Carlos Slim (1940–present)

Question 1

What is Carlos Slim best known for?

Answer 1

Carlos Slim is best known for being a business magnate and the founder of Grupo Carso, with major interests in telecommunications and other industries.

Question 2

When and where was Carlos Slim born?

Answer 2

Carlos Slim was born on January 28, 1940, in Mexico City, Mexico.

Question 3

Which major company did Carlos Slim acquire in 1990?

Answer 3

Carlos Slim acquired Telmex, Mexico’s national telephone company, in 1990.

Question 4

Through which company did Carlos Slim dominate Latin America’s telecommunications industry?

Answer 4

Carlos Slim dominated Latin America’s telecommunications industry through América Móvil.

Question 5

During which period did Carlos Slim rise to prominence in Mexico?

Answer 5

Carlos Slim rose to prominence during the economic liberalization of Mexico in the late 20th century.

Question 6

How did Mexico’s economic transition influence Carlos Slim’s success?

Answer 6

Mexico’s economic liberalization and privatization of state-owned companies allowed Carlos Slim to acquire assets like Telmex, which contributed to his wealth.

Question 7

What major agreement opened Mexico’s economy further to international investment during Slim’s rise?

Answer 7

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) opened Mexico’s economy to international investment during Slim’s rise.

Question 8

How did Carlos Slim influence the telecommunications industry in Latin America?

Answer 8

Carlos Slim expanded access to modern telecommunications infrastructure, reshaping communications across Latin America.

Question 9

What is the name of Carlos Slim’s philanthropic organization?

Answer 9

Carlos Slim’s philanthropic organization is called the Carlos Slim Foundation.

Question 10

What sectors does the Carlos Slim Foundation primarily focus on?

Answer 10

The Carlos Slim Foundation focuses on education, health, sports, and environmental causes.

Question 11

How is Carlos Slim often compared to American tycoons?

Answer 11

Carlos Slim is often compared to American tycoons like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie for his wealth accumulation and business influence.

Question 12

What controversy has surrounded Carlos Slim’s businesses?

Answer 12

Carlos Slim has faced criticism for monopolistic practices, particularly in Mexico’s telecommunications industry.

Question 13

How did regulators respond to Slim’s dominance in telecommunications?

Answer 13

Regulators attempted to break up Slim’s monopolies or limit their power, leading to fines and regulatory battles.

Question 14

What is one interesting personal trait about Carlos Slim’s lifestyle?

Answer 14

Despite his wealth, Carlos Slim is known for living a modest lifestyle, including staying in the same house for decades.

Question 15

At what age did Carlos Slim begin bookkeeping and investing?

Answer 15

Carlos Slim began bookkeeping and investing at the age of 12.

Question 16

Which sport is Carlos Slim particularly passionate about?

Answer 16

Carlos Slim is particularly passionate about baseball.

Question 17

What was Carlos Slim’s ranking in global wealth during the 2010s?

Answer 17

Carlos Slim was ranked as the richest person in the world for several years in the 2010s.

Question 18

What unusual fact is associated with Carlos Slim’s use of technology?

Answer 18

Despite his telecom empire, Carlos Slim prefers to avoid smartphones and excessive technology use.

Question 19

Fill in the blank: Carlos Slim’s major telecommunications company is called _______.

Answer 19

América Móvil.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: Carlos Slim acquired _______ in 1990, transforming it into a telecom giant.

Answer 20

Telmex.

Question 21

Fill in the blank: Carlos Slim was born in _______ on January 28, 1940.

Answer 21

Mexico City, Mexico.

Question 22

Fill in the blank: Carlos Slim rose to prominence during the economic _______ of Mexico.

Answer 22

liberalization.

Question 23

Which family background does Carlos Slim come from?

Answer 23

Carlos Slim comes from a Lebanese immigrant family in Mexico.

Question 24

What business philosophy did Carlos Slim’s father instill in him from a young age?

Answer 24

Carlos Slim’s father taught him about finance, bookkeeping, and business from a young age.

Question 25

Which foundation supports cancer research and digital education for underprivileged communities?

Answer 25

The Carlos Slim Foundation.

Question 26

What is one of the main criticisms of Carlos Slim’s control over the Mexican telecom market?

Answer 26

One of the main criticisms is that his businesses stifled competition and led to high prices for consumers.

Question 27

How did Carlos Slim compare to other global billionaires in terms of lifestyle?

Answer 27

Unlike many global billionaires, Carlos Slim is known for a relatively modest lifestyle.