Forbes released yesterday the list of billionaires, based on an annual ranking of the world's wealthiest people. The total net worth is an estimate measured in United States dollars, based on the closing stock prices of the stock exchanges on which each person's company is listed on, and exchange rates on 11 February 2008.

- After 13 years on top, Bill Gates is no longer the richest man in the world. This place now belongs to his compatriot Warren Buffett. Bill Gates is ranked third richest in the world, and Mexican telecom business man Carlos Slim Helú ranks as the world's second richest person.

- In the Top 10, 4 are Indian citizens, 2 US citizens. Others are German, Mexican, Russian, Swede.

- In the Top 20, 4 are US citizens, 4 Indian citizens, 4 Russians, 2 French people, 2 Germans. Others are from Hong Kong, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Sweden.

- In the Top 50, 20 are US citizens, 8 Russians, 5 Indians, 3 French citizens, 3 Germans, 3 Hong Kong citizens and 2 Swedes. Others are from Canada, Kuwait, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain, United Kingdom.

And what about some years ago? Let's see the same list in 2004.

- In the Top 10, 8 were US citizens. Others were Germans and Saudis.

- In the Top 20, 12 were US citizens, 2 Canadians, 2 Germans. Others were from Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sweden.

- In the Top 50, 28 were US citizens, 4 Germans, 4 Swedes, 2 Russians, 2 Canadians, 2 Hong Kong citizens. Others were from Australia, France, Italy, Kuwait, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain, United Kingdom.

We note a spectacular progression of India and Russia in the ranking, and the regression of USA. The American case can be explained by the economic difficulties (subprime crisis etc.) which are experienced last months by the country. On the contrary, Russia ended 2007 with its ninth straight year of growth, in 2007, Russia's GDP rising around 7.8% from the previous year. Growth was primarily driven by non-traded services and goods for the domestic market, more than oil or mineral extraction and exports. With this healthy economy, many Russian business men can see their fortune growing fast if their are devoted to the Kremlin. Indian economic power is growing fast too. It is the second most populous country of the world, so the national market is very important and can transform a little company in a big conglomerate.