As a result, many people obtain citizenship in a second country for a wide variety of reasons, such as the right to work, vote and own property there. Other benefits include a greater ease in obtaining certain travel visas and access to a wider range of financial opportunities.

There is a caveat, however: While various programs exist - or have existed - under a variety of euphemisms to expedite the naturalization process (economic citizenship, second passport and citizenship for investment, for example), they have often been found to run under a different and far uglier name: schemes.

For this reason, numerous countries once in the business of selling passports have bowed to international pressure and suspended these programs. The following is a list of some countries that permit dual citizenship, have relatively flexible nationality laws and provide their citizens with distinct privileges.

Dominica

Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica is a Caribbean island nation north of Venezuela. Its economic citizenship program has probably faced more international heat than any other, but a fee of slightly less than $100,000 earns you a valid passport, dual citizenship, visa-free travel to dozens of countries, and an ostensibly tax-free existence.

Dual citizens: Cricketer Phillip DeFreitas holds dual citizenship here and in England.

St. Kitts and Nevis

The two Caribbean islands of St. Kitts and Nevis constitute the Western Hemisphere's smallest nation. Approval from their economic citizenship program takes about 12 weeks and provides a wealth of benefits, including citizenship for life, a valid passport, visa-free travel to 80 countries, and tax-free status on a variety of income. It, too, comes at a price: about $40,000, along with a substantial real-estate investment designated by the government.

Dual citizens: British footballer Adam Newton holds dual citizenship here and in England.

Panama

Panama is arguably the planet's most important isthmus, serving both to connect and to divide the American continents. The most popular path to citizenship status is the turisto pensionado visa. A one-time application with no renewals or added fees takes no more than 60 days to process. Upon showing proof of a minimal official income, you get a tax exemption, tax-free importation of various household goods, and discounts on a host of goods and services.

Dual citizens: Justine Pasek, better-known as Miss Universe 2002, is a Panamanian citizen who also holds Polish citizenship.

Belize

The sovereign state of Belize regards itself as a little Central American, a little Caribbean -- a double identity that seems to contribute, at least in spirit, to the notion of dual citizenship. Although it recently rescinded its economic citizenship program, the Belize Retired Persons Program remains in operation at a cost of about $1,000. You needn't be retired to enjoy its benefits (which include no residency requirements and exemption from income and business taxes), but you do need to be 45 years old with a non-Belize income of at least $24,000 a year.

Dual citizens: Billionaire member of the British House of Lords Michael Ashcroft holds citizenship here and in the UK.

Canada

All things considered, Canadian nationality law is reasonably generous - if at times confusing - and provides grounds for citizenship based on both Jus soli and Jus sanguinis. As for naturalization, a permanent resident is required to live in Canada for three of the four years prior to his application, but he gets half-credit for time spent as a temporary citizen. As is the case in Australia, Canadian citizens are also Commonwealth citizens in the UK.

Dual citizens: Hockey legend Brett Hull enjoys dual citizenship in Canada and the U.S. - a fact brought home to many Canadian hockey fans when Hull, shunned by Team Canada, chose to play for Team USA in the World Championships.