The 2011 Billionaires List (25th annual Ranking) compiled by the Forbes Magazine has broken two records. First, the total number of listed billionaires (1,210) and the combined amount of their wealth ($4.5 trillion).

The 25th annual ranking of the richest billionaires on the planet was based on the reporting of 50 journalists across 13 countries. These reporters not just met with these candidates and those associated with them, but also minutely track their moves such as the deals they negotiate, their real estate transactions, their luxury purchases and the causes they give to.

The final net worth of these billionaires are based on a valuation of the individual assets, including stakes in public and private companies, real estate, yachts, art and cash.

While the U.S. still continues to top the list with more than 490 billionaires, Asian billionaires pushed Europe back and are now second to the U.S.

One thing that is being reinforced by the 2011 ranking is the shift in global economic power with a sharp increase in the number of billionaires from the emerging BRIC economies. The number of billionaires from China almost doubled to 115, while with 101 and 30 representations respectively, Russia and Brazil saw a two-thirds jump. India had 55, which is six more than last year's representation.

The top ten list, though it has not changed much in composition from last year, has seen some significant repositioning within; the only newcomer, however, is Christy Walton (and family) of Walmart-fame, who moved up two slots from #12 to replace Karl Albrecht.

Start slideshow to view a gallery of the 10 richest billionaires in the world today.

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Carlos Slim Helu family - Mexico
Carlos Slim Helu (& family) - Mexico Reuters
2. William Bill Gates United States
Name:BILL GATES Age: 55 Net Worth:$56 B Title: Co-Chairman Organization: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Source: Microsoft, self-made Country of citizenship: United States Education: Dropout, Harvard University Reuters
Warren Buffett .U.S.
Warren Buffett – U.S. Reuters
French business tycoon Bernard Arnault is the Chairman CEO of French conglomerate LVMH.He has been declared Europes richest man, with net worth estimated at 41 billion as on 2011.
French business tycoon Bernard Arnault is the Chairman & CEO of French conglomerate LVMH. He has been declared Europe's richest man, with net worth estimated at $41 billion as on 2011. Reuters
Larry Ellison United States
Larry Ellison – U.S. Reuters
6.Lakshmi Mittal - India
Name:LAKSHMI MITTAL Age: 60 Education: BA/BS, St Xavier’s College CalcuttaNet Worth:$31.1 B Title: Chairman Organization: ArcelorMittal ADS Source: Steel, inherited and growing Country of citizenship: India Reuters
A Spanish fashion entrepreneur Amancio Ortega is the Chairman of the Inditex Group. He holds a major stake in brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Zara Home, Kiddys Class, Tempe, Stradivarius and Bershka. His net worth has been recorded at 31 billio
A Spanish fashion entrepreneur Amancio Ortega is the Chairman of the Inditex Group. He holds a major stake in brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Zara Home, Kiddy's Class, Tempe, Stradivarius and Bershka. His net worth has been recorded at $31 billion as on 2011. Reuters
7. Eike Batista - Brazil
Eike Batista - Brazil Reuters
Another Indian business giant Mukesh Ambani, Chairman MD of Reliance Industries has made it to the list. He is also Chairman of the Board, Reliance Petroleum, Chairman of Audit Committee, Reliance Retail Limited and Chairman, Reliance Exploration and P
Another Indian business giant Mukesh Ambani, Chairman & MD of Reliance Industries has made it to the list. He is also Chairman of the Board, Reliance Petroleum, Chairman of Audit Committee, Reliance Retail Limited and Chairman, Reliance Exploration and Production DMCC. Also, he is the Director of Bank of America. As on 2011, his networth has been estimated at $27 billion. Reuters
Christy Walton
Fortune: $25.3 B as of March 2012Christy Walton is the richest women in the world and the richest member of the Walton family. Creative Commons
Bill Gates Russia China India