World’s Billionaires in 2024

In an era marked by unprecedented challenges, the world’s wealthiest individuals have not only weathered the storm but have seen their fortunes soar to new heights. Amidst a backdrop of global economic recovery, technological advancements, and shifting market dynamics, the billionaire class has expanded its ranks and wealth like never before.

The total count now stands at an astonishing 2,781 billionaires, an increase of 141 from the previous year and surpassing the previous high-water mark set in 2021 by 26. Their combined net worth has skyrocketed to a staggering $14.2 trillion, a leap of $2 trillion from 2023 and $1.1 trillion more than the record established in 2021.

This year’s growth in billionaire wealth is not just broad but deep, with two-thirds of the list’s members seeing their net worth increase over the past year; only a quarter have seen declines.

A significant portion of this wealth accumulation can be attributed to the top echelon of the list, with the top 20 billionaires alone amassing an additional $700 billion since 2023.

The United States continues to lead the global tally with a record-breaking 813 billionaires, whose collective wealth totals $5.7 trillion.

China, including Hong Kong, maintains its position as the runner-up with 473 billionaires holding a combined wealth of $1.7 trillion, despite facing economic headwinds such as subdued consumer spending and a real estate downturn that erased approximately $300 billion in wealth.

India stands proudly in third place, boasting 200 billionaires, a record number for the country.

To arrive at these net worth figures, Forbes utilized stock prices and exchange rates from March 8, 2024, ensuring the most accurate and current valuation of these vast fortunes. 

Building on this comprehensive analysis, I’ve taken the initiative to visually encapsulate the distribution of global wealth through an interactive map hosted on adventourely.com. This map not only showcases the geographical spread of the world’s billionaires but also offers insights into the economic landscapes that foster such immense wealth.