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The World Ultra Wealth Report for 2013, a comprehensive analysis of the global ultra-high net worth population has identified the 10 nations with the greatest number of ultra-wealthy residents.
United States
> Ultra-high net worth population: 65,505
> 1-yr. change: 8.7%
> 2012 GDP per capita: $49,922
> 2012 population: 316 million
> 2012 GDP: $15.9 trillion
The United States has more ultra-rich residents than any other country in the world, and accounts for nearly a third of the ultra-high net worth population, with more than 65,000 at last count. For comparison: China, Germany, India, Japan and the United Kingdom together have less than 62,000 ultra-high net worth residents. New York City is home to more than 8,000 ultra-wealthy residents, far more than any city in Europe. Los Angeles and San Francisco each fall slightly short of 5,000. The combined wealth of America’s ultra-high net worth residents was more than $9 trillion.
Germany
> Ultra-high net worth population: 17,820
> 1-yr. change: 13.0%
> 2012 GDP per capita: $39,028
> 2012 population: 81 million
> 2012 GDP: $3.3 trillion
Germany added more than 2,000 ultra-high net worth individuals in the past year. Additionally, four of the 10 cities with the highest populations of extremely wealthy individuals are in Germany. Despite a recent decline in exports, the country still remains a major exporter and continues to run a large trade surplus. However, the country narrowly avoided falling into a recession in 2012, and GDP growth is expected to be slow through 2013. While women make up just 6% of the nation’s ultra-high net worth individuals, they account for 15% of all wealth held by the ultra-wealthy. Germany’s richest woman, Susanne Klatten, is worth $14.3 billion, according to Forbes’ billionaires listing.
Japan
> Ultra-high net worth population: 14,270
> 1-yr. change: 11.2%
> 2012 GDP per capita: $36,266
> 2012 population: 127 million
> 2012 GDP: $4.7 trillion
After a long recession, economic growth may be on the horizon for Japan. Alongside the potential return to growth and a surging stock market, the number of ultra-wealthy individuals in Japan jumped by 11.2%. The cumulative wealth of such individuals also rose 12.5%, versus an increase of 5.4% for Asia (excluding the Middle East). However, Japan faces considerable uncertainty going forward, especially regarding the country’s aggressive plans to spur economic growth through inflation — called “Abenomics” — and a planned nationwide sales tax hike. Japan also faces a massive debt burden, totaling an estimated 238% of GDP as of 2012, according to the IMF.
Agencies
