World's Billionaires 2009

[Rasputin]

It's been a tough year for the richest people in the world. Last year there were 1,125 billionaires. This year there are just 793 people rich enough to make our list.

The world has become a wealth wasteland.

Like the rest of us, the richest people in the world have endured...

[IQ]

#1 William Gates III


© AP PhotoAge: 50
Fortune: self made
Source: Microsoft

Net Worth: 50.0

Country Of Citizenship: United States
Residence: Medina, Washington, United States, North America
Industry: Software
Marital Status:...

[Snow]

© Getty Images

William Henry Gates III
Medina, Wash.
Rank: 1
Net Worth: $51.0 billion

© Berkshire Hathaway

Warren Edward Buffett
Omaha, Nebr.
Rank: 2
Net Worth: $40.0 billion

...