Malta - MT - MLT - MLT - Europe

Last updated: March 19, 2025
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Malta Images

  • Known as "luzzu," these colorful fishing boats in Marsaxlokk harbor in Malta are painted in bright shades of blue, yellow, green, and red and include an image of a pair of eyes that is said to protect fishermen at sea.

    Known as "luzzu," these colorful fishing boats in Marsaxlokk harbor in Malta are painted in bright shades of blue, yellow, green, and red and include an image of a pair of eyes that is said to protect fishermen at sea.

  • The old fortifications in Valletta, Malta, date to the 16th century.

    The old fortifications in Valletta, Malta, date to the 16th century.

  • The Fountain of the Three Tritons, designed by Vincent Apap, stands outside of the main gate of Malta's capital, Valetta.

    The Fountain of the Three Tritons, designed by Vincent Apap, stands outside of the main gate of Malta's capital, Valetta.

  • A view of the statue of Neptune in the Presidential Palace courtyard in the center of Malta's capital city, Valletta. The Palace is the official office of the president of the Republic of Malta and has been the seat of authority in Malta since the 16th century, when it was known as the Magistral Palace.

    A view of the statue of Neptune in the Presidential Palace courtyard in the center of Malta's capital city, Valletta. The Palace is the official office of the president of the Republic of Malta and has been the seat of authority in Malta since the 16th century, when it was known as the Magistral Palace.

  • Located in Palace Square in Valletta, Malta, the Sette Giugno (Italian for "Seventh of June") Monument commemorates the 1919 uprising against profiteering merchants and the colonial government. This event was a first step towards Maltese independence in 1964.

    Located in Palace Square in Valletta, Malta, the Sette Giugno (Italian for "Seventh of June") Monument commemorates the 1919 uprising against profiteering merchants and the colonial government. This event was a first step towards Maltese independence in 1964.

  • The façade of the Collegiate Parish Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck in Valletta, Malta. Saint Paul the Apostle is considered the spiritual father of the Maltese; his shipwreck on the island is described in the New Testament.

    The façade of the Collegiate Parish Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck in Valletta, Malta. Saint Paul the Apostle is considered the spiritual father of the Maltese; his shipwreck on the island is described in the New Testament.

  • Statue of the Virgin Mary over the entrance to the Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck in Valletta, Malta.

    Statue of the Virgin Mary over the entrance to the Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck in Valletta, Malta.

  • Closer view of the facade of the Collegiate Parish Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck in Valletta. Saint Paul the Apostle is considered the spiritual father of the Maltese; his shipwreck on the island is described in the New Testament.

    Closer view of the facade of the Collegiate Parish Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck in Valletta. Saint Paul the Apostle is considered the spiritual father of the Maltese; his shipwreck on the island is described in the New Testament.

  • Malta is renowned for its use of indigenous wheat-colored limestone in the construction of roads, houses, hospitals, government buildings, shops, and forts. Valletta, Malta’s capital, has a medieval cityscape and elegant flagstone streets reminiscent of the 16th century.

    Malta is renowned for its use of indigenous wheat-colored limestone in the construction of roads, houses, hospitals, government buildings, shops, and forts. Valletta, Malta’s capital, has a medieval cityscape and elegant flagstone streets reminiscent of the 16th century.

  • Statue of Queen Victoria outside Malta’s National Library in Republic Square, Valletta. Erected in 1891, the monument commemorates Queen Victoria’s 50th jubilee and was paid for by public subscription.

    Statue of Queen Victoria outside Malta’s National Library in Republic Square, Valletta. Erected in 1891, the monument commemorates Queen Victoria’s 50th jubilee and was paid for by public subscription.

  • Plaque outside the Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Valletta, Malta. Completed in 1598, the church was rebuilt in 1681 to correct structural problems. In the 1920s, it was enlarged to include a dome. With a pipe organ built in 1932 and restored in 2014, Saint Francis has often served as one of the sites for the Malta International Organ Festival.

    Plaque outside the Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Valletta, Malta. Completed in 1598, the church was rebuilt in 1681 to correct structural problems. In the 1920s, it was enlarged to include a dome. With a pipe organ built in 1932 and restored in 2014, Saint Francis has often served as one of the sites for the Malta International Organ Festival.

  • A view of the dome and altar of the Saint Francis Church in Valletta, Malta. The church was built in 1598, but the dome was not added until the 1920s.

    A view of the dome and altar of the Saint Francis Church in Valletta, Malta. The church was built in 1598, but the dome was not added until the 1920s.

  • Ceiling painting near the dome of the Saint Francis Church in Valletta, Malta.

    Ceiling painting near the dome of the Saint Francis Church in Valletta, Malta.

  • Sculpture of the warrior Knights of Malta at the Fort St. Elmo War Museum in Valletta, Malta. Most of Fort St. Elmo's defenses date from the 16th century.

    Sculpture of the warrior Knights of Malta at the Fort St. Elmo War Museum in Valletta, Malta. Most of Fort St. Elmo's defenses date from the 16th century.

  • The Upper Barrakka Gardens are the highest point in Valletta, Malta and are home to this marble and bronze plaque that honors the world-famous theoretical physicist, Albert Einstein. This memorial is one of many plaques and statues in the gardens.

    The Upper Barrakka Gardens are the highest point in Valletta, Malta and are home to this marble and bronze plaque that honors the world-famous theoretical physicist, Albert Einstein. This memorial is one of many plaques and statues in the gardens.

  • This statue of Maltese judge and man of letters Giuseppe Nicolò Zammit is in the Upper Barrakka Gardens of Valletta, Malta.

    This statue of Maltese judge and man of letters Giuseppe Nicolò Zammit is in the Upper Barrakka Gardens of Valletta, Malta.

  • This bronze statue by Antonio Sciortino is located outside the entrance to Malta's capital city of Valletta. It commemorates the 24th International Eucharistic Congress in 1913, the last of its type.

    This bronze statue by Antonio Sciortino is located outside the entrance to Malta's capital city of Valletta. It commemorates the 24th International Eucharistic Congress in 1913, the last of its type.

  • Saint Julian's (San Giljan) harbor in Malta, at dusk.

    Saint Julian's (San Giljan) harbor in Malta, at dusk.

  • Comino, formerly called Ephaestia, is a small (3.5 sq km; 1.4 sq mi) bird sanctuary and nature reserve island in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Malta.

    Comino, formerly called Ephaestia, is a small (3.5 sq km; 1.4 sq mi) bird sanctuary and nature reserve island in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Malta.

  • Sliema (which means "peace") is a town located on the northeast coast of Malta.

    Sliema (which means "peace") is a town located on the northeast coast of Malta.

  • A view of Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village located on the southeast side of the island of Malta. The 1833 parish church in the background is dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii and is built on the site of a 17th-century church.

    A view of Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village located on the southeast side of the island of Malta. The 1833 parish church in the background is dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii and is built on the site of a 17th-century church.

  • Known as "luzzu," these colorful fishing boats in Marsaxlokk harbor in Malta are painted in bright shades of blue, yellow, green, and red and include an image of a pair of eyes that is said to protect fishermen at sea.

    Known as "luzzu," these colorful fishing boats in Marsaxlokk harbor in Malta are painted in bright shades of blue, yellow, green, and red and include an image of a pair of eyes that is said to protect fishermen at sea.

1 of 22

  • Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is located on a peninsula between two harbors. At just 0.61 sq km (0.24 sq mi), it is the EU's smallest capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The old fortifications in Valletta, Malta, date to the 16th century.
  • The Fountain of the Three Tritons, designed by Vincent Apap, stands outside of the main gate of Malta's capital, Valetta.
  • A view of the statue of Neptune in the Presidential Palace courtyard in the center of Malta's capital city, Valletta. The Palace is the official office of the president of the Republic of Malta and has been the seat of authority in Malta since the 16th century, when it was known as the Magistral Palace.
  • Located in Palace Square in Valletta, Malta, the Sette Giugno (Italian for "Seventh of June") Monument commemorates the 1919 uprising against profiteering merchants and the colonial government. This event was a first step towards Maltese independence in 1964.
  • The façade of the Collegiate Parish Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck in Valletta, Malta. Saint Paul the Apostle is considered the spiritual father of the Maltese; his shipwreck on the island is described in the New Testament.
  • Statue of the Virgin Mary over the entrance to the Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck in Valletta, Malta.
  • Closer view of the facade of the Collegiate Parish Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck in Valletta. Saint Paul the Apostle is considered the spiritual father of the Maltese; his shipwreck on the island is described in the New Testament.
  • Malta is renowned for its use of indigenous wheat-colored limestone in the construction of roads, houses, hospitals, government buildings, shops, and forts. Valletta, Malta’s capital, has a medieval cityscape and elegant flagstone streets reminiscent of the 16th century.
  • Statue of Queen Victoria outside Malta’s National Library in Republic Square, Valletta. Erected in 1891, the monument commemorates Queen Victoria’s 50th jubilee and was paid for by public subscription.
  • Plaque outside the Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Valletta, Malta. Completed in 1598, the church was rebuilt in 1681 to correct structural problems. In the 1920s, it was enlarged to include a dome. With a pipe organ built in 1932 and restored in 2014, Saint Francis has often served as one of the sites for the Malta International Organ Festival.
  • A view of the dome and altar of the Saint Francis Church in Valletta, Malta. The church was built in 1598, but the dome was not added until the 1920s.
  • Ceiling painting near the dome of the Saint Francis Church in Valletta, Malta.
  • Sculpture of the warrior Knights of Malta at the Fort St. Elmo War Museum in Valletta, Malta. Most of Fort St. Elmo's defenses date from the 16th century.
  • The Upper Barrakka Gardens are the highest point in Valletta, Malta and are home to this marble and bronze plaque that honors the world-famous theoretical physicist, Albert Einstein. This memorial is one of many plaques and statues in the gardens.
  • This statue of Maltese judge and man of letters Giuseppe Nicolò Zammit is in the Upper Barrakka Gardens of Valletta, Malta.
  • This bronze statue by Antonio Sciortino is located outside the entrance to Malta's capital city of Valletta. It commemorates the 24th International Eucharistic Congress in 1913, the last of its type.
  • Saint Julian's (San Giljan) harbor in Malta, at dusk.
  • Comino, formerly called Ephaestia, is a small (3.5 sq km; 1.4 sq mi) bird sanctuary and nature reserve island in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Malta.
  • Sliema (which means "peace") is a town located on the northeast coast of Malta.
  • A view of Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village located on the southeast side of the island of Malta. The 1833 parish church in the background is dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii and is built on the site of a 17th-century church.
  • Known as "luzzu," these colorful fishing boats in Marsaxlokk harbor in Malta are painted in bright shades of blue, yellow, green, and red and include an image of a pair of eyes that is said to protect fishermen at sea.

Malta Factbook Data

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Ken TOKO (since 20 January 2025)

embassy: Ta' Qali National Park, Attard, ATD 4000

mailing address: 5800 Valletta Place, Washington DC  20521-5800

telephone: [356] 2561-4000

email address and website:
ACSMalta@state.gov

https://mt.usembassy.gov/

Age structure

0-14 years: 14.5% (male 35,034/female 33,181)

15-64 years: 62.4% (male 151,836/female 141,248)

65 years and over: 23.1% (2024 est.) (male 50,153/female 58,278)
2023 population pyramid
This is the population pyramid for Malta. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.

For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.

Geographic coordinates

35 50 N, 14 35 E

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Heliports

2 (2024)

Natural hazards

occasional droughts

Area - comparative

slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC
Area comparison map

slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC

Military service age and obligation

18-30 years of age for men and women for voluntary military service; no conscription (2024)

Background

With a civilization that dates back thousands of years, Malta boasts some of the oldest megalithic sites in the world. Situated in the center of the Mediterranean, Malta’s islands have long served as a strategic military asset, with the islands at various times falling under the control of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Moors, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, Knights of St. John, and French. Most recently a British colony (since 1814), Malta gained its independence in 1964 and declared itself a republic 10 years later. While under British rule, the island staunchly supported the UK through both world wars. Since the mid-1980s, the island has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point, a financial center, and a tourist destination, as its key industries moved toward more service-oriented activities. Malta became an EU member in 2004 and joined the eurozone in 2008.

Environment - current issues

limited natural freshwater resources; increasing reliance on desalination; deforestation; wildlife preservation

Environment - international agreements

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Population below poverty line

16.7% (2021 est.)

note: % of population with income below national poverty line

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: 3.1% (2020 est.)

highest 10%: 25.1% (2020 est.)

note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population

Exports - commodities

refined petroleum, integrated circuits, packaged medicine, ships, postage stamps/documents (2023)

note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Exports - partners

Nigeria 28%, Germany 10%, China 6%, Singapore 5%, Hong Kong 4% (2023)

note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Administrative divisions

68 localities (Il-lokalita); Attard, Balzan, Birgu, Birkirkara, Birzebbuga, Bormla, Dingli, Fgura, Floriana, Fontana, Ghajnsielem, Gharb, Gharghur, Ghasri, Ghaxaq, Gudja, Gzira, Hamrun, Iklin, Imdina, Imgarr, Imqabba, Imsida, Imtarfa, Isla, Kalkara, Kercem, Kirkop, Lija, Luqa, Marsa, Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk, Mellieha, Mosta, Munxar, Nadur, Naxxar, Paola, Pembroke, Pieta, Qala, Qormi, Qrendi, Rabat, Rabat (Ghawdex), Safi, San Giljan/Saint Julian, San Gwann/Saint John, San Lawrenz/Saint Lawrence, Sannat, San Pawl il-Bahar/Saint Paul's Bay, Santa Lucija/Saint Lucia, Santa Venera/Saint Venera, Siggiewi, Sliema, Swieqi, Tarxien, Ta' Xbiex, Valletta, Xaghra, Xewkija, Xghajra, Zabbar, Zebbug, Zebbug (Ghawdex), Zejtun, Zurrieq

Agricultural products

milk, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, chicken, cauliflower/broccoli, cabbages, pork, pumpkins/squash, watermelons (2023)

note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Military and security forces

the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) is a joint force with land, maritime, and air elements, plus a Volunteer Reserve Force (2024)

note: the Malta Police Force maintains internal security; both the Police and the AFM report to the Ministry of Home Affairs, National Security, and Law Enforcement

Budget

revenues: $6.106 billion (2022 est.)

expenditures: $6.922 billion (2022 est.)

note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenses converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated

Capital

name: Valletta

geographic coordinates: 35 53 N, 14 30 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

etymology: named in honor of Jean de VALETTE, the Grand Master of the Order of Saint John (crusader knights), who successfully led a defense of the island from an Ottoman invasion in 1565

Imports - commodities

ships, refined petroleum, integrated circuits, aircraft, packaged medicine (2023)

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Climate

Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers

Coastline

196.8 km (excludes 56 km for the island of Gozo)

Constitution

history: many previous; latest adopted 21 September 1964

amendment process: proposals (Acts of Parliament) require at least two-thirds majority vote by the House of Representatives; passage of Acts requires majority vote by referendum, followed by final majority vote by the House and assent of the president of the republic

Exchange rates

euros (EUR) per US dollar -

Exchange rates:
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.95 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.876 (2020 est.)
0.893 (2019 est.)

Executive branch

chief of state: President Myriam Spiteri DEBONO (since 4 April 2024)

head of government: Prime Minister Robert ABELA (since 13 January 2020)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister

elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the House of Representatives for a single 5-year term; election last held on 27 March 2024 (next to be held by March 2029); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president for a 5-year term; deputy prime minister appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister

election results:
2024:  Myriam Spiteri DEBONO (PL) elected president; House of Representatives vote - unanimous

2019: George VELLA (PL) elected president; House of Representatives vote - unanimous

Flag description

two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red; according to legend, the colors are taken from the red and white checkered banner of Count Roger of Sicily who removed a bi-colored corner and granted it to Malta in 1091; an uncontested explanation is that the colors are those of the Knights of Saint John who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798; in 1942, King George VI of the UK awarded the George Cross to the islanders for their exceptional bravery and gallantry in World War II; since independence in 1964, the George Cross bordered in red has appeared directly on the white field

Illicit drugs

minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Western Europe

Independence

21 September 1964 (from the UK)

Industries

tourism, electronics, ship building and repair, construction, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, footwear, clothing, tobacco, aviation services, financial services, information technology services

Judicial branch

highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of either 1 or 3 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 3 judges); Court of Criminal Appeal (consists of either 1 or 3 judges)

judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the president, usually on the advice of the prime minister; judges of both courts serve until age 65

subordinate courts: Civil Court (divided into the General Jurisdiction Section, Family Section, and Voluntary Section); Criminal Court; Court of Magistrates; Gozo Courts (for the islands of Gozo and Comino)

Land boundaries

total: 0 km

Land use

agricultural land: 27.3% (2022 est.)

agricultural land: arable land: 24.4% (2022 est.)

agricultural land: permanent crops: 3% (2022 est.)

agricultural land: permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)

forest: 1.4% (2022 est.)

other: 71.2% (2022 est.)

Legal system

mixed legal system of English common law and civil law based on the Roman and Napoleonic civil codes; subject to European Union law

Legislative branch

legislature name: House of Representatives (Il-Kamra Tad-Deputati)

legislative structure: unicameral

number of seats: 65 (all directly elected)

electoral system: proportional representation

scope of elections: full renewal

term in office: 5 years

most recent election date: 3/26/2022

parties elected and seats per party: Labour Party (LP) (44); Nationalist Party (PN) (35)

percentage of women in chamber: 29.1%

expected date of next election: March 2027

Literacy

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94.9%

male: 93.4%

female: 96.4% (2021)

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm

International organization participation

Australia Group, C, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO (partner), NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina (observer), UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

National holiday

Independence Day, 21 September (1964); Republic Day, 13 December (1974)

Nationality

noun: Maltese (singular and plural)

adjective: Maltese

Natural resources

limestone, salt, arable land

Geography - note

the country is an archipelago, with only the three largest islands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino) inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors

Economic overview

high-income, EU-member European economy; diversified portfolio; euro user; dependent on food and energy imports; strong tourism, trade, and manufacturing sectors; high North African immigration; large welfare system; educated workforce

Political parties

AD+PD or ADPD (formed from the merger of Democratic Alternative or AD and Democratic Party (Partit Demokratiku) or PD)
Labor Party (Partit Laburista) or PL 
Nationalist Party (Partit Nazzjonalista) or PN 

Suffrage

18 years of age (16 in local council elections); universal

Telecommunication systems

general assessment: Malta’s small telecom sector is among the most advanced in Europe; this has been helped by the topography, which has made it relatively easy for operators to expand the reach of their fiber infrastructure; with high mobile and broadband penetration rates, the government and regulator have effective strategies in place to capitalize on these infrastructure developments to ensure that the population has among the fastest data rates in Europe, and is well positioned to take advantage of emerging e-commerce opportunities; the sector has also been stimulated by regulatory measures designed to reduce consumer prices; the incumbent telco is investing in a sub sea cable to connect the islands to France and Egypt; expected to be ready for service in 2022, the cable will further enhance Malta’s internet bandwidth and lead to reduced prices for end-users; there has also been some encouragement to increase market competition (2021)

domestic: fixed-line approximately 49 per 100  persons and mobile-cellular subscribership 122 per 100 persons (2021)

international: country code - 356; landing points for the Malta-Gozo Cable, VMSCS, GO-1 Mediterranean Cable System, Malta Italy Interconnector, Melita-1, and the Italy-Malta submarine cable connections to Italy; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019)

Terrain

mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs

Government type

parliamentary republic

Country name

conventional long form: Republic of Malta

conventional short form: Malta

local long form: Repubblika ta' Malta

local short form: Malta

etymology: the ancient Greeks called the island "Melite" meaning "honey-sweet" from the Greek word "meli" meaning "honey" and referring to the island's honey production

Location

Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy)

Map references

Europe

Irrigated land

39 sq km (2022)

Diplomatic representation in the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Godfrey C. XUEREB (since 19 April 2023)

chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (771) 213-4050

FAX: [1] (202) 530-9753​

email address and website:
maltaembassy.washington@gov.mt

The Embassy (gov.mt)

Internet users

percent of population: 92% (2023 est.)

Internet country code

.mt

Refugees and internally displaced persons

refugees (country of origin): 5,890 (Ukraine) (as of 16 July 2023)

stateless persons: 11 (2022)

note: 8,556 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals by sea (January 2015-November 2022)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$22.329 billion (2023 est.)

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Credit ratings

Fitch rating: A+ (2017)

Moody's rating: A2 (2019)

Standard & Poors rating: A- (2016)

note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.

Total renewable water resources

50 million cubic meters (2020 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 17 years

male: 17 years

female: 18 years (2020)

Urbanization

urban population: 94.9% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization: 0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
total population growth rate v. urban population growth rate, 2000-2030

Broadcast media

2 publicly owned TV stations, Television Malta broadcasting nationally plus an educational channel; several privately owned national television stations, 2 of which are owned by political parties; Italian and British broadcast programs are available; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are available; publicly owned radio broadcaster operates 3 stations; roughly 20 commercial radio stations (2019)

Drinking water source

improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2020 est.)

National anthem

name: "L-Innu Malti" (The Maltese Anthem)

lyrics/music: Dun Karm PSAILA/Robert SAMMUT

note: adopted 1945; written in the form of a prayer
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Malta. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.

Major urban areas - population

213,000 VALLETTA (capital) (2018)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Physician density

2.86 physicians/1,000 population (2015)

Hospital bed density

4.5 beds/1,000 population (2017)

National symbol(s)

Maltese eight-pointed cross; national colors: red, white

Mother's mean age at first birth

29.3 years (2020 est.)

note: data refers to the average of the different childbearing ages of first-order births

GDP - composition, by end use

household consumption: 45.8% (2023 est.)

government consumption: 16.6% (2023 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 18.6% (2023 est.)

investment in inventories: 0.9% (2023 est.)

exports of goods and services: 122.8% (2023 est.)

imports of goods and services: -104.7% (2023 est.)

note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Dependency ratios

total dependency ratio: 47.1

youth dependency ratio: 19.3

elderly dependency ratio: 27.7

potential support ratio: 3.6 (2021 est.)

Citizenship

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Malta

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years

Population distribution

most of the population lives on the eastern half of Malta, the largest of the three inhabited islands

Electricity access

electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)

National air transport system

number of registered air carriers: 13 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 180

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,576,898 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 5.14 million (2018) mt-km

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

9H

Sanitation facility access

improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2020 est.)

Ethnic groups

Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)

Religions

Roman Catholic (official) more than 90% (2006 est.)

Languages

Maltese (official) 90.1%, English (official) 6%, multilingual 3%, other 0.9% (2005 est.)

Imports - partners

Italy 18%, China 10%, Germany 8%, France 7%, Turkey 7% (2023)

note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Elevation

highest point: Ta'Dmejrek on Dingli Cliffs 253 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

Contraceptive prevalence rate

NA

Current health expenditure

10.6% of GDP (2021)

Military - note

the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) are responsible for external security but also have some domestic security responsibilities; the AFM’s primary roles include maintaining the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, monitoring and policing its territorial waters, participating in overseas peacekeeping and stability operations, and providing search and rescue and explosive ordnance disposal capabilities; secondary missions include assisting civil authorities during emergencies, supporting the police and other security services, and providing ceremonial and other public support duties

Malta maintains a security policy of neutrality but contributes to EU and UN military missions and joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1995 (suspended in 1996, but reactivated in 2008); it also participates in various bilateral and multinational military exercises; Malta cooperates closely with Italy on defense matters; in 1973, Italy established a military mission in Malta to provide advice, training, and search and rescue assistance (2024)

Military and security service personnel strengths

approximately 2,000 active-duty personnel (2023)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the military has a small inventory that consists of equipment from a mix of European countries, particularly Italy, and the US (2024)

Total water withdrawal

municipal: 40 million cubic meters (2020 est.)

industrial: 1 million cubic meters (2020 est.)

agricultural: 20 million cubic meters (2020 est.)

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually: 269,000 tons (2015 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 17,996 tons (2015 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 6.7% (2015 est.)

Air pollutants

particulate matter emissions: 12.93 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 1.34 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 0.2 megatons (2020 est.)

Trafficking in persons

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch list — Malta did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period and was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; for more details, go to:  https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-trafficking-in-persons-report/malta/

National heritage

total World Heritage Sites: 3 (all cultural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: City of Valletta; Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum; Megalithic Temples of Malta

Coal

consumption: 8.4 metric tons (2021 est.)

exports: (2022 est.) less than 1 metric ton

imports: 3.9 metric tons (2022 est.)

Electricity generation sources

fossil fuels: 86.8% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

solar: 12.9% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

Natural gas

consumption: 399.719 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

imports: 399.719 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

Petroleum

refined petroleum consumption: 46,000 bbl/day (2022 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

0.74 (2024 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

63.2% (2023 est.)

Remittances

0.07% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.06% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.07% of GDP (2021 est.)

note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Ports

total ports: 2 (2024)

large: 0

medium: 1

small: 1

very small: 0

ports with oil terminals: 0

key ports: Marsaxlokk, Valletta Harbors

Labor force

313,000 (2023 est.)

note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)

total: 9.3% (2023 est.)

male: 13.8% (2023 est.)

female: 4.3% (2023 est.)

note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Net migration rate

4.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Median age

total: 43.5 years (2024 est.)

male: 42.4 years

female: 44.7 years

Maternal mortality ratio

3 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$1.223 billion (2023 est.)
$1.199 billion (2022 est.)
$1.149 billion (2021 est.)

note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Public debt

50.7% of GDP (2017 est.)

note: Malta reports public debt at nominal value outstanding at the end of the year, according to guidelines set out in the Maastricht Treaty for general government gross debt; the data include the following categories of government liabilities (as defined in ESA95): currency and deposits (AF.2), securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives (AF.3, excluding AF.34), and loans (AF.4); general government comprises the central, state, and local governments, and social security funds

Total fertility rate

1.51 children born/woman (2024 est.)

Military expenditures

0.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2022)
0.5% of GDP (2021)
0.6% of GDP (2020)
0.5% of GDP (2019)

Unemployment rate

3.13% (2023 est.)
2.93% (2022 est.)
3.4% (2021 est.)

note: % of labor force seeking employment

Population

total: 469,730

male: 237,023

female: 232,707 (2024 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions

8.352 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 7.586 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 766,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)

Area

total : 316 sq km

land: 316 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Taxes and other revenues

22.34% (of GDP) (2022 est.)

note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

$33.787 billion (2023 est.)
$31.43 billion (2022 est.)
$30.178 billion (2021 est.)

note: data in 2021 dollars

Roadways

total: 2,855 km (2021)

Airports

1 (2024)

Infant mortality rate

total: 4.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)

male: 4.3 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.5 deaths/1,000 live births

Telephones - mobile cellular

total subscriptions: 749,000 (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 132 (2022 est.)

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income

31.4 (2020 est.)

note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

5.09% (2023 est.)
6.15% (2022 est.)
1.5% (2021 est.)

note: annual % change based on consumer prices

Current account balance

$1.425 billion (2023 est.)
-$167.611 million (2022 est.)
$1.844 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Real GDP per capita

$61,100 (2023 est.)
$59,100 (2022 est.)
$58,200 (2021 est.)

note: data in 2021 dollars

Broadband - fixed subscriptions

total: 236,000 (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2023 est.)

Tobacco use

total: 24% (2020 est.)

male: 26.4% (2020 est.)

female: 21.6% (2020 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

28.9% (2016)

Energy consumption per capita

226.072 million Btu/person (2022 est.)

Death rate

8.8 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Birth rate

9.4 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Electricity

installed generating capacity: 805,000 kW (2022 est.)

consumption: 2.786 billion kWh (2022 est.)

exports: 7 million kWh (2022 est.)

imports: 646 million kWh (2022 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 95.168 million kWh (2022 est.)

Merchant marine

total: 1,957 (2023)

by type: bulk carrier 490, container ship 348, general cargo 152, oil tanker 354, other 613

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

NA

Imports

$22.637 billion (2023 est.)
$21.406 billion (2022 est.)
$18.795 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports

$26.647 billion (2023 est.)
$23.566 billion (2022 est.)
$22.605 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Telephones - fixed lines

total subscriptions: 259,000 (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 49 (2023 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita

total: 8.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

beer: 2.8 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

wine: 2.34 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

spirits: 2.51 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

other alcohols: 0.42 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 83.6 years (2024 est.)

male: 81.5 years

female: 85.8 years

Real GDP growth rate

7.5% (2023 est.)
4.15% (2022 est.)
12.51% (2021 est.)

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Industrial production growth rate

5.29% (2023 est.)

note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

agriculture: 0.7% (2023 est.)

industry: 11.7% (2023 est.)

services: 80.6% (2023 est.)

note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

Revenue from forest resources

0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Revenue from coal

0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Education expenditures

5.9% of GDP (2020 est.)

Population growth rate

0.51% (2024 est.)
Sources: