'Forbes': Russia Has 101 Billionaires

"Forbes" magazine estimates that Russian steel magnate Vladimir Lisin has a personal wealth of $24 billion.

The U.S. magazine "Forbes" says Russia now has more than 100 billionaires -- and more billionaires live in Moscow than any other city in the world.


In its annual list of the world's richest people, U.S.-based "Forbes" says the number of billionaires in Russia has grown to 101 -- up from 62 Russian billionaires in last year's list.

The magazine says Moscow is home to 79 of Russia's billionaires.

It adds that Russia now accounts for one-third of Europe's 300 billionaires and 15 of the world's 100 richest people.


Leading the Russian billionaires list is steel baron Vladimir Lisin, with an estimated personal wealth of $24 billion. This puts him in 14th place among the world's richest people.


Alongside Russia's 101 billionaires, "Forbes" said China now has 115 billionaires -- the first time any countries outside the United States had more than 100.

"Forbes" said the U.S. now has 413 billionaires.


The magazine said that overall, the Asia-Pacific region now has 332 billionaires, surpassing Europe's total for the first time.


"Forbes" said Mexican telecommunications tycoon Carlos Slim, with an estimated fortune of $74 billion, remains the world's richest person, followed by Microsoft founder Bill Gates at $56 billion.

"Forbes" says there are currently at least 1,210 billionaires in the world.


compiled from agency reports