For the first time , Forbes ' rich list named more than 1,000 billionaires from around the world , with 226 newcomers . It crowns American investor Warren Buffett as world 's richest person . After 13 years on top , Microsoft 's Bill Gates drops to number three position . Russia joins China as No . 1 country with 87 billionaires . Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg will be youngest self - made billionaire in history .
It crowns American investor Warren Buffett as world 's richest person . After 13 years on top , Microsoft 's Bill Gates drops to number three position . Russia joins China as No . 1 country with 87 billionaires . Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg will be youngest self - made billionaire in history .