30 Countries Americans are Flocking To

70,000 American citizens

Conservative estimates for the country's U.S. expatriate population stand around 70,000, but it could be well into the 100,000s. This number stands at an all-time high for American citizens living in China, perhaps reflective of the country's rise as a major world economic power.

100,000 American citizens

France is the fourth most popular country for American students studying abroad, bumping up the U.S expat population in this country. The beautiful French countryside is also a popular destination for retiring Americans thanks to its calming ease. Let's hope they invite us over for a wine tasting soon.

110,000 American citizens

America still has a large non-active military presence in Germany at 40,000 members. (Active duty military members aren’t counted for our purposes.) Not only that, but as the economic leader in Europe many American companies have bases of operations here. If you’re looking for fellow American friends, Berlin and Darmstadt are your best bet.

130,000 American citizens

One of the first surprises on the list is Costa Rica. This small Central American country actually has a pretty stable government, compared to its neighbors, and has pledged to go carbon-neutral to help maintain its rich rainforest. The beautiful natural surroundings and the impressive beaches have since drawn nearly 150,000 American retirees.

160,000 American citizens

Like it's Asian neighbor across the Korea Strait, South Korea has strong business ties to America. The country also places a strong importance on English language learning and, therefore, has a large number of expats who have left the U.S. to go teach.

180,000 American citizens

Merry olde England, with London as one of the world's leading financial centers, hosts a large number of American citizens who work for their company's "office across the pond." It's also the number one destination for U.S. students to study abroad. Understandably, they sometimes take a while to make their way back home.

200,000 American citizens

You may be surprised to learn that the U.S. has the largest Jewish population of any country in the world. After the founding of Israel, many Jews moved to the country while maintaining their American citizenship, making it the nation with the 4th largest U.S. expat population in the world.

600,000 American citizens

The most popular country in Asia for Americans isn't any of the ones that come readily to mind. China? Nope, number 10. Japan? It didn't even make the list. As many as 600,000 American citizens call the Philippines home, mostly due to the fact that America owned the now sovereign nation during the first half of the 20th century.

750,000 American citizens

With a shared British history, the U.S. and Canada have similar cultures. Therefore, it's easy for Americans who move there to fit in. Add in the proximity and use of English, and it’s easy to see why many American workers accept placements up north.

1,000,000 American citizens

It shouldn't come as a surprise that our southern neighbor also has the largest population of Americans living outside the good ol' U. S. of A. Many are working, of course, but it's also becoming a popular reitrement destination like Costa Rica. Lake Chapala alone has nearly 10,000 U.S. and Canadian expats.

70,000 American Citizens

Believe it or not, many American farmers flock to Brazil. Land prices are typically cheaper there, and many crops from the United States can be grown with ease in Brazil's climate too. 

60,000 American citizens

Unlike some of the other countries on this list, many American citizens who move to Colombia were originally from the country itself. After living abroad, they have decided, for one reason or another, to move back to their country of birth.  

60,000 American citizens

The reasons that Americans move to Hong Kong are varied. The region is a big business hub, so many live there for work. But it's also not uncommon to see students (especially Chinese Americans) study in Hong Kong for college. 

56,000 American residents

Australia has the distinction of being one of the few countries that recieve more American immigrants than they send to the United States. With a shared language and many shared cultural reference points, the two countries seem like a natural fit for one another. 

55,000 American citizens

Whether it's work, school, or simply a love of the culture, Japan keeps attracting expat Americans. Many American immigrants there say that, while Japan has a reputation for being expensive, their cost of living is actually lower than what it is in the USA. 

52,500 American citizens

A good chunk of Americans living in Pakistan are there as part of the military or American embassy. However, a large number of Pakistani Americans moved back to their home country in the wake of September 11th and the global financial crisis. 

50,000 American citizens

While most Americans experience Italy as a tourist, upwards of 50,000 of our fellow countrymen call Italy home on a permanent basis. 

50,000 American citizens

A majority of Americans living in the UAE settle in Dubai--and for good reason, too. In addition to being the largest city in the Emirates, this highly modernized metropolis is a virtual one-stop shop for all things business and culture. 

45,000 American citizens

Americans have been moving to Haiti since the 1800s, and their reasons for doing so are varied. In the 19th century, many newly freed slaves moved to the island country, while in the 20th century, the United States occupied Haiti for over 15 years. In more recent times, many have traveled to the country to help with humanitarian efforts. 

40,000 American citizens

As you might expect, good number of Americans living in Saudi Arabia are there because of oil. In addition to tax-free salaries, the country also offers private, luxury housing for those more accustomed to a Western way of life. 

37,000 American citizens

Thanks to the low cost of living, many Americans made the move to Argentina during the global financial crisis of 2007. Nearly 12% of Americans living in Argentina apply for permanent residency. 

34,500 American citizens

Spain offers a culturally rich, laid-back lifestyle that apparently resonates with many Americans. Its economy is on the climb, which increasingly makes this beautiful country a viable option. 

33,500 American citizens

From the beautiful landscapes to the rich culture, there are a number of reasons why Americans would want to move to Norway. And with most citizens being able to speak or at least understand English, the transition doesn't have to be too much of a shock. 

30,000 American citizens

The Bahamas is not just a tropical vacation paradise, it's a permanent home for around 30,000 American citizens. 

30,000 American citizens

While relations between the US and Russia (and the former Soviet Union) have never been great, 30,000 Americans still live there--mostly for business reasons. 

25,000 American citizens

While the culture shock can be big, and while there is some instability in the country, roughly 25,000 Americans currently live in the Middle Eastern country of Lebanon. 

25,000 American citizens

A low cost of living is the primary allure of Panama for American citizens. But like some other countries on this list, some American expats are actually Panamanian natives who are returning to their home country. 

19,000 American citizens

While relations between America and El Salvador have sometimes been tense, the bond between the countries is generally good. El Salvador relies on the United States economically, so many American citizens live there for business. 

17,750 American citizens

Americans have been living in New Zealand since the 1700s, but many of today's residents came due to a New Zealand teacher shortage in the 90s. 

17,500 American citizens

The reasons for Americans moving to Ireland are varied, but their beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage sure don't hurt anything!