Russia's Wealth

Here is a thing to consider if you are Russian: there are 114 Russian billionaires, more than ever, despite the financial collapse (source: Financial Times). The top 10 Russians in 2010 were worth $182 billion, up 30% from '09, but still below 2007's peak of $221 billion. The resurgence from the 20% rise in the Russian stock market last year and China's growing need for raw materials. The rest of the country: nominal per capita income $10,522 (2010, IMF) and life expectancy under 60. Fortunately for Chelsea football fans there is Roman Abramovich (#4, $11.2 billion) who has spent an estimated £900 million on the club since arriving en scene in 2003.

"Nobody and nothing will stop Russia on the road to strengthening democracy and ensuring human rights and freedoms."
--Vladimir Putin

"A left turn in the fate of Russia is as necessary as it is inevitable."
--Mikhail Khodorkovsky (#1 Russia in 2004, $15 Billion, Forbes, before his arrest)

"People who know me said I will win one or two Premierships and will not be interested after that."
--Roman Abramovich