World’s 7 most powerful people

True power is not just money or authority over people or resources. In reality, true power is a mixture of both wealth and energy that influence people to shape the world order. On the other hand, the bitter truth is that only a few people can have the economic and political power to bring about lasting global change. For better or worse, those powerful people’s choices impact millions, changing economies, and transforming nations. 

Today’s topic is focused on the most powerful people in the world. The team of Wikye worked to finding the facts and stats about Forbes’ top 7 most powerful people in the world. Starting from the Chinese president, Xi Jinping to the businessman, Bill Gates, we have compiled some of the interesting facts which helped the powerful people to cement their role in the world. So, make sure you stick with us until the end.

1. Xi Jinping

• President of the People’s Republic of China
• Country: China
• Age: 67

Xi Jinping, the secretary of China’s Communist Party, is the most influential Chinese leader since Mao Zedong. He has become the president of the world’s largest country (China) since 2013, influencing nearly 1.4 billion people. During Xi’s seven years in power, he has transformed China into a world superpower, overseeing everything from the military to the internet and the economy.

While the global economy has slowed, China’s growth in recent times is exceptional and by one metric, its economy is now eclipsing that of the US. Another reason for his popularity is his anti-corruption campaign. He has successfully punished hundreds of thousands of individuals and locked away some high-ranking party officials for life. Likewise, Xi Jinping’s government has seen an annual economic growth rate above 6.5 per cent over the years, bring prosperity to the Chinese people.

2. Vladimir Putin

• President of Russia
• Country: Russia
• Age: 67 years

Vladimir Putin, a Russian politician, and a former officer of the KGB, is now the President of Russia. Putin has revived Russia as a powerhouse, strengthing everything from the military to the economy. To be specific, the Russian economy expanded for eight straight years under his rule. Particularly, his government saw a significant rise in the GDP of the country, increasing by 72%, as per the metrics of purchasing power.

Similar to his effort to uplift the situation of his country, his popularity in the world cannot be ignored. In particular, he is well known for his pro-Russian insurgency in eastern Ukraine and military operation to assist Bashar al-Assad to hold ground in Syria. Besides, Putin also has been vocal about the fact that US policy has created chaos in the Middle East, providing a space for terrorists and extremists.

3. Donald Trump

• President of the United States
• Country: United States
• Age: 74

Donald Trump is the 45th and current president of the United States. Prior to his political career, he was a businessman and television personality. Trump’s political views have been described as conservative, pro-democracy, and nationalist. Additionally, he is the oldest U.S. president and the first who does not have previous military or government experience.

Speaking about his foreign involvement, Trump adopted America first policy, removing the US from the Trans-Pacific Alliance trade pact, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and Iran’s nuclear settlement. Besides, during his presidential tenure, he introduced import tariffs that sparked a trade war with China. Additionally, his decision to remove U.S. troops from northern Syria was the topic of discussion in 2019.

4. Angela Merkel

• Chancellor of Germany
• Country: Germany
• Age: 66

Angela Merkel is the German Chancellor and an indispensable leader in Europe. Talking about her struggles, Angela faced a lot of hurdles during her career; however, she came out on top on every occasion. Her achievement includes a major role in holding the eurozone together during the financial crisis and global recession.

Besides, she was once in a limelight for presenting herself against Russian President Vladimir Putin in his aggression towards Ukraine. As of now, she is actively trying to manage the refugee crisis in Europe. On the other hand, with the added efforts of Angela, Germany is better off than the rest of Europe when talking about a healthy economy and a low unemployment rate.

5. Jeff Bezos

• Entrepreneur and Businessman
• Country: United States
• Age: 56

Jeff Bezos is an American internet entrepreneur, industrialist, media proprietor, and investor. Although he is associated with different business ventures, he first rose to fame as the CEO of Amazon.com, an e-commerce company. Apart from that, he is also the owner of the Washington Post and one of the founders of the space exploration company Blue Origin.

Bezos’ successful business ventures have led him to become the richest person on this planet. As per the Forbes Wealth Index, Bezos has become the world’s richest person since 2017. Moreover, after his net worth rose to $150 billion in July 2018, he is tagged as the richest man in the history of this globe. As of 2020, Jeff holds a net worth of over $175.3 billion.

6. Pope Francis

• Leader of the Catholic faith
• Country: Vatican City
• Age: 83

The leader of the Catholic faith, Pope Francis, is among the world’s powerful people, having more than 1 billion followers worldwide. He also heads the Catholic Church and the Vatican City State. Moreover, he is also the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the southern hemisphere, and, after the Syrian Gregory III, the first pope from outside of Europe. Pope Francis is also popular for being outspoken and having progressive views on public issues.

Throughout his public life, he has been concerned for the poor and is committed to making their life better. Additionally, he is also actively working to stop the effects of climate change. One of his notable works includes resorting to the diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba.

Besides, he is also famous among refugees and immigrants as he supported the cause of refugees during the European and Central American migrant crises. Since 2018, Pope Francis is gaining more attention than ever for supporting the approval of contraception, married priests, and recognition of same-sex marriages.

7. Bill Gates

• Business magnate, software developer, and philanthropist
• Country: United States
• Age: 64

In 1975, Bill Gates and childhood friend Paul Allen co-founded Microsoft Corporation. The tech company eventually made him the wealthiest man on Earth, accumulating a net worth of $87.3 billion. However, he is no longer working for the company, leaving the organization in 2008. Instead, Gates is now focused on giving away his money. In fact, he is currently enjoying working as a social worker, running the Bill & Melinda Gates Charity along with his wife, Melinda.

The Gates couple established the foundation in 2000 after reading an essay on curable diseases causing millions of child deaths in underdeveloped countries. Since then, the foundation has donated $34.5 billion for a variety of purposes, including attempts to eradicate HIV, malaria, and numerous other infectious diseases. Besides, they are also actively working on agricultural development, emergency relief, global libraries, urban poverty, and education.