Those of us who’ve made the move to Canada may already know this, but the 2008 Expat Experience survey by HSBC International Bank found that “Canada is the friendliest location for expats.”

Nearly all survey respondents reported that they were able to make friends easily in Canada. Following Canada as numbers 2 and 3 on the friendliness scale were Germany and Australia.

The survey also found that more than half of expats who move to Canada buy property there, and 20 percent are committed enough to life in Canada that they eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.

What are some of the factors drawing expats to Canada? According to Forbes.com, there are many:

For Americans, traveling abroad to start over is becoming increasingly common. America used to have it all: good jobs, booming economy, skyrocketing stock market and plentiful housing. What a difference a year can make. The boom has gone bust and people are now heading for the exits en masse–with an eye abroad.

It’s no wonder they likely find Canada so welcoming. It has an accessible language, diverse culture and low levels of government corruption, says Patricia Linderman, editor of Tales from a Small Planet, an online newsletter for expats.

It also has other expats. This is important, Linderman says, since even the most gracious locals already have busy, established lives and can be unwilling to put in the effort to befriend someone they know could leave within several years.

…Linderman says other expats are important because they share similar needs like making friends and adjusting to life in a new country. They also understand the frustrations daily life brings.

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