Worlds Richest People 2009

    Bill Gates
    Worth: $40 billion
    It'll come as no surprise that Bill tops to rich list as Microsoft keeps getting bigger and bigger. A self-made billionaire, Bill and his wife Melinda have donated a huge amount of their fortune to their charity.

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    Warren Buffett
    Worth: $37 billion
    Nicknamed the "Oracle of Omaha" for his success in the stock market, this 78 year old American is worth a whopping $37 billion. He's settling for second place after losing $25 billion in the last 12 months.

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    Carlos Slim Helu
    Worth: $35 billion
    This man, despite losing $25 billion in the last year, still comes in at number 3. Mr Helu owns 90% of Mexico's phone lines

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    Lawrence Ellison
    Worth: $22.5 billion
    Larry Ellison, founder of software giant Oracle, is an American college drop out. He's worth $22.5 billion now. You should see his yachts...

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    Ingvar Kamprad
    Worth: $22 billion
    The man behind Ikea earns his number 5 place. The Swede is worth $22 billion in flat pack furniture. WalletPop fun fact: the name IKEA is an acronym of his first and last name, family farm and local village

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    Karl Albrecht
    Worth: $21.5 billion
    The elusive man behind budget supermarket chain Aldi is worth $21.5 billion

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    Mukesh Ambani
    Worth: $19.5 billion
    Ambani is worth $19.5 billion. He's yet to move in to his new 27-story, $1 billion home.

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    Lakshmi Mittal
    Worth: $19.3 billion
    Steel magnate Mittal inherited the family business from his father and turned it into the global powerhouse it is today

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    Theo Albrecht
    Worth: $18.8 billion
    The other half of the Aldi empire belongs to this man. Looks like he's doing alright for himself too.

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    Amancio Ortega
    Worth: $18.3 billion
    Clothing giant Zara has landed this man a place in the top ten. He has 4000 stores in 71 countries.

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