Have you ever wondered which countries have the wealthiest presidents in the world? These heads of state not only wield huge power, but also have a huge net worth, separating them from the rest. Some of these presidents have made their fortune in the private sector, while others have inherited their wealth. If you are interested in those who came from the private sector, make sure you also read our list of self-made billionaires who came from nothing.
The majority of the wealthiest presidents in the world are of some type of royalty, which includes princes, kings and emirs. Hence, not all were democratically elected and some have even held power for decades in their respective countries. This has allowed them to use their position to further advance their financial goals, with some even benefiting directly from the local economy. This does not necessarily represent a problem, yet it is noteworthy how much wealth some leaders possess, despite their government role.
Despite any objections one might have, the wealthiest presidents in the world surely have no financial troubles, thus making them less prone to corruption. After all, there is less motivation to engage in acts of corruption when money is of no concern to the government official in question. This at least has been the premise for centuries, despite the fact that it doesn’t always hold up.
Either way, we are sure you are dying to know which are the wealthiest presidents in the world by now, or that you have at least become somewhat curious as to who these people are. If this is the case, then we hope you will enjoy the following list we have created for you.
10. Nursultan Nazarbayev – $1 billion
Nazarbayev has been the leader of Kazakhstan since 1989 and is the first president to be elected since the Soviet era. There are considerable doubts regarding the origins of his wealth, with accusations of corruption running high.
The list of the wealthiest presidents in the world continues on the next page with Lebanon’s leader.
9. Saad Hariri – $2 billion
Much to our surprise, the Prime Minister of Lebanon has a net worth of over $2 billion, making him the one of the richest heads of state in the world. This Lebanese-Saudi businessman ran the government until 2011 when it collapsed, and has returned to Lebanon this year.
8. Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani – $2.5 billion
The Emir of Qatar is naturally part of the royal family and is thus entitled to its vast financial resources. Since seizing power in 1995 through a coup d’état, Al Thani has managed the country successfully, turning it into one of the richest in the world.
7. Mohammed VI – $2.5 billion
The King of Morocco boasts a considerable net worth and has been the incumbent ruler of this nation since 1999. He is the country’s biggest businessman and banker, yet most of his fortune comes from his participation in the wealth of the Moroccan royal family.
T5. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – $4 billion
The Emir of the United Arab Emirates has claimed a tie for the fifth spot by a wide margin over Morocco’s leader. His roles include Prime Minister, Vice President, and constitutional monarch of Dubai, and his area of expertise is business.
T5. Hans-Adam II – $4 billion
One of the wealthiest heads of state in the world is Hans-Adam II, the Prince of Liechtenstein. Despite what you may think about European royalty, this prince actually wields broad powers, especially since the 2003 referendum which expanded his position’s prerogatives.
4. Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – $15 billion
Al Nahyan not only serves as President of the United Arab Emirates, but also as Emir of Abu Dhabi, one of the richest and most impressive cities in the world. The Emir has put his wealth to good use, putting up to $460 million of his own money into humanitarian projects.
3. Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Saud – $18 billion
The King of Saudi Arabia has a considerable fortune, yet it comes as little surprise, since the wealth of the royal family is a well-known fact. Abdullah has been on the throne since 2005, when his half-brother King Fahd passed away.
2. Hassanal Bolkiah – $20 billion
The Sultan of Brunei’s fortune is staggering, yet he is only the runner-up on our list. Nevertheless, Hassanal Bolkiah has full executive powers and a tight grip on his country, making him by far the most politically and financially powerful man in Brunei.
1. Bhumibol Adulyadej – $30 billion
With a net worth of over $30 billion, the King of Thailand is surely the richest head of state in the world. As is the case with most constitutional monarchies, the King has full powers and is by no means just a figurehead.
