Adele’s 21 was the world’s biggest selling album last year

Adele’s record breaking second album, 21, was the biggest selling album in the world last year.

According to new figures released by The BPI, 21 clocked up a massive 18 million global sales during 2011. Following in the footsteps of Amy Winehouse, Coldplay and Susan Boyle, Adele is the fourth British artist in five years to score a global chart topper.

British music account for nearly 13% of all music sold worldwide last year. British artists took 12.6% of all global music sales in 2011, up from 11.8% in 2010.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, commented:

"British music is loved all over the globe, and as a country we can be proud of the tremendous success of our music industry, which is a world leader. We are determined to support British creative businesses that generate jobs and opportunities for young people."

The Top 10 biggest selling albums of 2011 by British artists worldwide is as follows:

01 Adele – 21
02 Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
03 Adele – 19
04 Amy Winehouse - Lioness: Hidden Treasures
05 Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
06 Susan Boyle - Someone to Watch Over Me
07 Jessie J - Who You Are
08 Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
09 Florence + The Machine – Ceremonials
10 Florence + The Machine – Lungs