Roman Abramovich tops Forbes List of wealthiest Russians

The Governor of the Chukotka region in Russia, and owner of Chelsea football club, Roman Abramovich, has topped the latest Forbes Rich List. For the third year running, he is Russia's richest man.

The 41-year-old divorcee also rated as the 16th wealthiest man in the world.

The list of Russia's top hundred richest businessmen shows fewer billionaires in the oil and gas industry than ever before.

Their total wealth is now estimated at almost $US 340 BLN – that is almost the same as the total GDP (gross domestic product) of Belgium.

And the average age of Russia's richest persons is just 45.