest Person: Elon Musk, $195 billion
The U.S. leads the pack with 813 billionaires, a record high. The combined wealth of American billionaires has surged by $1.2 trillion this year. Notable newcomers include Taylor Swift, Magic Johnson, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
2. China
- Total Billionaires: 406 (vs. 495 last year)
- Total Net Worth: $1.3 trillion (vs. $1.67 trillion)
- Richest Person: Zhong Shanshan, $62.3 billion
China remains second despite a significant drop in both the number of billionaires and their collective wealth. Economic challenges and a property market slump have impacted the fortunes of many Chinese billionaires.
3. India
- Total Billionaires: 200 (vs. 169 last year)
- Total Net Worth: $954 billion (vs. $675 billion)
- Richest Person: Mukesh Ambani, $116 billion
India has reached a new high with 200 billionaires. The total wealth of Indian billionaires has jumped by over 40%, marking a significant rise in the country’s economic stature. Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani are among the top 20 richest individuals globally.
4. Germany
- Total Billionaires: 132 (vs. 126 last year)
- Total Net Worth: $644 billion (vs. $585 billion)
- Richest Person: Klaus-Michael Kuehne, $39.2 billion
Germany continues to hold the fourth spot with an increase in both the number of billionaires and their combined net worth. Newcomers like Martin Klenk and Bastian Nominacher have bolstered the country’s billionaire ranks.
5. Russia
- Total Billionaires: 120 (vs. 105 last year)
- Total Net Worth: $537 billion (vs. $474 billion)
- Richest Person: Vagit Alekperov, $28.6 billion
Despite ongoing conflicts and sanctions, Russia has seen a resurgence in billionaire wealth, with a significant increase in both the number and collective net worth of its billionaires.
6. Italy
- Total Billionaires: 73 (vs. 64 last year)
- Total Net Worth: $302 billion (vs. $216 billion)
- Richest Person: Giovanni Ferrero, $43.8 billion
Italy has experienced a substantial rise in both the number of billionaires and their collective wealth. The country now boasts 73 billionaires, with Giovanni Ferrero leading the pack.
7. Brazil
- Total Billionaires: 69 (vs. 51 last year)
- Total Net Worth: $231 billion (vs. $160 billion)
- Richest Person: Eduardo Saverin, $28 billion
Brazil’s billionaire count has surged, with a notable increase in their total net worth. The country now has 69 billionaires, with Eduardo Saverin being the wealthiest.
8. Canada
- Total Billionaires: 67 (vs. 63 last year)
- Total Net Worth: $315 billion (vs. $245 billion)
- Richest Person: David Thomson & family, $67.8 billion
Canada has seen a rise in its number of billionaires and their combined net worth. David Thomson and his family continue to be the wealthiest Canadians.
9. Hong Kong*
- Total Billionaires: 67 (vs. 66 last year)
- Total Net Worth: $330 billion (vs. $350 billion)
- Richest Person: Li Ka-shing, $37.3 billion
Hong Kong remains a significant hub for billionaires, with a slight increase in their numbers. However, the total net worth has seen a slight decrease compared to last year.
10. United Kingdom
- Total Billionaires: 55 (vs. 52 last year)
- Total Net Worth: $225 billion (vs. $202 billion)
- Richest Person: Michael Platt, $18 billion
The United Kingdom has added three new billionaires to its ranks, with an increase in their overall wealth. Michael Platt remains the richest person in the UK.
Emerging Trends and Insights
The rise in billionaire wealth across these countries highlights the growing economic disparities and the concentration of wealth among a select few. The U.S. continues to dominate, but countries like India are rapidly catching up, reflecting their growing economic influence on the global stage.
Note: Hong Kong is an autonomous territory of China.
