Forbes Counts 332 fewer Billionaires

In 2009, the world’s billionaires have an average net worth of $3 billion, down 23% in 12 months. The world now has 793 billionaires, down from 1,125 a year ago.

After slipping in recent years, the U.S. is regaining its dominance as a repository of wealth. Americans account for 44% of the money and 45% of the list’s slots, up seven and three percentage points from last year, respectively.

New York despite being at the center of the financial crisis reclaims the top spot for having the most billionaires in the world despite the chaos on Wall Street and turmoil in real estate. Its wealthiest resident: Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is worth $16 billion. They have 55 billionaires with an average net worth of $2.9 billion.