You can find Americans in just about any corner of the Earth, but there are some nations where Americans feel particularly called to. Some immigrate for religious reasons, others to access affordable healthcare and better quality of life. There are those living abroad as digital nomads, working remote jobs that travel throughout the world with ease. There are swathes of retired Americans that seek to make the most out of their pensions by relocating to another nation. And there are those that are seeking better economic and educational opportunities abroad.
Do you think you can guess the top 30 nations where American expats reside? Click on to check if your guesses match up.
Norway is the nation with the 30th-highest number of American expats. The Scandinavian nation hosts about 18,500 American expats.
The country with the 29th-highest concentration of American expats in the world is Turkey. The geographical location of the country makes it perfect for those seeking adventure and travel. The American expat community amounts to just under 19,000 people, accounting for 0.62% of all American expats.
The nation with the 28th-largest number of American expats in the world is Guam. Guam is considered an “unincorporated US territory,” which allows ease of travel for US citizens. The nation has about 19,000 American expats.
The country with the 27th-highest concentration of American expats in the world is China. One of the world’s fastest-developing economies hosts about 21,000 American expats.
The nation with the 26th-largest American expat community in the world is the South American nation of Colombia. Colombia has an American expat population of about 21,000.
Brazil hosts the 25th-highest concentration of American expats in the world, with a community of about 22,000. Its rich culture is certainly a driving factor, in addition to lower costs of living.
The nation with the 24th-largest number of American expats in the world is Sweden. The Scandinavian nation hosts about 22,000 American expats who enjoy a higher quality of life.
The country with the 23rd-highest concentration of American expats is Micronesia, hosting just under 23,000 American expats. Micronesia’s developing tourism industry, coupled with visa-free relocation, makes the island nation an attractive option for Americans.
Greece is the country that hosts the 22nd-largest number of American expats, with a population of about 23,000. The attractive prospect of a Mediterranean lifestyle, coupled with a low cost of living, drives Americans to Greece.
The nation with the 21st-highest concentration of American expats in the world is the South American nation of Ecuador. Ecuadorians host about 28,000 of them, accounting for almost 1% of all American expats.
The country with the 20th-largest number of American expats is India, hosting about 33,000. In addition to its attractive, vibrant culture, the nation is also one of America’s key trading partners, making relocation accessible for Indians and Americans alike.
The nation with the 19th-highest concentration of American expats in the world is Ireland. The Irish host approximately 33,000 American expats. The American expat community in the country is known for its vibrancy.
The Netherlands has the 18th-largest number of American expats in the world. The Dutch host about 35,000 American expats, largely driven by favorable tax initiatives for foreign citizens and a higher quality of life.
The country with the 17th-highest concentration of American expats in the world is New Zealand. The Kiwis host approximately 36,000 American expats, accounting for around 1.2% of all American expats.
The nation with the 16th-largest number of American expats is the Philippines. The country hosts approximately 38,000 American expats. The Philippines has a low cost of living and offers expats the opportunity to live in a tropical paradise.
Switzerland hosts the 15th-highest concentration of American expats. The European nation has approximately 39,000 Americans who call Switzerland their home away from home.
The South American nation of Peru hosts the 14th-largest American expat community in the world. Peru has about 41,000 of them. The nation is particularly attractive to retirees seeking to make the most out of their pensions.
The nation with the 13th-largest American expat community in the world is Bangladesh, hosting about 45,000 American expats. Many American expats live there as digital nomads or as foreign workers for private companies.
The nation with the 12th-highest concentration of American expats in the world is the southern European nation of Italy. Italy hosts about 54,000 American expats.
Spain has the 11th-largest number of American expats in the world, hosting approximately 57,000. The Iberian nation is a popular location due to perceptions of affordable healthcare and a better quality of life.
The country with the 10th-highest concentration of American expats is Japan, hosting about 58,000 Americans. Similar to other nations, Americans are seduced by higher quality of life and safety.
France is the country with the ninth-largest American expat community in the world. The European nation hosts nearly 62,000 Americans, largely driven by a desire for a higher quality of life.
The country with the eighth-highest concentration of American expats is South Korea. The Asian nation hosts about 68,000 American expats. In addition to a high number of military personnel in the nation, there are also a significant number of foreign workers and students.
The country with the seventh-highest number of American expats is Israel. Israel provides citizenship for any Jewish person from anywhere in the world. Americans are one of the biggest groups leading the ‘settler movement’ in the West Bank. They are also considered one of the most influential groups in the nation.
The country with the sixth-highest concentration of American expats is down under. Australia hosts approximately 117,000 American expats, amounting to about 4% of all Americans living abroad.
The nation with the fifth-highest number of American expats is Germany, hosting about 153,000. This is primarily driven by the large numbers of military personnel stationed in the country, as well as their families, as Germany has a number of US military bases.
The country with the fourth-highest concentration of American expats is actually considered an “unincorporated US territory,” with a complex political status after many attempts to assert independence. Puerto Rico hosts about 160,000 American expats.
The nation with the third-highest number of American expats is also one of the country’s former colonial rulers: the United Kingdom. The UK hosts approximately 171,000 American expats.
The nation with the second-largest concentration of American expats in the world is the country’s northern neighbor, Canada. Canada hosts approximately 274,000 American expats.
The nation with the most American expats in the world is Mexico. America’s closest neighbor in the south hosts nearly 800,000 Americans, which equates to approximately 27% of all American expats in the world.
Sources: (The Guardian) (Medium) (Remitly) (Commisceo Global) (Taxes for expats)
Living abroad: countries with the most American expats
Where are Americans relocating to?
LIFESTYLE Immigrants
You can find Americans in just about any corner of the Earth, but there are some nations Americans feel particularly called to. Some immigrate for religious reasons, others to access affordable healthcare and a better quality of life. There are those living abroad as digital nomads, working remote jobs and traveling the world with ease, as well as swathes of retired Americans who seek to make the most of their pensions by relocating to another nation.
Do you think you can guess the top 30 countries chosen by American expats? Click on and find out the truth!