Eight countries that have biggest share of immigrants

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.