Country Profile: Malta

Malta is a small archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea located south of Sicily, Italy. Known for its rich history and ancient megalithic sites, the country has evolved from a strategic military asset to a contemporary financial and tourist hub, especially after gaining independence from British rule in 1964. With a population of approximately 470,000, Malta boasts a high-income economy primarily driven by services, including tourism, trade, and manufacturing. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Malta is a member of the European Union and has adopted the euro as its currency.

Geography

Malta's geographical location places it at the crossroads of Europe and North Africa, characterized by Mediterranean climate and a total land area of 316 square kilometers. The islands feature mostly flat terrain with rocky coastal cliffs, and no natural freshwater resources pose challenges for agriculture and water supply.

• 316 sq km total area
• 196.8 km coastline
• 3 inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo, Comino
• 12 nm territorial sea claim

People and Society

Malta's population of approximately 469,730 is predominantly Maltese, with a rich cultural heritage influenced by various civilizations. The majority speak Maltese and English, and over 90% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic. The country showcases a median age of 43.5 years and a high rate of urbanization, with nearly 95% living in urban areas.

• 469,730 total population (2024 est.)
• 83.6 years life expectancy at birth
• 9.4 births per 1,000 population (2024 est.)
• 2.8% unemployment rate (2024 est.)

Economy

Malta's economy is classified as high-income and is characterized by a diversified portfolio reliant on tourism, trade, and manufacturing. The nation has shown robust economic growth, with a projected GDP growth rate of 6% for 2024. Despite being resource-poor, Malta imports food and energy, thus maintaining a strong welfare system and an educated workforce.

• $34.731 billion GDP (PPP) (2024 est.)
• 80.8% services sector contribution to GDP (2024 est.)
• 2.8% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
• $60,500 GDP per capita (PPP) (2024 est.)

Government

Malta is a parliamentary republic with the capital city of Valletta. The political structure includes a unicameral legislature known as the House of Representatives, with a President and Prime Minister at its helm. The country maintains a legal system that incorporates both common law and European Union law, reflecting its integration into the EU since 2004.

• 65 seats in the House of Representatives
• 18 years minimum voting age
• 0 dual citizenship recognized
• 3 major political parties: Labour Party, Nationalist Party, AD+PD

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) are tasked with external security, domestic security, and maritime surveillance. The military operates a small force of approximately 2,000 personnel and emphasizes neutrality while participating in international peacekeeping efforts. The country allocates 0.5% of its GDP to military expenditures.

• 2,000 active military personnel (2025)
• 0.5% of GDP for military expenditures (2024 est.)
• 18-30 years of age for voluntary military service
• 1996 was the year Malta suspended its NATO partnership (reactivated in 2008)

Energy

Malta's energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with 86.4% of installed capacity coming from this source. However, the country is gradually increasing its renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar energy. Malta has achieved 100% electrification of its population and imports a significant portion of its energy needs.

• 100% electricity access (2022 est.)
• 829,000 kW installed generating capacity (2023 est.)
• 2.766 billion kWh electricity consumption (2023 est.)
• 86.4% from fossil fuels (2023 est.)

Environment

Environmental challenges in Malta include limited freshwater resources and urbanization pressures. The nation is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, focusing on biodiversity and pollution control while making efforts toward wildlife preservation.

• 27.3% of land used for agriculture (2022 est.)
• 1.4% forest coverage (2022 est.)
• 94.9% urban population (2023)
• 50 million cubic meters total renewable water resources (2020 est.)

Transportation

Malta's transportation infrastructure includes one airport and a small merchant marine fleet. The country features two medium-sized ports that facilitate maritime trade. The population primarily relies on road transport, and the limited size of the islands aids in maintaining an efficient transportation network.

• 1 airport (2025)
• 2 ports (2024)
• 1,957 registered merchant vessels (2023)
• 2 heliports (2025)

Communications

Malta has a well-developed communication system, with a high internet penetration rate and multiple television and radio stations. Mobile phone subscriptions outnumber fixed-line subscriptions, reflecting the modern communication preferences of its citizens.

• 92% of the population are internet users (2023 est.)
• 749,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2022 est.)
• 259,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2023 est.)
• 236,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	469,730	(2024 est.)
Area	316 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$34.731 billion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	2.8%	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	83.6 years	(2024 est.)
Birth Rate	9.4 births/1,000 people	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	234.698 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Urban Population	94.9%	(2023 est.)
Installed Electricity Capacity	829,000 kW	(2023 est.)
Military Expenditures	0.5% of GDP	(2024 est.)