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Eight countries that have biggest share of immigrants

September 30, 2013 11:32 IST
Tourists tour city centre of Berlin, Germany.

There are some countries that attract large numbers of foreigners due to their high standard of living, excellent infrastructure and employment opportunities.

Let's take a look at nations that have sizeable share of immigrant population.

Source: 24/7 Wall St

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Eight countries that have biggest share of immigrants

September 30, 2013 11:32 IST
A view of Times Square in New York City.

United States of America

Immigrants: 45.8 million

Percentage of population: 14.3 per cent

GDP (PPP) per capita 2012: $49,922

Government's immigration goals: Maintain

Overall rank in share: 1

The United States has been attracting immigrants for centuries primarily due to endless opportunities the country offers.

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Eight countries that have biggest share of immigrants

September 30, 2013 11:32 IST
A couple walk with a cat in Kolomenskoye Park in Moscow, Russia.

Russia

Immigrants: 11.0 million

Percentage of population: 7.7 per cent

GDP (PPP) per capita 2012: $17,709

Government's immigration goals: Increase

Overall rank in share: 2

Russia, which has one of the biggest oil and gas reserves in the world, is attracting immigrants from all over the globe, especially from neighbouring nations.

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Eight countries that have biggest share of immigrants

September 30, 2013 11:32 IST
A view of the main railway station Hauptbahnhof in Berlin, Germany.

Germany

Immigrants: 9.8 million

Percentage of population: 11.9 per cent

GDP (PPP) per capita 2012: $39,028

Government's immigration goals: Maintain

Overall rank in share: 3

Germany, one of the biggest manufacturing centres in the world, is attracting immigrants due to its booming economy.

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Eight countries that have biggest share of immigrants

September 30, 2013 11:32 IST
Kingdom Tower in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia

Immigrants: 9.1 million

Percentage of population: 31.4 per cent

GDP (PPP) per capita 2012: $31,275

Government's immigration goals: Decrease

Overall rank in share: 4

Saudi Arabia, which has one of the biggest reserves of oil and gas in the world, attracts immigrants due to employment opportunities.

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Eight countries that have biggest share of immigrants

September 30, 2013 11:32 IST
Visitors ski and ride in chairlifts in mountain-themed ski park at Emirates Mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

United Arab Emirates

Immigrants: 7.8 million

Percentage of population: 83.7 per cent

GDP (PPP) per capita 2012: $49,012

Government's immigration goals: Decrease

Overall rank in share: 5

United Arab Emirates attracts large number of immigrants due to employment opportunities, excellent infrastructure and high standard of living.

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Eight countries that have biggest share of immigrants

September 30, 2013 11:32 IST
A view from the London Eye shows the Houses of Parliament in central London, United Kingdom.

United Kingdom

Immigrants: 7.8 million

Percentage of population: 12.4 per cent

GDP (PPP) per capita 2012: $36,941

Government's immigration goals: Decrease

Overall rank in share: 6

United Kingdom, one of the biggest financial centres in the world, has large number of immigrants from Commonwealth countries.

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Eight countries that have biggest share of immigrants

September 30, 2013 11:32 IST
An aerial view shows the Notre-Dame Cathedral on the Ile de la Cite and the Seine River in Paris, France.

France

Immigrants: 7.4 million

Percentage of population: 11.6 per cent

GDP (PPP) per capita 2012: $35,548

Government's immigration goals: Decrease

Overall rank in share: 7

France, one of the richest economies in the world, has large number of immigrants from African nations.

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Eight countries that have biggest share of immigrants

September 30, 2013 11:32 IST
A view of Eaton Centre in Toronto, Canada.

Canada

Immigrants: 7.3 million

Percentage of population: 20.7 per cent

GDP (PPP) per capita 2012: $42,734

Government's immigration goals: Maintain

Overall rank in share: 8

Canada, one of the wealthiest nations, attracts large number of immigrants thanks to high standard of living, low crime rate and natural beauty.