Top 10 Richest People in the World

The list of top 10 richest people in the world for the year 2011 has been released by Forbes. One can observe a few changes in this list, than the list of the previous year. As for example, Mukesh Ambani slipped from the fourth position to become the ninth richest person in the world in 2011, whereas Bernard Arnault jumped from the seventh position to take the fourth place. This is one of the major changes that one can observe in the Forbes list of world's richest people. However, the most important thing that people want to know is who is the richest person in the world? In 2011, the person who ranks first in the Forbes list to become the richest person in the world is the Mexican telecom tycoon, Carlos Slim Helu. Here is a short overview of the life and work of the world's most richest people.

Top 10 Richest People in the World Ever

★ Carlos Slim Helu
Net Worth: USD 74 billion
Source: Telecom
The telecom tycoon from Mexico, Carlos Slim Helu is the person who has become the world's richest person in the year 2011. He maintained his position of the richest person in the world from last year when he replaced Bill Gates to secure the number one place in the Forbes rich list 2010, with a net worth in USD 74 billion. Presently, Carlos Slim Helu is the Chairman and Chief Executive of companies like Telmex and Latin America's largest corporation and biggest mobile phone company, 'American Movil'. Apart from this, he is the owner of a construction conglomerate and a stake holder in several other companies including, New York Times.

★ Bill Gates
Net Worth: USD 56 billion
Source: Microsoft
Bill Gates, the former CEO and current Chairman of Microsoft is the second richest man in the world and the richest man in the United States. In the year 2009, he was the richest man in the world. But from last two years, Bill Gates has secured the second place with a net worth in USD 56 billion. Apart from being a business tycoon, Bill Gates is also a philanthropist. He established Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in the year 2000, through which he donates large sums of money for scientific research programs and to charitable organizations.

★ Warren Buffet
Net Worth: USD 50 billion
Source: Berkshire Hathaway
Another American to feature in the Forbes top 10 richest people in the world list is Warren Buffet. He is the investment tycoon of America. From last year his net worth increased by 3 billion and has reached to USD $50. He is the Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and owns many companies such as American Express Company, BYD, The Coca-Cola Company and Kraft Foods. He has so far given $8 billion to Gates Foundation as charity. With a net worth in USD 50 billion, American investor Warren Buffet is the third richest person in the world.

★ Bernard Arnault
Net Worth: USD 41 billion
Source: Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH)
Bernard Arnault is a French businessman, who jumped from the seventh position to capture the fourth position in the list of world richest people in the world. He is the founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of a luxury goods conglomerate, LVMH. LVMH is the world's largest luxury goods conglomerate with more than fifty luxury brand including, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Fendi. In 2011, he is the one who has made it to the fourth place in the Forbes list of top 10 richest people in the world with a net worth in USD 41 billion.

★ Larry Ellison
Net Worth: USD 39.5 billion
Source: Oracle
Larry Ellison or Lawrence Joseph Ellison is the founder and CEO of the database giant, Oracle. Oracle was founded in the year 1977 and in the last five years, Oracle has acquired 75 companies. This year, Lawrry Ellison is the fifth richest person in the Forbes list of richest people in the world with a net worth in USD 39.5 billion.

★ Lakshmi Mittal
Net Worth: USD 31.1 billion
Source: Steel, ArcelorMittal ADS
Lakshmi Mittal is the chairman and chief executive officer of the world's largest steel making company, ArcelorMittal. He is the richest resident of London, and also holds the citizenship of India. With a net worth in USD 31.1 billion, Lakshmi Mittal is the person to secure the sixth place in the list of top 10 richest people in the world. He is also known for his donation to encourage sports.

★ Amancio Ortega
Net Worth: USD 31 billion
Source: Inditex group
Amancio Ortega is a Spanish fashion entrepreneur with a net worth of UDS 31 billion. Being Spain's wealthiest man he is also the seventh most richest man in the world. Amancio Ortega holds 60% of Inditex group, which is a fashion firm that includes brands like, Zara, Massimo Dutti and Stradivariushas and operates 5,000 stores in 77 countries of the world.

★ Eike Batista
Net Worth: USD 30 billion
Source: Mining, Oil
Eike Fuhrken Batista, a Brazilian entrepreneur with a net worth in USD 30 billion is the eighth richest person in the world in 2011. He is the son of former mining minister of Brazil, Eliezer Batista da Silva. Eike Batista is the richest man in Brazil and presently, he is focusing mainly in mining and oil sector. In 2009, he was placed in the 61 position in the Forbes' billionaire list. But, within a year, he made USD 19.5 billion, mainly from his oil and gas exploration company to make it to the number 8 position and has maintained his position in 2011 too.

★ Mukesh Ambani
Net Worth: USD 27 billion
Source: Petrochemicals, Oil & Gas
Mukesh Ambani from India with a net worth USD 27 billion has secured the ninth place in the list of top 10 richest people of the world. Last year he was on the fourth position but in 2011 he slipped down to the ninth position with a loss of 2 billion. He is the owner of Reliance Industries, which is one of the most valuable companies in India. Major sectors of investment are petrochemical, oil and gas exploration. Mukesh Ambani is also the owner of a cricket team in the IPL.

★ Christy Walton & Family
Net Worth: USD 26.5 billion
Source:Wal-Mart
Christy Walton & family of the United States enter the top 10 richest people list in 2011 holding the tenth position. Their net worth is USD 26.5 billion and the bulk comes form the world largest retail chain Wal-Mart. Christy Walton is the widow of John Walton who was the son of the founder of Wal-Mart, Sam Walton.

So, these are the top 10 richest people in the world according to the Forbes billionaire list. Hope this article was helpful and provided some interesting information about these wealthiest people of the world.