false 4 0 false false Sat Jan 05 00:00:00 -0800 2008 Sat Feb 02 22:26:01 -0800 2008 Sat Feb 02 22:30:38 -0800 2008
The title, of course, is a play on Rich and istan, which seems to be the suffix for every newly minted Middle-Eastern/post-Soviet nation that keeps confounding American geographers, school children, and even temporary White House occupants.

While this nation doesn't have any borders, it has strata. Here is the breakdown Frank gives on the three main ones and the general worth of average citizens:

* Lower Richistan: $1 million to $10 million.
* Middle Richistan: $10 million to $100 million.
* Upper Richistan: $100 million to $1 billion (and upwards)

While the book's title is humorous and he handles the issues with a light touch, Frank never treats his subjects with ridicule or malice. He points out some that have taken philanthropy into their own hands to make sure their money has a direct impact on social ills, locally and worldwide, versus simply throwing money at charities. He also doesn't fail to address that there is a growing inequality in our population as wealth grows. A definite must-read for sure.]]>