Fidel Castro is worth $195 million, according to Forbes magazine, which included the Cuban president in its annual compilation of the world's richest people.

Although Castro was not one of the 587 people on the Forbes billionaires list, he was included in a special box for kings and governing classes.

The weekly financial magazine's description of the communist leader and the sources of his wealth was less than flattering.

"The fatigues-fitted Cuban leader has lorded over an impoverished nation of 11 million people for the last 45 years," said the Forbes website.

"El Lider is believed to have several lavish homes throughout Cuba. He travels exclusively in a convoy of black Mercedes-Benzes.

"Deals struck with European companies - such as the reported $US50 million ($A65 million) sale of Havana Club rum to French liquor company Pernod Ricard in 1993 - line Castro's coffers with some $US20 million ($A26 million) a year.

"Concerns about his health persist," Forbes said of Castro. "He has reportedly named brother Raul as his successor."

AFP