Who are the richest people in the world today? This list is accurate as of November 18th, 2012 and should be read while sitting down with a drool bucket close by. These men and women have so much money it might make you do something crazy, like punch a hole in the wall or start a software/mining/oil conglomerate. You'll recognize many of the names on this list of billionaires but there are a few who might raise your eyebrows. For example, did you know that the richest person in the world is not Bill Gates? The richest person in the world is not even from The United States or Europe. Perhaps even more astounding is the fact that four people on this list come from the same family and control a combined $100+ billion. Click the image below to launch our gallery or scroll down for the full list…

And if you find this list interesting, you should check out our articles on the 30 Richest Americans Of All Time – Inflation Adjusted and the 25 Richest People Of All Time – Inflation Adjusted. The richest American of all time had $340 billion, far more than the richest person alive today when inflation is adjusted.

The Richest People in the World 2012 Gallery:

The Richest People in the World Full List: