Bill Gates World Richest for the 16th Time

Bill Gates has been declared the richest man in the world for the 16th time by Forbes magazine's annual ranking of global billionaires.

The Microsoft founder once again beat Mexican businessman Carlos Slim for the top spot.

Mr Gates' net worth rose by just over US$3 billion (£1.94 billion) in the year ending February 13, to US$79 billion.

There are a record 1,826 billionaires in the world, Forbes said, an increase of 181 in the past 12 months.

Mr Gates has now been top of the list for 16 of the last 21 years, Forbes added.

Legendary US investor Warren Buffett regained third place in the list with a net worth of US$72.7 billion, from Amancio Ortega, the founder of Spanish fashion chain Zara.