

Other countries aren't that far behind anymore, and when measured collectively, Asia already boasts a higher total.

Aristotle gave the concept of oligarchy some negative connotations, but the term does not necessarily imply wealth. More generally, an oligarch is a "member of an oligarchy a person who is part of a small group holding power in a state". This can then result in policies exclusively designed to assist the wealthy, which is reflected in its name (comes from the Greek words "ploutos" or wealthy, and "kratos" - power, ruling). Plutocracy is a government-controlled exclusively by the wealthy, either directly or indirectly. In the origins in Ancient Greece, it was conceived of as rule by the best qualified citizens, and contrasted with monarchy. Aristocracy is a form of government in which a few elite citizens rule. Oligarchy is a form of power structure in which power effectively rests with a small number of people. What is the difference between oligarchy and aristocracy? Historic examples of plutocracies include the Roman Empire, some city-states in Ancient Greece, the civilization of Carthage, the Italian city-states/merchant republics of Venice, Florence, pre-French Revolution Kingdom of France, Genoa, and the pre-World War II Empire of Japan (the zaibatsu). Aristotle pioneered the use of the term as meaning rule by the rich, for which another term commonly used today is plutocracy. Throughout history, oligarchies have often been tyrannical, relying on public obedience or oppression to exist.

