Canada has the best quality of life for British expats who have voted its resources, natural beauty, peaceful attitude and fairly administered judicial system as the best in the world.

It tops the fourth annual NatWest International Personal Banking Quality of Life Index with 92% of expats rating its working environment as very good or excellent and 90% regarding their financial security in a similar vein.

The majority, 92% rated Canada, as the best for its diverse environment, natural beauty and resources, while 94% said its peaceful nature was a real draw. Expats from around the world now account for more than 70% of the whole Canadian labour force growth.

Canada leads the G7 in terms of the safest place to live and conduct business with the most fairly administered judicial system. It was the leading performer among the hard-hit G7 developed economies during the global recession, helped by its sound banking system and the fact it avoided the property crash seen in the United States and much of Europe.

In second place is New Zealand, followed by Australia, France and South Africa. Making up the rest of the top ten is Portugal, Spain, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

As well as the country's natural beauty and peaceful reputation, Canada's healthcare system is also well regarded by expats living there and was rated high by 90%. Furthermore high standards of education are enjoyed by expats in Canadian Schools and Universities. Canada has the highest percentage of individuals achieving at least college or university education among the top 50 countries surveyed by the World Competitiveness Yearbook, 2009.

This is the second year Canada has topped the tables of the NatWest IPB Quality of Life Index. Its excellent working conditions, financial security and peaceful reputation have pushed Canada into this year's pole position. It seems the pull of the beautiful Rockies, the Mounties and the marvellous taste of maple syrup is a real sticking point for expats,’ said Dave Isley, head of NatWest International Personal Banking.

’As a member of the Commonwealth, Canada offers Brits common values and goals shared with the UK, helping British expats settle into the country and feel at home,’ he added.

The booming economy in Canada also makes the country more attractive. Canada‘s recent expatriate intake has been double those of the United States, with priority given to highly skilled workers.

Financial assets in Canada are up 6% from last year's levels. Household finances improved in the fourth quarter of 2010, and net worth is rising to record levels. Household net worth per capita increased to $181,700, representing the highest level on record.

Canadian household net worth grew by 2.2% in the fourth quarter of 2010 to $6.2 trillion. The gain pushed Canadians' net worth to a new record high, 4.1% above the pre-recession peak seen in the second quarter of 2008 and 14.6% above the recessionary trough seen in the first quarter of 2009.

‘UK expats say they are living a more fulfilled lifestyle abroad, whilst also benefiting financially. This is particularly true for UK expats in Canada who not only say they benefit from financial security, improved cost of living and a happier working environment but a better work life balance and equal opportunities,’ explained Isley.

For the wider expat community, living and working abroad enables them to earn and save more despite the current economic downturn. More than half of those living and working abroad earn between £50,000 and £100,000. Expats based in Hong Kong have the highest salaries with close to half earning more than £100,000 a year.

The factors that influence individuals' decisions on where they pursue their careers are many, but a key factor is the powerful link between earning capacity and the ability to build a nest egg. Some 74% of respondents claim to have increased disposable income since becoming expats.