Nic Cage reprises his role as a history expert trying to solve an ancient puzzle

The film sold $45.5m (�23m) worth of tickets during its first three days, distributor Walt Disney Pictures said.

Last weekend's top film I am Legend, which sees Will Smith as the last man on Earth, slipped to number two.

Meanwhile, children's film Alvin and the Chipmunks was also down one spot to number three.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets earned more than the combined totals of four other newcomers in the US and Canada top 10.

US AND CANADA BOX OFFICE 1. National Treasure: Book of Secrets - $45.5m (�23m) 2. I Am Legend - $34.2m (�17.2m) 3. Alvin and the Chipmunks - $29m (�14.6m) 4. Charlie Wilson's War - $9.6m (�4.9m) 5. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - $9.35m (�4.7m) Source: Media By Numbers

These included Charlie Wilson's War - at number four earning $9.6m (�4.9m) - a political satire starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman about the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

It was just ahead of Johnny Depp musical Sweeney Todd at number five with $9.35m (�4.7m). Both are leading contenders at the Golden Globes next month.

Ancient puzzle

Also new in the top 10 were Hilary Swank romance PS I Love You, and musical spoof Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story at number eight.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets is the sequel to the 2004 original which went on to make $173m (�87m).

In the new film, Cage flies around the world trying to solve an ancient puzzle related to Abraham Lincoln's assassination.

Featuring locations in London and Paris, the film does not open in Europe until February.