A few facts to know about the Aga Khan: philanthropist and spiritual leader

OTTAWA -- Who is the Aga Khan? A quick primer:

-- Prince Karim Aga Khan IV is the 49th hereditary heir and spiritual leader of the world's 15 million Ismaili Muslims.

-- He heads up the Aga Khan Development Network, which helps social and economic development in some of the poorest countries in the world.

-- He was born Dec. 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland. Grew up in Nairobi, Kenya.

-- He graduated from Harvard University in 1959 with an honours undergraduate degree in Islamic history.

-- The Shah of Persia granted the honorary hereditary title of "Aga Khan" on the family in 1818.

-- Queen Elizabeth granted the title of "His Highness" in 1957.

-- He was named an honorary Canadian citizen in 2010.

-- His personal net worth is estimated to be more than $800 million US.