Spain has beaten its nearest rivals to be the most popular destination for the British to move to according to research by Barclays.

The survey of over 25,000 expatriates found that over 15 per cent of Britons moving abroad in 2004 went to Spain with the USA, France and Australia in second place with 11 per cent each

There are also huge differences between the countries preferred by different age groups. For example, Spain attracted 27 per cent of those over the age of 60, but only five per cent of those under 40.

The USA on the other hand was attractive to all age groups, with 10 per cent of the under 40s, 11 per cent of the 40-60 age group and eight per cent of the over 60s. Australia was the most popular destination for the under 40s with 11 per cent of that age group moving there.

Tim Parkes, director of personal customers for Barclays International Banking, said: "People often dream about moving abroad but there is no doubt that more and more are actually giving up work in the UK for a new way of life in countries like Australia and the USA, or to retire to the sun and sea of Spain."

"The other thing apparent from the research is that British expatriates are not confined to just one or two countries, but in fact can be found in over 200 countries and territories around the world."

Despite the success of Spain in 2004, the USA remains the most popular destination over all with 13 per cent of all British expatriates followed by Spain with 11 per cent, Australia 10 per cent and France 10 per cent.

Amongst the least popular destinations are Greenland, Tajikstan and the British Antarctic Territory, who have less than 0.01 per cent of expatriates.