By Julie Etra

#1. Carlos Slim Helú.,  $69.0 billion

Commonly known as Carlos Slim, is the richest individual in the world with a net worth of $69 billion as of March 2012. He made his fortune through the telecommunications business, specifically as Chairman and CEO of the Mexican mega monopolies Telmex, Telcel and América Móvil. His parents were both of Lebanese descent, having migrated eventually to Mexico City, although his mother was born in Chihuahua Mexico. His father and his uncle founded the business La Estrella de Oriente (“the Star of the East”), a dry goods store, with 25,800 pesos. The young Carlos learned about business early in life, although his father died when Carlos was only 13. He received a degree in engineering from UNAM, and started the Grupo Carso in 1965, the first of his many businesses. He is also a respected philanthropist and baseball lover. Continue reading The Richest Mexicans →