British citizens have selected Canada — ahead of New Zealand and Portugal — as the top country in which to retire, according to a survey measuring perceptions of quality of life.

The survey of British expatriates living around the globe was commissioned by NatWest International Personal Banking. Respondents gave Canada a mean score of 63.95 out of 80, with high marks given for housing, natural environment and availability of consumer goods.

"There are a number of different reasons why people relocate abroad, to be nearer to family and friends, to start a new job, or as the study demonstrates, to increase their quality of life," said David Isley, head of NatWest International Personal Banking, in a release issued Friday.

"This is only likely to increase in the future, with many more taking the decision to spend their twilight years sipping sangria in Spain, Chianti in Italy or eating maple syrup and pancakes in Canada."

Nine in ten respondents said they were enjoying a higher quality of life abroad and six out of ten said they had no plans to return to the U.K. Ninety per cent of expatriates who completed the survey said leaving home put them in a stronger financial position, and 81 per cent said that since moving, they enjoyed a greater sense of well-being.

The study projects that by 2025, 1.8 million Britons may retire abroad. By 2050, this proportion could increase to 3.3 million.