World's richest at a time of crisis

Who are the world's richest today?

In March, 2008, the Forbes published its list of the richest people in the world. The country that had the most spots in the top 15 was India followed by the U.S.

But our latest crisis has largely reconfigured the world’s map in terms of riches.

According to Forbes Magazine's 2009 list, not only has the overall number of billionaires diminished from 1,125 to 793, but their wealth has dwindled.

Together, the top three lost $68 billion in the year to Feb. 13, when Forbes 23rd annual ranking of the world's billionaires compiled its list of the wealthiest people in the world.

Titled "Billionaire Bust", this month’s Forbes special issue announced a drop on this year’s wealth of more than 45%, 2.4 trillion U.S. dollars, down from 4.4 trillion last year.

The U.S. has regained the top spot, while India has lost not only its leading post, but has been replaced by China as leading the group of most promising emerging economies.

New York City replaced Moscow as home to the most billionaires, with 55, but still the U.S. has 110 fewer billionaires than it did a year ago.

Russia, which witnessed an increase in the number of super- rich in recent years, underwent among the biggest drops, with the number of billionaires down to 32 from 87.

In the midst of this, Bill Gates regained his crown as the richest man in the world, worth 40 billion U.S. dollars, despite losing 18 billion in the past 12 months.

Not as lucky, Warren Buffet, Forbes’ former leader worth 37 billion U.S. dollars, had to be content with second place after sustaining huge losses in the past year.

Nevertheless, he remains confident about the future: "Our economic system (US) has worked extraordinarily well over time. It has unleashed human potential as no other system has, and it will continue to do so."

Third place is held by Mexican Carlos Slim Helú, worth 35 billion and richest man in Latin America, whose fortune nonetheless, didn’t remain intact in these times of economic turmoil.

Indian businessman Anil Ambani, who was the biggest gainer on last year's list, fell to 34 with an estimated wealth of 10.1 billion U.S. dollars after having 32 billion wiped out over the last 12 months.

According to Steve Forbes, Chief Executive of Forbes Magazines, "The typical billionaire is down at least one third on their net worth."