Malta
EuropeMT December 27, 2025
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.
Geographic coordinates
35 50 N, 14 35 E
Natural hazards
occasional droughts
Area - comparative
slightly less than twice the size of Washington, D.C.
Environmental issues
limited natural freshwater resources; deforestation; wildlife preservation
International environmental 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
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Climate
Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers
Coastline
196.8 km (excludes 56 km for the island of Gozo)
Land boundaries
Total: 0 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 25.9% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 22.8% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 3.2% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
Forest: 1.5% (2023 est.)
Other: 66.4% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 22.8% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 3.2% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
Forest: 1.5% (2023 est.)
Other: 66.4% (2023 est.)
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
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm
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
Terrain
mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs
Location
Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy)
Map references
Europe
Irrigated land
39 sq km (2022)
Total renewable water resources
50.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
most of the population lives on the eastern half of Malta, the largest of the three inhabited islands
Elevation
Highest point: Ta'Dmejrek on Dingli Cliffs 253 m
Lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
Lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
Area
Total : 316 sq km
Land: 316 sq km
Water: 0 sq km
Land: 316 sq km
Water: 0 sq km
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)
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)
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.)
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.)
Nationality
Noun: Maltese (singular and plural)
Adjective: Maltese
Adjective: Maltese
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 16 years (2023 est.)
Male: 15 years (2023 est.)
Female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Male: 15 years (2023 est.)
Female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 94.9% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
213,000 VALLETTA (capital) (2018)
Physician density
7.86 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
4.4 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
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
Note: Data refers to the average of the different childbearing ages of first-order births
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 53.7 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 21.4 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 32.4 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 21.4 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 32.4 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 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.)
Health expenditure
10.6% of GDP (2021)
16.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
16.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.74 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
52% (2021 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 7.8% (2024 est.)
Male: 9.6% (2024 est.)
Female: 5.7% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 9.6% (2024 est.)
Female: 5.7% (2024 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
Male: 42.4 years
Female: 44.7 years
Maternal mortality ratio
8 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.51 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 469,730 (2024 est.)
Male: 237,023
Female: 232,707
Male: 237,023
Female: 232,707
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
Male: 4.3 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 4.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 22.1% (2025 est.)
Male: 23.9% (2025 est.)
Female: 20.2% (2025 est.)
Male: 23.9% (2025 est.)
Female: 20.2% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
28.9% (2016)
Death rate
8.8 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
9.4 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
0.7% (2022 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.)
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
Male: 81.5 years
Female: 85.8 years
Education expenditure
4.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
12.5% national budget (2022 est.)
12.5% national budget (2022 est.)
Population growth rate
0.51% (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 39.497 million cubic meters (2022)
Industrial: 1 million cubic meters (2022)
Agricultural: 21.358 million cubic meters (2022)
Industrial: 1 million cubic meters (2022)
Agricultural: 21.358 million cubic meters (2022)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 348,800 tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10.5% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10.5% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
13.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
8.965 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 8.113 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 852,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 8.113 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 852,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
234.698 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
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
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 Parizot de la VALETTE, the Grand Master of the Order of Saint John (crusader knights), who founded the city in 1566
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 Parizot de la VALETTE, the Grand Master of the Order of Saint John (crusader knights), who founded the city in 1566
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
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
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
Election/appointment process: President indirectly elected by the House of Representatives for a single 5-year term; following legislative elections, the president usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister for a 5-year term; deputy prime minister appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
Most recent election date: 27 March 2024
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
Expected date of next election: By March 2029
Head of government: Prime Minister Robert ABELA (since 13 January 2020)
Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
Election/appointment process: President indirectly elected by the House of Representatives for a single 5-year term; following legislative elections, the president usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister for a 5-year term; deputy prime minister appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
Most recent election date: 27 March 2024
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
Expected date of next election: By March 2029
Flag
Description: Two equal vertical bands of white (left side) and red; in the upper-left corner is the George Cross, edged in red
History: According to legend, the colors come from the red-and-white checkered banner of Count Roger of Sicily, who removed a bicolored corner and granted it to Malta in 1091, but the colors more likely come from the Knights of Saint John, who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798; in 1942, Britain's King George VI awarded the George Cross to the islanders for their exceptional bravery and gallantry in World War II, and the George Cross bordered in red was added to the flag after independence in 1964
History: According to legend, the colors come from the red-and-white checkered banner of Count Roger of Sicily, who removed a bicolored corner and granted it to Malta in 1091, but the colors more likely come from the Knights of Saint John, who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798; in 1942, Britain's King George VI awarded the George Cross to the islanders for their exceptional bravery and gallantry in World War II, and the George Cross bordered in red was added to the flag after independence in 1964
Independence
21 September 1964 (from the UK)
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)
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)
Legal system
mixed 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
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
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)
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
Labor Party (Partit Laburista) or PL
Nationalist Party (Partit Nazzjonalista) or PN
Suffrage
18 years of age (16 in local council elections); universal
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 origin is unclear; the name may come from the ancient term mel, meaning "high" and probably referring to the island's rocks; the ancient Greeks called the island "Melite," possibly from the Greek word meli, meaning "honey" and referring to the island's honey production
Conventional short form: Malta
Local long form: Repubblika ta' Malta
Local short form: Malta
Etymology: The origin is unclear; the name may come from the ancient term mel, meaning "high" and probably referring to the island's rocks; the ancient Greeks called the island "Melite," possibly from the Greek word meli, meaning "honey" and referring to the island's honey production
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)
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)
National anthem(s)
Title: "L-Innu Malti" (The Hymn of Malta)
Lyrics/music: Dun Karm PSAILA/Robert SAMMUT
History: Adopted 1945; written in the form of a prayer to bind together the political parties and the country
Lyrics/music: Dun Karm PSAILA/Robert SAMMUT
History: Adopted 1945; written in the form of a prayer to bind together the political parties and the country
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
Maltese eight-pointed cross
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
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Malta
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 3 (all cultural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: City of Valletta; Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum; Megalithic Temples of Malta
Selected World Heritage Site locales: City of Valletta; Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum; Megalithic Temples of Malta
National color(s)
red, white
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Somers FARKAS (since 26 November 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/
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/
Population below poverty line
16.7% (2021 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 2.7% (2022 est.)
Highest 10%: 27.7% (2022 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 27.7% (2022 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
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
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
milk, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, chicken, cauliflower/broccoli, cabbages, pork, pumpkins/squash, watermelons (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $6.95 billion (2023 est.)
Expenditures: $7.966 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $7.966 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, integrated circuits, aircraft, packaged medicine (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
0.924 (2024 est.)
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.95 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.876 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
0.924 (2024 est.)
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.95 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.876 (2020 est.)
Industries
tourism, electronics, ship building and repair, construction, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, footwear, clothing, tobacco, aviation services, financial services, information technology services
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
GDP (official exchange rate)
$24.322 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 46.6% (2024 est.)
Government consumption: 17.2% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 17.9% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0.9% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 123.5% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -106.1% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 17.2% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 17.9% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0.9% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 123.5% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -106.1% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
Italy 18%, China 10%, Germany 8%, France 7%, Turkey 7% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Remittances
0.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
0.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
318,200 (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$1.418 billion (2024 est.)
$1.223 billion (2023 est.)
$1.199 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$1.223 billion (2023 est.)
$1.199 billion (2022 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
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
Unemployment rate
2.8% (2024 est.)
3.2% (2023 est.)
3% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
3.2% (2023 est.)
3% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
21.9% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$34.731 billion (2024 est.)
$32.774 billion (2023 est.)
$30.689 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$32.774 billion (2023 est.)
$30.689 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
1.7% (2024 est.)
5.1% (2023 est.)
6.2% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
5.1% (2023 est.)
6.2% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
$1.383 billion (2024 est.)
$1.425 billion (2023 est.)
-$167.611 million (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
$1.425 billion (2023 est.)
-$167.611 million (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$60,500 (2024 est.)
$59,300 (2023 est.)
$57,800 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$59,300 (2023 est.)
$57,800 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$24.505 billion (2024 est.)
$22.637 billion (2023 est.)
$21.406 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$22.637 billion (2023 est.)
$21.406 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$29.245 billion (2024 est.)
$26.647 billion (2023 est.)
$23.566 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$26.647 billion (2023 est.)
$23.566 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
6% (2024 est.)
6.8% (2023 est.)
4.3% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
6.8% (2023 est.)
4.3% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
5.6% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 0.2% (2024 est.)
Industry: 11.4% (2024 est.)
Services: 80.8% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 11.4% (2024 est.)
Services: 80.8% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Coal
Consumption: 8.4 metric tons (2021 est.)
Imports: 3.9 metric tons (2022 est.)
Imports: 3.9 metric tons (2022 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 86.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 13.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 13.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
Consumption: 444.715 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 444.715 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 444.715 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Petroleum
Refined petroleum consumption: 50,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 829,000 kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 2.766 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 28 million kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 648 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 199.086 million kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 2.766 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 28 million kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 648 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 199.086 million kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 92% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.mt
Broadcast media
2 publicly owned TV stations, Television Malta and 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)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 749,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 132 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 132 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 236,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 259,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 49 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 49 (2023 est.)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
9H
Airports
1 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 1,957 (2023)
By type: Bulk carrier 490, container ship 348, general cargo 152, oil tanker 354, other 613
By type: Bulk carrier 490, container ship 348, general cargo 152, oil tanker 354, other 613
Heliports
2 (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-30 years of age for men and women for voluntary military service; no conscription (2024)
Military expenditures
0.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
0.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security forces
the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM): Land Component (combat, combat support, and combat service support divided into three regiments), Maritime Squadron, Air Wing; Volunteer Reserve Force (2025)
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
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
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, Organization for the Security and Cooperation (OSCE), 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 (2025)
Malta maintains a security policy of neutrality but contributes to EU, Organization for the Security and Cooperation (OSCE), 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 (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 2,000 active Armed Forces of Malta (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military has a small inventory of armaments from a mix of European countries, particularly Italy, and the US (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 9,284 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 171 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 171 (2024 est.)
Ports
Total ports: 2 (2024)
Large: 0
Medium: 1
Small: 1
Very small: 0
Ports with oil terminals: 0
Key ports: Marsaxlokk, Valletta Harbors
Large: 0
Medium: 1
Small: 1
Very small: 0
Ports with oil terminals: 0
Key ports: Marsaxlokk, Valletta Harbors
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
34.6 (2022 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
National coat of arms
Adopted in 1988, Malta’s coat of arms has a shield displaying the national flag, with olive and palm branches on each side symbolizing peace. On top of the shield is a golden crown in the shape of a fortification with five turrets, representing Malta's forts. The white ribbon below the shield displays the name Repubblika ta' Malta (Republic of Malta).