Malta
Region
🌍 Europe
Population
👥 588
Currency
💱 Euro
Languages
🗣️ English, Maltese
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 36 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Malta, a sun-drenched archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean, beckons travelers with its millennia of history, stunning coastal landscapes, and vibrant culture. This compact nation is best known for its incredibly rich historical heritage, from prehistoric temples to medieval fortifications and the legacy of the Knights of St. John. Visitors can explore the ancient streets of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage city, discover the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk, or relax on the idyllic beaches of Gozo and Comino. Expect a warm Mediterranean climate, friendly locals, and an easily navigable country where ancient wonders are around every corner. Malta offers a unique blend of European charm and North African influences, promising an unforgettable experience for first-time visitors.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Malta
Continent
Europe
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Maltese
Independence
September 21, 1964 (from the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.mt
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+356
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+01:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Valletta
ISO Alpha-2
MT
ISO Alpha-3
MLT
UN Code
470
Geographic Coordinates
35.83333333,14.58333333
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
316#214 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
588,254#171 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
1,727.33
Highest Point (m)
253 meters (Ta' Dmejrek)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Mediterranean Sea)
Land Use
Approximately 40% arable land
Irrigated Land
Small areas of land are irrigated, though specific figures are unavailable.
Coastline Length
196.8 kilometers
Climate
Mediterranean; hot, dry summers; mild, wet winters
Natural Resources
Limestone, salt, arable land
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
Malta has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
Malta has no major lakes.
Government Type
Parliamentary Republic
Administrative Divisions
68 local councils
Legal System
Based on English common law and civil law.
Chief of State
President of Malta, currently Myriam Spiteri Debono
Head of Government
Prime Minister of Malta, currently Robert Abela
Cabinet
The Cabinet of Malta is appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Elections
Elections are held for the Parliament, and subsequently, the Prime Minister is appointed.
Judicial Branch
Civil and Criminal Courts
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Parliament of Malta (House of Representatives)
Major Political Parties
Labour Party; Nationalist Party
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Euro
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
27.77#119 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
41.86#142 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
47,906.9#34 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.47
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
10.08
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
81.33
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.36#114 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
323,052
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.9#149 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (1994)Checked September 29, 2026
29.97
Budget
Information on the current budget can be found on the government's official website.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
33.08#79 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
27.75#86 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves can be found on the Central Bank of Malta website.
Currency Exchange
Exchange rates can be found on major financial websites.
GDP by Sector
Services 80%, Industry 18%, Agriculture 2% (2022 est.)
Major Industries
Tourism, electronics, shipbuilding, financial services.
Major Export Partners
France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, United States.
Major Import Partners
Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, United States, France.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2011)Checked September 29, 2026
93.31#90 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7.7
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7.3
Net Migration Rate
Approximately 2 migrants per 1,000 population (2022 est.)
Median Age
Approximately 43 years (2022 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
95.68#16 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 0.2% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
83#23 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Less than 0.1% (2021 est.)
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
8.84
Ethnic Groups
Maltese (descendants of Phoenicians, Italians, and others).
Religions
Roman Catholic 88%, other.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English, Maltese
Education
Education System
Public and private education systems. Education is compulsory from ages 5-16.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
16.6
Government Education Spending
Relatively high spending on education.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
University of Malta.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Mix of Mediterranean influences, including Italian, British, and Arab.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- L-Ewwel tas-Sena (2026-01-01)
- In-Nawfraġju ta’ San Pawl (2026-02-10)
- San Ġużepp (2026-03-19)
- Jum il-Ħelsien (2026-03-31)
- Il-Ġimgħa l-Kbira (2026-04-03)
- Jum il-Ħaddiem (2026-05-01)
- Sette Giugno (2026-06-07)
- L-Imnarja (2026-06-29)
- Santa Marija (2026-08-15)
- Il-Vittorja (2026-09-08)
- L-Indipendenza (2026-09-21)
- L-Immakulata Kunċizzjoni (2026-12-08)
Popular Music
Influenced by Mediterranean and Western styles, including pop and rock.
Traditional Food
Pastizzi, rabbit stew (stuffat tal-fenek), and ftira.
Sports
Football (soccer), water polo, and horse racing are popular.
Major Festivals
Carnival, Malta International Fireworks Festival.
Famous People
Joseph Calleja (tenor), Michael J. Farrugia (politician).
Cultural Heritage Sites
Numerous churches, fortifications, and historical sites.
UNESCO Sites
City of Valletta, Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum, Megalithic Temples of Malta.
Annual Tourist Visits
Millions of tourist visits annually.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a significant part of the Maltese economy, with a focus on historical sites, beaches, and cultural experiences.
Top Tourist Attractions
Valletta, Mdina, Megalithic Temples, Blue Lagoon, beaches.
Famous Cities
Valletta, Mdina, Sliema, St. Julian's.
National Parks
No national parks.
Protected Areas
Several protected areas, including marine reserves and nature reserves.
Best Time to Visit
For the best of Malta's offerings, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, perfect for exploring historical sites and cities like Valletta without the intense summer heat. Beach lovers will find June to August ideal for swimming and sunbathing, though be prepared for larger crowds. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate the milder temperatures of spring and autumn, making it comfortable to explore the island's scenic trails. If you're interested in local festivals and cultural events, research specific dates as many vibrant celebrations occur throughout the year, particularly around Easter and during the summer months. Winter (November to March) offers a quieter, more budget-friendly experience, with fewer tourists and cooler but still generally mild weather, suitable for sightseeing.
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary depending on nationality; Schengen area rules generally apply.
Visa Requirements Overview
Malta, as part of the Schengen Area, generally allows visa-free entry for tourists from many countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This applies to citizens of the European Union, as well as many other nationalities from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK. However, visa requirements can vary significantly based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. It is crucial to check the specific entry requirements for your country of origin well in advance of your travel plans. For certain nationalities, a Schengen visa might be required to enter Malta. Always consult official sources or your local embassy for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Travel Advisory
Generally safe, but travelers should stay vigilant about petty crime.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Malta typically has a high healthcare quality index.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and insurance coverage.
Number of Hospitals
Malta has several hospitals providing various medical services.
Universal Healthcare
Universal healthcare system funded by general taxation.
Medical Services Overview
Malta offers a comprehensive healthcare system with both public and private options.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are readily accessible, typically by dialing 112.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
112
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
112
Emergency Number (Fire)
112
Crime Rate
Low crime rate index.
Safety Index
High safety index.
Military Expenditure
Relatively low military expenditure as a percentage of GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Comprehensive emergency services, including police, ambulance, and fire services, all reachable via 112.
Safety Overview
Malta is generally a very safe country for tourists, with low crime rates. The most common issues encountered are petty theft, such as pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas or on public transport, so it's wise to remain aware of your surroundings. Be cautious of potential scams, like overly insistent touts offering unsolicited tours or goods. While overall safety is high, exercising standard precautions you would in any unfamiliar environment is recommended. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night. It's always advisable to keep your valuables secure and be wary of unsolicited assistance. Malta's police presence is visible, and the emergency number is 112.
Military Branches
Armed Forces of Malta (AFM).
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Universal access to electricity.
Water Access
Universal access to improved water sources.
Sanitation Access
Universal access to improved sanitation facilities.
Railways
No railway system.
Roadways
Well-developed road network, including highways and local roads.
Transportation System
Bus services are the primary public transport, also taxis and ferries.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Malta International Airport (MLA)
Ports
Major port at Valletta, handling cargo and cruise ships.
Public Transit
Bus system is the primary public transit, supplemented by ferries.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
93.86#38 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
High mobile subscriptions.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup scene.
Innovation Index
Moderate innovation index.
ICT Development Index
High ICT Development Index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Multiple television broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type G, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
3.18#91 of 202
Air Quality Index
Generally good, but can be impacted by traffic and industry.
Water Pollution Level
Moderate, with potential issues from agricultural runoff and sewage.
Renewable Energy Usage
Growing, with focus on solar and wind power.
Environmental Issues
Includes air pollution, water scarcity, coastal erosion, and waste management.
Natural Hazards
Droughts, occasional seismic activity.
Waste Management
Improving, with efforts on recycling and waste reduction.
Environmental Agreements
Party to numerous international environmental agreements.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions worldwide.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
EU, Eurozone, Commonwealth, Schengen Area
Major Treaties
Key EU treaties, various bilateral agreements.
Visa-Free Countries
Offers visa-free travel to many countries.