ABOUT 45 million people worldwide would like to move permanently to France and start a new life here, a survey has found.

France came joint-second alongside the UK and Canada - and behind the US - in the research into emigration wishes.

The Gallup poll, which was based on 260,000 interviews in 135 countries, found that about 16% of the world population or 700 million people want to move.

A large number of those wishing to come to France were from developing regions, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. The country was also a popular choice among residents of other EU member states.

Gallup research director Neli Esipova said: "In most countries, people's desire to relocate did not decrease meaningfully after the global economic crisis hit."

The November issue of Connexion takes an in-depth look at the issue of immigration in France. It is out now in newsagents.