The are more of them, amounts are higher, they come from a greater number of countries and if you want to join them in the top twenty you’ll need a net worth of 31 billion dollars.

That’s according to Forbes magazine’s annual ranking of the global billionaires – Forbes 28th Annual Billionaires Issue. And back on top is Bill Gates.

His total net worth rose from 67 billion dollars last year to 76 billion dollars. He knocked Mexican telecoms tycoon Carlos Slim off top spot. He has been there for the past four consecutive years. Spanish clothing retailer Amancio Ortega maintained third position.

According to Forbes the world’s largest economy, the US continues to dominate with the most billionaires – 492 in all.

The list suggests that wealth is spreading four new countries featured for the first time Algeria, Lithuania, Tanzania and Uganda.