Not much has changed over the years when it comes to the people at the top of the world’s richest list. 2014 was a big year for billionaires, a record 290 new people joined the elite.
CCTV America’s Rachelle Akuffo reported from Washington, D.C.

U.S. magazine lists world\'s wealthiest and their philanthropy

The saying "the rich are getting richer" is certainly true if you look at Forbes annual list of the world's wealthiest people. 2014 was a big year for billionaires, a record 290 new people joined the elite. CCTV America's Rachelle Akuffo reported from Washington, D.C.

If the world’s billionaires formed their own country, their collective net worth would rank them third in the world, behind China. That is based on data from Forbes’ latest ranking of the world’s wealthiest people. There are now more than 1,800 billionaires worldwide worth an estimated $7 trillion.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates topped the list for the 16th time in 21 years with $79 billion, but competition is stiff. Mexican telecom giant Carlos Slim Helu followed closely with $77 billion. U.S. investor Warren Buffet overtook Zara’s CEO to take the third spot with nearly $73 billion.

The United States is home to the most billionaires at 536. That’s more than 3 out of every 10 of the world’s billionaires. China added more billionaires than any other country, bringing the total to 213 to clinch second place. Germany, India and Russia round out the top five.

Despite Alibaba’s IPO making founder Jack Ma the richest man in China initially, he wasn’t able to stay the richest. Dalian Wanda Group President Wang Jianlin took that title with $24 billion, followed by Ma and Hanergy Holdings Chairman Li Hejun.

A record 197 women made the list with Wal-Mart heiress Christy Walton ranking highest. Worth $41.7 billion, she’s one of a handful Wal-Mart heirs to crack the top 20. Notable new billionaires include basketball legend Michael Jordan, Uber CEO Travis Kalanick and Minecraft creator Markus Persson. While tech CEOs continued their dominance on the rich list, the food and beverage industry created more new billionaires than any other industry.

Forbes magazine’s Kerry A. Dolan on their Billionaires list

CCTV America interviewed Kerry A. Dolan, assistant managing editor of Wealth with Forbes.

Forbes magazine\'s Kerry A. Dolan on their Billionaires list

CCTV America interviewed Kerry A. Dolan, assistant managing editor of Wealth with Forbes.

Here’s a list of the Top 10:
1. Bill Gates
Net worth: $79.2 billion
Source of wealth: Technology company Microsoft Corp.
Nationality: American

2. Carlos Slim Helu
Net worth: $77.1 billion
Source of wealth: Telecommunications
Nationality: Mexican

3. Warren Buffett
Net worth: $72.7 billion
Source of wealth: Investment holding company Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
Nationality: American

4. Amancio Ortega
Net worth: $64.5 billion
Source of wealth: Retail chain Zara
Nationality: Spanish

5. Larry Ellison
Net worth: $54.3 billion
Source of wealth: Technology company Oracle Corp.
Nationality: American

6. Charles Koch (tie)
Net worth: $42.9 billion
Source of wealth: Conglomerate Koch Industries.
Nationality: American

6. David Koch (tie)
Net worth: $42.9 billion
Source of wealth: Conglomerate Koch Industries.
Nationality: American

8. Christy Walton
Net worth: $41.7 billion
Source of wealth: Retailer Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
Nationality: American

9. Jim Walton
Net worth: $40.6 billion
Source of wealth: Retailer Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
Nationality: American

10. Liliane Bettencourt
Net worth: $40.1 billion
Source of wealth: Cosmetics company L’Oreal
Nationality: French
Source: Forbes.