- Source of Wealth: Inheritance
- Nationality: Swaziland
- Occupation: Royal
King Mswati has an estimated net worth of $200 million. Africa’s last absolute monarch assumed throne at age 18. He maintained a tight grip on the opposition with a constitution that bans political parties (though the government insists political parties are free to operate). Often criticized for lavish spending; several of his 13 wives reportedly went on a $6 million shopping spree in summer 2009.
Meanwhile, Swaziland faces a government receipt shortfall, 69% of the population lives below the poverty line, 40% are unemployed and about one-fourth of the nation’s sexually active population is HIV-positive.