Top 10 Most Expensive Accidents In History

Throughout history, humans have always been prone to accidents. Some, such as the exotic car crashes seen on this page, can be very expensive. But that's trivial compared to the truly expensive accidents. An accident is defined as "an undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss". Our aim is to list the top 10 most expensive accidents in the history of the world as measured in dollars. This includes property damage and expenses incurred related to the accident such as cleanup and industry losses. Many of these accidents involve casualties which obviously cannot be measured in dollar terms. Each life lost is priceless and is not factored into the equation. Deliberate actions such as war or terrorism and natural disasters do not qualify as accidents and therefore are not included in this list.

10. Titanic – Loss Involved $150 Million:

The sinking of the Titanic is possibly the most famous accident in the world. But it barely makes our list of top 10 most expensive. On April 15, 1912, the Titanic sank on its maiden voyage and was considered to be the most luxurious ocean liner ever built. Over 1,500 people lost their lives when the ship ran into an iceberg and sunk in frigid waters. The ship cost $7 million to build ($150 million in today’s dollars).

9. Tanker Truck vs Bridge – Loss Involved $358 Million:

On August 26, 2004, a car collided with a tanker truck containing 32,000 liters of fuel on the Wiehltal Bridge in Germany. The tanker crashed through the guardrail and fell 90 feet off the A4 Autobahn resulting in a huge explosion and fire which destroyed the load-bearing ability of the bridge. Temporary repairs cost $40 million and the cost to replace the bridge is estimated at $318 Million.

8. MetroLink Crash – Loss Involved $500 Million:

On September 12, 2008, in what was one of the worst train crashes in California history, 25 people were killed when a Metrolink commuter train crashed head-on into a Union Pacific freight train in Los Angeles. It is thought that the Metrolink train may have run through a red signal while the conductor was busy text messaging. Wrongful death lawsuits are expected to cause $500 million in losses for Metrolink.

7. B-2 Bomber Crash – Loss Involved $1.4 Billion:

Here we have our first billion dollar accident (and we’re only #7 on the list). This B-2 stealth bomber crashed shortly after taking off from an air base in Guam on February 23, 2008. Investigators blamed distorted data in the flight control computers caused by moisture in the system. This resulted in the aircraft making a sudden nose-up move which made the B-2 stall and crash. This was 1 of only 21 ever built and was the most expensive aviation accident in history. Both pilots were able to eject to safety.

6. Exxon Valdez – Loss Involved $2.5 Billion:

The Exxon Valdez oil spill was not a large one in relation to the world’s biggest oil spills, but it was a costly one due to the remote location of Prince William Sound (accessible only by helicopter and boat). On March 24, 1989, 10.8 million gallons of oil was spilled when the ship’s master, Joseph Hazelwood, left the controls and the ship crashed into a Reef. The cleanup cost Exxon $2.5 billion.

5. Piper Alpha Oil Rig – Loss Involved $3.4 Billion:

The world’s worst off-shore oil disaster. At one time, it was the world’s single largest oil producer, spewing out 317,000 barrels of oil per day. On July 6, 1988, as part of routine maintenance, technicians removed and checked safety valves which were essential in preventing dangerous build-up of liquid gas. There were 100 identical safety valves which were checked. Unfortunately, the technicians made a mistake and forgot to replace one of them. At 10 PM that same night, a technician pressed a start button for the liquid gas pumps and the world’s most expensive oil rig accident was set in motion.
Within 2 hours, the 300 foot platform was engulfed in flames. It eventually collapsed, killing 167 workers and resulting in $3.4 Billion in damages.

4. Challenger Explosion – Loss involved $5.5 Billion:

The Space Shuttle Challenger was destroyed 73 seconds after takeoff due on January 28, 1986 due to a faulty O-ring. It failed to seal one of the joints, allowing pressurized gas to reach the outside. This in turn caused the external tank to dump its payload of liquid hydrogen causing a massive explosion. The cost of replacing the Space Shuttle was $2 billion in 1986 ($4.5 billion in today’s dollars). The cost of investigation, problem correction, and replacement of lost equipment cost $450 million from 1986-1987 ($1 Billion in today’s dollars).

3. Prestige Oil Spill – $12 Billion:

On November 13, 2002, many of us didnt heared about this catasctrophic incident. The Prestige oil tanker was carrying 77,000 tons of heavy fuel oil when one of its twelve tanks burst during a storm off Galicia, Spain. Fearing that the ship would sink, the captain called for help from Spanish rescue workers, expecting them to take the ship into harbour. However, pressure from local authorities forced the captain to steer the ship away from the coast. The captain tried to get help from the French and Portuguese authorities, but they too ordered the ship away from their shores. The storm eventually took its toll on the ship resulting in the tanker splitting in half and releasing 20 million gallons oil into the sea.
According to a report by the Pontevedra Economist Board, the total cleanup cost $12 billion.

2. Space Shuttle Columbia – Loss involved $13 Billion:

The Space Shuttle Columbia was the first space worthy shuttle in NASA’s orbital fleet. It was destroyed during re-entry over Texas on February 1, 2003 after a hole was punctured in one of the wings during launch 16 days earlier. The original cost of the shuttle was $2 Billion in 1978. That comes out to $6.3 Billion in today’s dollars. $500 million was spent on the investigation, making it the costliest aircraft accident investigation in history. The search and recovery of debris cost $300 million.
In the end, the total cost of the accident (not including replacement of the shuttle) came out to $13 Billion according to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

1. Chernobyl -Loss Involved $200 Billion:

On April 26, 1986, This is the world’s worst and also the costliest accident ever in history. The Chernobyl disaster has been called the biggest socio-economic catastrophe in peacetime history. 50% of the area of Ukraine is in some way contaminated. Over 200,000 people had to be evacuated and resettled while 1.7 million people were directly affected by the disaster. The death toll attributed to Chernobyl, including people who died from cancer years later, is estimated at 125,000. The total costs including cleanup, resettlement, and compensation to victims has been estimated to be roughly $200 Billion. The cost of a new steel shelter for the Chernobyl nuclear plant will cost $2 billion alone. The accident was officially attributed to power plant operators who violated plant procedures and were ignorant of the safety requirements needed.

13 bEst HaloWeen pEt cOstumeS 2009

1. Lady Bee's Best Swine Flu Worker Pet Costume Award:

Doctor Dog

After 36 hours on call, I'm still vaccinating those mutts. Hey, I'm dog tired!

2. Lady Bee's Best Pimp Pet Costume Award:

I've been covering dog pimp costumes for three years now, and even though this is called The Joker Dog Costume, I actually saw this dog being followed by several hot looking bitches.

Hey, you gotta' pay steaks up front Buddy. That'll be five big ones.

3. Lady Bee's Most Neurotic Pet Costume Award:

Prince of Frogs

Prince or frog... prince or frog... Are those the only two choices I have?

4. Lady Bee's Giant Pumpkin Pet Costume Award:

Pumpkin Pooch

God, do I look fat in this get-up. And I can hardly move either.

5. Lady Bee's Most Literary Pet Costume Award:

Puss in Boots is a famous 17th Century fairy tale about a tricky cat. Now, who would accuse a cat of trickery? Check out the Puss In Boot images on Google. Puss In Boots Costume

I didn't get to be fat and happy dressing like an alley cat, believe me

6. Lady Bee's Spunkiest Cheerleader Pet Costume:

Deluxe Cheerleader Dog Costume

What are you pouting for? I was cheering for you!

7. Lady Bee's Best Sports Pet Costume:

Football Star Dog Costume

Is THAT why we lost?

8. Lady Bee's Best Looking Witch Pet Costume Award:

Witchipoo

You lose, Ms. Poodle!

9. Lady Bee's Most Ridiculous Looking Pet Costume Award:

Class Clown Dog Costume (I guess it should look ridiculous, huh?)

Yes, I'm a clown. I know it. But can't I just rely on my personality?

10. Lady Bee's Cutest Monkey Pet Costume Award:

Monkey Dog Halloween Costume

I did not know that monkeys ate bananas. I think I'd rather dress as a meat eater.

11. Lady Bee's Most Apropos Pet Costume:

Cat From Hell

This is a costume I can totally get into. Was that a bag of bread crumbs I just spilled?

12. Lady Bee's Funniest Pet Costume Award:

Fuzzy Duck Dog Costume

You don't know what they are paying me to pose in this, so don't be so smug.

13. Lady Bee's Best Pun Pet Costume:

Watch Dog Costume

Now maybe they'll believe I'm a watch dog

wHat'S yOur sAlary pEr MinUte

Shah Rukh Khan, Actor: Earns Rs 247 per minute

The King Khan, who started off modestly as a 'Fauji', made about Rs 13 crore last year. This included his endorsement deals for Pepsi, Hyundai Santro - and of course, wetting himself in a bathtub, surrounded by women for HLL's Lux. How much per minute?

Brij Mohan Lall Munjal, Chief of Hero Group: Earns Rs 255 per minute

The patriarch of the Hero Group received the Life-time achievement award for 'Excellence in Corporate Governance' by the Institute of Company Secretary of India this year. Brij Mohan Lall Munjal earned about Rs 13.4 crore last year. He continues to be the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer and fuels his bank balance with Rs 255 per minute.

Sachin Tendulkar, Cricketer: Earns Rs 1,163 per minute

India's most loved sportsman makes a lot more than most CEOs of Indian companies, going by his annual remuneration for 2004-2005. Breaking it down, his three-year contract for endorsements is worth Rs 180 crores. He is also paid Rs 2,35,000 for a five-day test match and Rs 2,50,000 for onedayers. A little bit of elementary math. This highest paid cricketer in the world makes around Rs 61.15 crore a year, or Rs 1,163 per minute.

Dr.A P J Abdul Kalam, Formar President of India: Earns Rs 1.14 per minute

Before taking on the reins of this country, Dr.A P J Kalam played a leading role in the development of India's missile and nuclear weapons programmes - so much so - that he's fondly referred to as the 'Missile Man'. In the early 1990s, he served as scientific adviser to the government, and his prominent role in India's 1998 nuclear weapons tests established Kalam as a national hero. For all his work in his present capacity as President of the world's largest de mocracy, Kalam draws an annual remuneration of Rs 6,00,000 or Rs 1.14 per minute.

Mukesh Ambani, CMD of Reliance Industries Ltd: Earns Rs 413 per minute

Head honcho of the $16.5 billion Reliance Industries Limited, Mukesh Ambani was ranked the world's 56th richest man in Forbe's list. But since this is only about salaries (and the like), we'll completely ignore his otherearnings. Last year, Mr Ambani earned Rs 21.72 crore, a neat growth of 87 per cent over his previous year's earnings. He makes not less than Rs 413 per minute.

Amitabh Bachchan, Actor: Earns Rs 361 per minute

Kaun Banega Crorepati? Apparently, Mr Bachchan! With more endorsements and film releases per year than successful actors half his age, Bachchan's take-home last year was around Rs 19 crore - that's Rs 361 per minute.

Dr.Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India: Rs 0.57 per minute

An economist by profession, Dr.Singh has formerly served in the International Monetary Fund. His economics education included an under graduate and a master's degree from Punjab University, an under graduate degree from Cambridge and a doctorate from Oxford University. One of the most educated Indian prime ministers in history, Singh also served as the finance minister under prime minister Narasimha Rao. In his present capacity, Singh is paid Rs 3,60,000 annually, i.e. Rs 0.57 per minute.

Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo Chief: Earns Rs 2,911 per minute

Chennai-born 50-year-old Indra Nooyi was the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)of PepsiCo, the US-based soft drink major. In that capacity, her remuneration stood at $5 million (over Rs 23 crore). With her promotion this last year, Nooyi becomes one of the highest paid CEOs in the world, with anannounced remuneration of $33 million (approximately Rs 153 crores). This means Nooyi makes a whopping Rs 2,911 per minute.


*All figures based on media reports.

50 Common Interview Questions and Answers

Review these typical interview questions and think about how you would answer them. Read the questions listed; you will also find some strategy suggestions with it.

1. Tell me about yourself?

Ans : The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.

2. Why did you leave your last job?

Ans: Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.

3. What experience do you have in this field?

Ans: Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

4. Do you consider yourself successful?

Ans:You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.

5. What do co-workers say about you?

Ans: Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.

6. What do you know about this organization?

This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?

7.. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.

8. Are you applying for other jobs?

Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focuson this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.

9. Why do you want to work for this organization?

This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed... Relate it to your long-term career goals.

10. Do you know anyone who works for us?

Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.

11. What is your Expected Salary?

A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

12. Are you a team player?

You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point..

13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I'd like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I'm doing a good job.

14. Have you ever had to fire anyone?

How did you feel about that? This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.

15. What is your philosophy towards work?

The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That's the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.

16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?

Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.

17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.

18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization ?

You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship. .

19. Why should we hire you?

Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison..

20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made ?

Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.

21. What irritates you about co-workers?

This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.

22. What is your greatest strength?

Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude

23. Tell me about your dream job ?

Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute andcan't wait to get to work.

24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?

Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.

25. What are you looking for in a job?

See answer # 23

26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?

Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.

27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?

Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.

28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver

29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor?

Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.

30. What has disappointed you about a job?

Don't get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.

31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.

You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.

32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?

Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one.

33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?

This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are: Challenge, Achievement, Recognition

34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?

This is up to you. Be totally honest.

35. How would you know you were successful on this job?

Several ways are good measures: You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success. Your boss tell you that you are successful

36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?

You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.

37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?

This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.

38. Describe your management style ?

Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all.

39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?

Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.

40. Do you have any blind spots?

Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.

41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?

Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.

42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?

Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.

43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?

First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.

44. What qualities do you look for in a boss?

Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.

45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute ?

between others. Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled.

46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?

Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.

47. Describe your work ethic ?

Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.

48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?

Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no negative feelings.

49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.

Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.

50. Do you have any questions for me?

Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? are examples.

And Finally Best of Luck Hope you will be succussful in the interview you are going to face in coming days.

"Never take some one for granted,Hold every person Close to your Heart because you might wake up one day and realise that you have lost a diamond while you were too busy collecting stones." Remember this always in life.

wOrld's richest rOyals

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand

Fortune: $30 billion (down $5 billion)

Age: 81

World's longest-reigning monarch is revered like a demigod on par with Buddha. U.S.-born, Swiss-educated ruler remains unifying force in an increasingly politically tumultuous state divided among the elite, middle and rural classes.. The declining economy, which slipped into recession in the first quarter, may fuel further tensions. Monarch's wealth is held in trust for the state and includes public investments in companies such as Siam Cement and Siam Commercial Bank as well as vast land holdings, including some 3,500 acres in Bangkok managed by the Crown Property Bureau. Thai government officials stress these holdings are not the king's personal wealth, but held in trust for the state.

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei

Fortune: $20 billion (no change)

Age: 62

The 29th Sultan of Brunei is heir to an unbroken 600-year-old Muslim dynasty. Kingdom's wealth based on extensive petroleum and natural gas fields; also investments made by Brunei Investment Agency, the $30 billion sovereign wealth fund that owns luxury hotels such as London's Dorchester. Continues to battle brother, Prince Jefri, over allegedly misappropriated assets; most recently, the Brunei Investment Agency sought a court order to compel the prince to hand over title to a $100 million mansion in Singapore. The Sultan's 26-year-old son, Prince Azim, fourth-in-line to the throne, quit the U.K.'s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst training course in October after just one week.

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, United Arab Emirates

Fortune: $18 billion (down $5 billion)

Age: 61

President of the UAE and hereditary ruler of its capital emirate, Abu Dhabi. Tanking oil prices and a 50% decline in the country's nascent stock market helped shave $5 billion from the king's fortune. Forced to bail out neighbor Dubai to the tune of $10 billion. Efforts to transform Abu Dhabi into Middle East's cultural epicenter with outposts of the Louvre and Guggenheim museums overshadowed by allegations that the king's half-brother was involved in the torture of an Afghan expat. The Emir has since kicked the accused off his cabinet.

King Abdullah bin Abul Aziz, Saudi Arabia

Fortune: $17 billion (down $4 billion)

Age: 85

In June, put together lavish reception for U.S. President Barack Obama, presenting him with a gold medallion, Saudi Arabia's highest honor. The pomp overshadowed the country's slumping economy, which has trimmed royal net worth by $4 billion this year. Supports the $27 billion King Abdullah Economic City, a massive 20-year development started in 2006 that the government hopes will become the new industrial hub of the Middle East and a way for the nation to diversify its economy beyond oil. Proactive on peace: last year hosted interfaith dialogues between major political and religious leaders in New York, Mecca and Madrid.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai

Fortune: $12 billion (down $6 billion)

Age: 59

Ruler of Dubai, an emirate of the United Arab Emirates, was forced to ask for a handout from neighbor Abu Dhabi when credit markets tanked. State-owned Dubai World owns DP World Ltd., the third-largest international port operator; Istithmar World, a private equity firm that acquired Barney's New York in 2007; and Nakheel PJSC, builder of palm-shaped islands in the Persian Gulf. Growth of such assets required high level of borrowing; when credit markets contracted, concerns arose about its $80 billion combined government and state-owned company debt. After months of bickering, Abu Dhabi bought $10 billion worth of five-year bonds; a permanent fix is still being hammered out. One of the largest racehorse owners in the world, his Darley Stud owns 68 stallions and operates stables in six countries, including Japan, Australia and the U.S.

Prince Hans-Adam II von und zu Liechtenstein, Liechtenstein

Fortune: $3.5 billion (down $1.5 billion)

Age: 64

Heads 900-year old family and tiny Alpine principality the size of Bermuda.
Last year, his family-owned bank, LGT, was caught up in a tax-evasion scandal for allegedly helping wealthy clients hide assets. In response, negotiating bilateral tax agreements with U.S. and other countries; bank is now selling controversial trust business. However, problems persist. His son, Prince Max, who is chief executive of LGT, is being investigated by the German government for tax evasion; he disputes the charges. Also owns an estimated 50,000 acres of land
in Austria and several 17th-century palaces as well as a 400-year old
art collection.

King Mohammed VI, Morocco

Fortune: $2.5 billion (up $1 billion)

Age: 45

His kingdom's gold is its near monopoly control of the world's phosphate supply; Morocco holds two-thirds of the world's phosphate mines and is the world's biggest exporter of the mineral, which is used in fertilizer. Fortune up thanks to a fivefold increase in phosphate prices over the past several years. Launched construction of an industrial park at Tanger-Med, which when fully completed in 2012 will be among Africa's largest ports. Granted women more rights in 2004. Married Princess Lalla Salma in 2002, the first Moroccan royal wife to be publicly acknowledged and given an official title.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar

Fortune: $2 billion (no change)

Age: 57

Banking on tiny country's rich gas reserves to support economy in post-oil era. Already the world's largest supplier of liquefied natural gas; has contracts with Korea, Belgium and Taiwan. Plans to double annual LNG exports to 77 million metric tons over the next year. Assumed throne in 1995 after ousting his father in a bloodless coup. Passionate about art, inaugurated I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art last November.

Prince Albert II, Monaco

Fortune: $1 billion (down $400 million)

Age: 51

Leads 700-year-old Grimaldi family; reigns over Monaco, which is smaller in area than New York's Central Park. Efforts to expand territory with a new district at sea erected on giant pillars put on hold due to global recession. Downturn has also shaved family fortune, which includes real estate, art, antique cars, stamps and a stake in Monte Carlo's casino, Societe des Bains de Mer. Eligible royal is a committed environmentalist; in January led a two-week expedition to Antarctica to bring attention to global warming, engage in scientific research and support the region as a natural reserve. Bachelor linked romantically to Charlene Wittstock, a South African Olympic swimmer; fathered two illegitimate children, a son with a Togolese flight attendant and a daughter who lives in California.

Prince Karim Al Husseini, Aga Khan

Fortune: $800 million (down $200 million)

Age: 72

Spiritual leader of the world's Ismaili Muslims chairs the Aga Khan Development Network that promotes investments in Asia and Africa. Horse racing enthusiast owns 900 thoroughbreds at stud farms in Ireland and France; holds stake in Goffs, one of Britain's largest horse auction houses, as well as French horse auction house Arqana. Values down in belt-tightening markets. Awarded titles of Grand Patron and Grand Donor by the French Minister for Culture for his contributions to cultural development in France; also made an honorary citizen of Canada in the past year.

Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Oman

Fortune: $700 million (down $400 million)

Age: 68

Ascended throne in 1970 after overthrowing his father in a coup d'etat. With oil revenues down, promoting tourism and maritime sectors; more than 700 homes are currently under construction at the Wave, a $2.5 billion mixed-use beachfront development in the country's capital, Muscat. Meanwhile, the giant port and ship-repair yard complex on the sultanate's southeastern coast continues to expand. Avid classical music fan; personally financed restoration of mosques across the country. Graduate of Britain's Sandhurst Military Academy, served in British Infantry before returning to Oman. Divorced, has no children and has not yet named a successor.

Queen Elizabeth II, U.K.

Fortune: $450 million (down $200 million)

Age: 83

Oldest living monarch in British history continues a full schedule of official duties. In April, hosted U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle, who caused a stir when she hugged the queen. Personal fortune hit by declines in English and Scottish properties, stock market fall-off and lower valuations for collections of fine art, gems and stamps. Buckingham Palace, the Crown Jewels and the royal art collection are not included in her net worth, as they belong to the state. Thrifty royal apparently told grandsons William and Harry to rein in spending in tough economic climate. Long-waiting heir, Prince Charles, was reportedly rumored to have been asked to invest with Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff; fortunately for the prince, he declined.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, Kuwait

Fortune: $400 million (down $100 million)

Age: 80

Managing simultaneous political and economic crises in the kingdom: one of the country's biggest banks, Gulf Bank, was the first in the region to need a bailout; the Emir's cabinet resigned in March after five Islamist members of parliament alleged Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser had mismanaged public funds, charges he denied. Sabah dissolved parliament; after new elections, he re-appointed Sheikh Nasser (his nephew) as prime minister. Wealth based on annual stipend actually set by Emir; unique among Gulf states as wealth is not tied to state oil funds.

Queen Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard, Netherlands

Fortune: $200 million (down $100 million)

Age: 71

Fortune of Queen Beatrix and her family has been hit by declines in real estate and equities. Also rumored to have lost up to $100 million when Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme collapsed, though the royal house denies the allegations. Narrowly avoided injury in May when a man drove his car into a crowd of parade spectators on Queen's Day, killing eight, including the driver, and almost hitting the open bus in which the queen and her family were riding. Rumored to be considering stepping down so that her eldest son, Willem-Alexander, can ascend the throne.

King Mswati III, Swaziland

$100 million (down $100 million)

Age: 41

Sub-Saharan Africa's last absolute monarch is working to ease recessionary pressures; shoring up ties with South Africa's new president, Jacob Zuma, who spent his years in exile in Swaziland. Getting pressure over his commitment to democracy: The head of the opposition has been in jail since November; opposition parties and rallies are banned. Beneficiary of two trusts held on behalf of the state; enjoys lavish birthday parties, prefers the Mandarin Oriental hotel when he visits New York.