When it comes to riches, there is a scale for everything. What qualifies “wealthy” today may alter significantly from what it meant to be affluent a century ago. The number of billionaires grows in tandem with inflation, which raises the expense of living.
In 2021, Forbes recorded a total of 2,755 billionaires globally. The 2021 list includes a record number of approximately 500 new billionaires from 2020. In 2021, the United States had the most billionaires in the world, with 724, followed by China (698) and India (237).
Who was the wealthiest person ever?
The richest person in history is supposed to have been an emperor, whose wealth accumulation has been described as “unimaginable” or “incalculable.” Mansa Musa, the 14th-century African emperor, holds the title, and his riches is estimated to be worth $400 billion in today’s dollars.
Musa reigned the Mali Empire beginning in 1312, during a period when gold and salt resources aided the empire’s expansion and prosperity. According to the BBC, Musa and the empire controlled over half of all gold in the Old World. Musa is credited with sponsoring and promoting literature, education, architecture, and the arts.
Who was the first billionaire?
John D. Rockefeller became the world’s first billionaire in measurable dollars. In 1916, the founder of Standard Oil Company became a billionaire, with a net worth of almost 2% of the national economy. According to Forbes, the Rockefeller family’s wealth was $8.4 billion in 2020. The fortune is spread out among over 70 heirs.
Who is the world’s richest person?
Elon Musk is the richest person in the world once again – he’s back in the top spot after LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault and his family overtook the title in December 2022 when Tesla stock dropped. As of January 2024, Musk’s net worth is about $230 billion, according to Forbes.
Who is the world’s richest family?
Despite a $11 billion loss in July 2022 as Walmart’s earnings decreased, the Walton family remains the world’s wealthiest family, with a net worth of about $200 billion, according to Insider. Sam Walton was the founder of Walmart and left behind his legacy and wealth to his three children and their families.
Coming in close behind the Walton family for the title of the world’s richest family is the Mars family with an estimated wealth of $142 billion and the Koch family at $124 billion, according to Investopedia.