Country Profile: Malta

Malta, a small archipelago in the Mediterranean, has a rich history and diverse cultural heritage, evidenced by some of the world's oldest megalithic sites. With a population estimated at 469,730 in 2024, the country boasts a high-income, service-oriented economy that relies heavily on tourism and trade. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Malta has seen significant transformations since gaining independence from British rule in 1964, becoming a member of the European Union in 2004 and adopting the euro in 2008.

Geography

Malta is located in Southern Europe, south of Sicily, consisting of three main inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. The total land area is approximately 316 square kilometers, characterized by rocky plains and coastal cliffs. The climate is Mediterranean, featuring mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers, with limited freshwater resources posing a challenge for agriculture.

• 316 sq km: Total area of Malta
• 196.8 km: Length of coastline
• 253 m: Highest point at Ta'Dmejrek
• 12 nm: Territorial sea claims
• 25.9%: Agricultural land use (2023 est.)

People and Society

Malta's population of approximately 469,730 is predominantly Maltese, with a mix of ethnic influences from ancient Carthaginians, Phoenicians, and Italians. The official languages are Maltese and English, and over 90% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic. The median age is 43.5 years, and urbanization is high, with nearly 95% of residents living in urban areas.

• 14.5%: Population aged 0-14 years (2024 est.)
• 94.9%: Urban population (2023)
• 83.6 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
• 9.4 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024 est.)
• 2.8%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)

Economy

Malta has a diversified economy characterized by a strong tourism sector, financial services, and manufacturing. The country's GDP is heavily reliant on imports for food and energy, with a real GDP growth rate of 6% predicted for 2024. Despite its small size, Malta boasts a robust economy with a highly educated workforce.

• $34.731 billion: Real GDP (PPP) in 2024 est.
• 80.8%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2024 est.)
• 2.8%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
• $60,500: Real GDP per capita (2024 est.)
• 16.7%: Population below the poverty line (2021 est.)

Government

Malta is a parliamentary republic with a unicameral legislature known as the House of Representatives, consisting of 65 seats. The president and prime minister lead the country, with the latest presidential election occurring in March 2024. The legal system integrates English common law and civil law, adhering to EU regulations.

• 1964: Year of independence from the UK
• 65: Number of seats in the House of Representatives
• 18 years: Minimum voting age
• 5 years: Term length for elected officials
• 3: Total world heritage sites

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) are responsible for the country's defense and internal security, comprising a land component, maritime squadron, and air wing. Military expenditures account for 0.5% of GDP, reflecting Malta's neutral security policy, collaborating with international organizations like the EU and NATO.

• 2,000: Active personnel in the Armed Forces (2025)
• 0.5%: Military expenditure as a GDP percentage (2024 est.)
• 18-30 years: Age range for voluntary military service
• 1995-2008: Participation in NATO's Partnership for Peace
• 9,284: Refugees in Malta (2024 est.)

Energy

Malta has achieved 100% electrification, with its energy sources primarily consisting of fossil fuels and a growing emphasis on renewable sources like solar power. Energy imports significantly outweigh domestic production, with substantial investments in electricity infrastructure underway.

• 100%: Electricity access (2022 est.)
• 829,000 kW: Total installed generating capacity (2023 est.)
• 86.4%: Fossil fuel share in total installed capacity (2023 est.)
• 444.715 million m³: Natural gas consumption (2023 est.)
• 2.766 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)

Environment

Malta faces environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources and deforestation. The government actively participates in international agreements to address climate change and biodiversity. Urbanization continues to rise, impacting land use and natural ecosystems.

• 25.9%: Land used for agriculture (2023 est.)
• 348,800 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 est.)
• 10.5%: Municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)
• 50.5 million m³: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.)
• 8.965 million metric tons: CO2 emissions (2023 est.)

Transportation

Malta's transportation network includes one international airport and a merchant marine of nearly 2,000 vessels. The majority of transportation is conducted via road, with significant investments aimed at enhancing airport and maritime facilities.

• 1: Number of airports (2025 est.)
• 1,957: Total merchant marine vessels (2023)
• 2: Number of ports (2024)
• 2: Number of heliports (2025 est.)

Communications

Malta has a well-developed communication infrastructure, with high mobile and internet penetration rates. The country offers various broadcasting services, ensuring access to both local and international media.

• 92%: Internet usage rate (2023 est.)
• 749,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.)
• 259,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 est.)
• 236,000: Broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	469,730	Estimated for 2024
Area	316 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$34.731 billion	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption	2.766 billion kWh	Estimated for 2023
Unemployment Rate	2.8%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	9.4 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	83.6 years	Estimated for 2024