The world's richest only appear to gain more capital and wealth with each passing year, widening the considerable margin between between the affluent and the vast working class. 2,208 individuals made Forbes' annual ranking of global billionaires, who together amassed a combined total of $9.1 trillion (an 18% increase from last year.)
The 20 richest people on the planet have a net-worth of over $1.2 trillion, which is comparable to the yearly economic output of Mexico. While their fortunes may only represent less than 1% of all billionaires, this staggering figure is makes up 13% of the combined riches of these affluent few.
Jeff Bezos, the man behind Amazon, is easily the richest man on the planet, having combined a net-worth of over $39.2 billion. His company saw a 59% increase in shares over the past twelve months, which definitely helped fatten his bank account. Bezos' 2017 is the biggest single year gain since Forbes began tracking the uber-wealthy back in 1987.
Bernard Arnault from France had the second most profitable year behind Bezos, having upped his fortune to $30.5 billion over the past twelve months. He has also become the richest European for the first time since 2012, while also positioning himself fourth in overall earnings.
This year's list contains billionaires from 72 different countries and territories, with moguls from Zimbabwe and Hungary appearing on the ranking for the first time.
Here's the complete list of billionaires and their insane fortunes.
