For the first time in 16 years, a non-American tops Forbes magazine's list of the world's richest people.
Mexican telecommunications tycoon Carlos Slim unseated Bill Gates for first place. Slim's net worth increased $18.5 billion to $53.5 billion.
"A mere $500 million separated the two," editor-in-chief Steve Forbes told the New York Daily News. "In a billionaire's world, that is close."
Gates' net worth also soared, just not as much. Forbes said Gates is $13 billion richer than a year ago as shares of Microsoft rose 50 percent.
Warren Buffett finished third.
Forbes identified 1,011 billionaires worldwide, 218 more than last year, in its annual ranking.
Some other notables on the list:
- Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, no. 773, $1.3 billion.
- Georgia Aquarium benefactor Bernie Marcus, no. 655, $1.5 billion.
- Oprah Winfrey, no. 400, $2.4 billion.
- Donald Trump, no. 488, $2.0 billion.
- Steven Spielberg, no. 316, $3.0 billion.
- Chick-Fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy, no. 655, $1.5 billion.
- Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, no. 400, $2.4 billion.
- Fashion king Ralph Lauren, no. 173, $4.6 billion.
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