#eGistExclusive: Top 10 Countries With The Highest Number Of Billionaires

1. United States Of America

No. of billionaires: 515

Total net worth (2013): $2,064 billion

Land of the free, home of the billionaires? Nearly a quarter of the world's wealthiest -- those with more than $1 billion in assets are based in the U.S., according to 2013 data from Wealth-X and UBS Billionaire Census 2013. And if you look a little lower on the wealth ladder, at folks worth $30 million or more,
Americans account for a whopping 32% of the world's super rich. American women hold a lot of that wealth: $1.2 trillion worth of assets, more than ultra-wealthy women in any other country.

2. China

No. of billionaires: 157

Total net worth (2013): $384 billion

China's growth has slowed recently, but it remains a hotspot for billionaires. The country added 10 new billionaires over the last year. That number might have been even higher, but some wealthy residents decided to take their money beyond the mainland recently giving Hong Kong and other Asian cities a boost. To be ultra rich in China, think manufacturing. A full 17% of the country's wealthiest, those with $30 million or more in assets, derived their wealth from that sector.

3. Germany

No. of billionaires: 148

Total net worth (2013): $432 billion

It's no secret that Germany's robust economy helped bolster the eurozone and drag it out of the financial crisis. That strength also helped it to keep producing ultra-rich Germans. Indeed, Germany has nearly as many billionaires as China, despite its much smaller population.

German billionaires saw their assets grow slightly in the past year, but wealth creation was even stronger for rich folks in a lower tier those with $30 million to $199 million in assets. That group saw their overall net worth increase more than 25% last year.

4. United Kingdom

No. of billionaires: 135

Total net worth (2013): $420 billion

With London as one of the top financial capitals of the world, the city boasts a growing number of the ultra wealthy. There are now nearly 6,400 Londoners worth more than $30 million -- that's 5.7% more than the year before.

In the U.K. overall, the ranks of the richest -- billionaires -- actually dropped slightly. Their net worth declined as well. But those a rung below them on the wealth scale are enjoying solid financial growth, so it's likely more Brits will reach the billionaire mark soon.

5. USSR - Russia

No. of billionaires: 108

Total net worth (2013): $342 billion

The Russian economy has been thrust into question due to the annexation of Crimea and the crisis in Ukraine. The International Monetary Fund recently lowered its projections for Russia's growth from 2% to 1.3%.

Still, there are plenty of ultra-rich Russians. In fact, their numbers rose by 35 last year. How much the political unrest will affect the country's wealthiest citizens in the future, though, remains to be seen, especially since the U.S. and E.U. have imposed sanctions against some Russian individuals and businesses.

6. India

No. of billionaires: 103

Total net worth (2013): $180 billion

2013 wasn't a great year for Indian billionaires. Their ranks and overall wealth declined more than 5%. Meanwhile, the country has struggled with economic issues including a weak rupee, slowing growth and high public debt.

But with a sweeping victory for the country's pro-business party last month, and the inauguration of a new prime minister, Narendra Modi, investors hope a turnaround is near. Modi is focused on growth, and seeks to attract foreign investment by minimizing bureaucratic challenges businesses face there. That means more billionaires could be on the way.

7. Hong Kong

No. of billionaires: 75

Total net worth (2013): $224 billion

Hong Kong is attracting more of Asia's wealth as investors in mainland China seek to diversify their assets in a place known for low taxes and light regulation.

Hong Kong's super rich are worth a combined $530 billion -- and their wealth is growing at healthy double-digit rates.

8. Saudi Arabia

No. of billionaires: 64

Total net worth (2013): $204 billion

The oil-rich Middle East has long been a home for billionaires, and Saudi Arabia leads the pack. It also boasts a growing population of ultra-wealthy people who have $30 million or more in assets. Saudi Arabia gained 200 of these super-rich folks last year, and their total wealth grew 27%, according to Wealth-X. Almost the entire Middle East saw double-digit growth, except for Syria, where the ongoing civil war has taken a toll.

 9. France

• No. of billionaires: 64
  Total net worth (2013): $202 billion
  French President Francois Hollande garnered international attention for his so-called "millionaire tax," which was approved by France's highest court last year. Under it, companies that pay high annual salaries could face a 75% tax rate. While critics fear the tax will push some wealthy residents to leave the country, the impact is yet to be seen. Most French billionaires and multimillionaires are based in Paris. The City of Light accounts for nearly three-quarters of the country's wealthiest.
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• 10. Swizerland
  No. of billionaires: 61
  Total net worth (2013): $128 billion
  As Europe continues to recover from the debt crisis, its high earners have seen big gains. Switzerland has proved to be especially resilient, as the super rich added almost $100 billion to their coffers last year. And while the country has recently been cracking down on tax evasion and chipping away at banking secrecy laws, the country still managed to mint four new billionaires last year.