The wealthiest women in the world dominate various industries such as entertainment, cosmetics and food.
The majority of the five wealthiest women (as of February 2024) are from the United States, according to Statista.
5. Miriam Adelson
Miriam Adelson, an American and Israeli physician focusing on tackling drug addiction, has a staggering net worth of around $35.7 billion.
She became the owner of casino and resort company Las Vegas Sands in 2021 after her husband, Sheldon Adelson, died.
In 2000, Miriam founded the Adelson Clinic to help treat those addicted to opioids.
4. Jacqueline Mars
With an estimated net worth of $39.5 billion, Jacqueline Mars is the fourth wealthiest woman in the world and owns around 30% of the food and sweets empire Mars Incorporated.
She is the granddaughter of Franklin Clarence Mars, who founded the famous company, which is behind popular brands such as M&Ms, Snickers and Skittles.
Jacqueline worked for Mars for 20 years and was on the board until 2016.
3. Julia Koch (and family)
Julia Koch, an American philanthropist, has an estimated net worth of $59.8 billion.
When her husband, David Koch, died in 2019, Julia and her three children inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries, which has subsidiaries that are involved in various areas such as manufacturing and energy.
Before Julia married David, she was an assistant to fashion designer Adolfo Sardiña and dressed high-profile clients, including Nancy Reagan.
Julia is the president of the David H. Koch Foundation, which supports many causes involving medical research, education and the arts.
2. Alice Walton
Alice Walton, an American heiress, has an estimated net worth of $63.7 billion and is the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton.
While Alice owns a huge stake in Walmart alongside her siblings, Rob and Jim, she doesn’t work for the retail corporation.
Instead, Alice has focused on art and wellness, opening the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in 2011 and the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, which was founded in 2021.
1. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers
With an eye-watering net worth of $99 billion, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, a French businesswoman and philanthropist, is the richest woman in the world.
Françoise is the granddaughter of Eugène Schueller, the founder of beauty empire L’Oréal, and the only child of Liliane Bettencourt.
When her mother died in 2017, she inherited her fortune. Along with her family, Françoise owns around 33% of L’Oréal stock, according to Forbes.
She has been a director of L’Oréal since 1997. Françoise is the founder and president of the Fondation Bettencourt Schueller, which supports sciences and the arts, as well as promotes an inclusive society.
