The Top 6 Richest Heads of State in the Modern World6 photos

1. King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand (30 billion dollars).

With a fortune of 30 billion dollars, King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the wealthiest head of state in the world. In his own country, he is revered as nearly a deity—considered virtually “untouchable,” and any criticism directed at him can result in prolonged imprisonment. His personal wealth is immense: he owns significant shares in several private companies, including “Sammakorn,” “SCG,” and “Thai Insurance PLC,” in addition to vast lands. In 2008, Forbes estimated his wealth at 35 billion dollars, but declines in the real estate and stock markets reduced it by 5 billion dollars the following year.

His contributions to various Thai development projects across fields such as agriculture, public health, water supply, and social welfare are evidence of his efforts to repay the love he receives from his people. 2. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei (20 billion dollars).

At second on our list is Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, whose wealth stems from his country’s abundant oil and natural gas reserves. Descending from a dynasty possibly one of the oldest in the world, this absolute monarch uses his vast resources to ensure that his citizens enjoy free education and universal healthcare, making him essentially the nation’s sole health care provider.

With a family fortune of 18 billion dollars, built on his country’s unprecedented oil reserves, former commander-in-chief of the Saudi National Guard, King Abdullah has always maintained close relations with the United States, frequently visiting its presidents and expressing support for George W. Bush on the second anniversary of September 11th.

He is also reported to be a great admirer of the current U.S. president, stating in private correspondence leaked by Wikileaks, “Thank God Allah has brought Obama to power.”

President Khalifa bin Zayid Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi acquired his immense wealth through real estate investments, inheritance, and oil. Due to his father’s poor health, he assumed the presidential role before officially taking office in 2004.He is widely regarded as a pro-Western modernizer who collaborates closely with the United States, but he has also been described as “distant and lacking in charisma” (according to correspondence leaked by Wikileaks). Nonetheless, his total wealth exceeds 15 billion dollars, making him the third richest monarch in the world.

In 2009, Forbes estimated his wealth at 12 billion dollars. Through his investment company “Dubai World,” Al Maktum controls numerous companies in the UAE, including those in the ports, construction, and oil industries.

In addition to being the head of the tiny European state of Liechtenstein, Prince Hans-Adam II is also one of the world’s wealthiest monarchs. His wealth far exceeds that of many better-known rulers.