Country Profile: Malta

Malta is a Mediterranean archipelago situated south of Sicily, with a rich history that includes various civilizations from Phoenicians to the British. The nation, which gained independence in 1964 and joined the European Union in 2004, has evolved into a dynamic economy characterized by a robust tourism sector and a diverse service-oriented industry. With a population of over 520,000 and a parliamentary republic governance structure, Malta demonstrates both historical richness and modern economic transformations.

Geography

Malta consists of three inhabited islands known for their strategic location and stunning coastlines. The Mediterranean climate features mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers, with a predominantly low-lying terrain. The archipelago's area totals 316 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than Washington, D.C.

Area: 316 sq km
Coastline: 196.8 km
Highest Point: 253 m (Ta'Dmejrek on Dingli Cliffs)
Natural Hazards: Occasionally experiences droughts
Agricultural Land: 25.9% of total area (2023 est.)

People and Society

Malta's population is estimated at 521,828 in 2025, predominantly of Maltese descent, with a rich cultural heritage influenced by ancient Mediterranean civilizations. The official languages are Maltese and English, reflecting a multilingual society. The population is heavily urbanized, with approximately 94.9% residing in urban areas.

Population Growth Rate: 0.65% (2025 est.)
Median Age: 42.1 years (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy at Birth: 83.6 years (2024 est.)
Urban Population: 94.9% (2023 est.)
Birth Rate: 7.67 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Economy

Malta boasts a high-income economy, heavily reliant on tourism, trade, and manufacturing. The GDP (PPP) is projected to reach $34.731 billion in 2024, with a significant contribution from the service sector. The economy is characterized by a diverse portfolio, although it is dependent on imports for food and energy.

GDP (PPP): $34.731 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP per Capita: $60,500 (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 2.8% (2024 est.)
Exports: $29.245 billion (2024 est.)
Imports: $24.505 billion (2024 est.)

Government

Malta operates as a parliamentary republic with a multisectoral democratic government. The President functions as the head of state, while the Prime Minister leads the government. The legislative body is unicameral, comprising 65 directly elected members.

Capital: Valletta
Legal System: Mixed system of English common law and civil law
Recent Election: Presidential election on March 27, 2024
National Holiday: Independence Day, 21 September (1964)
Voting Age: 18 years (16 for local council elections)

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) are tasked with external security, alongside domestic responsibilities. The military is composed of approximately 2,000 active personnel and engages in international peacekeeping operations. Military expenditures are estimated at 0.5% of GDP.

Active Personnel: ~2,000 (2025)
Military Expenditures: 0.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Service Age: 18-30 years for voluntary service
Neutral Foreign Policy: Contributes to EU and UN missions
Military Equipment: Mixed inventory primarily from European sources

Energy

Malta's energy infrastructure includes a 100% electrification rate, with a significant portion of energy generated from fossil fuels. The country is also advancing in renewable energy through solar power initiatives.

Installed Capacity: 829,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity Consumption: 2.766 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Fossil Fuels Share: 86.4% of total generation capacity (2023 est.)
Solar Energy Share: 13.2% of total generation capacity (2023 est.)
Natural Gas Consumption: 444.715 million cubic meters (2023 est.)

Environment

Malta faces environmental challenges such as limited freshwater resources and wildlife preservation. The nation participates in numerous international environmental agreements to address pressing climate issues.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 8.965 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Urbanization Rate: 0.28% annual change (2020-25 est.)
Waste Recycling Rate: 10.5% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)
Forest Coverage: 1.5% of total area (2023 est.)
Total Water Withdrawal: 39.497 million cubic meters (2022)

Transportation

Malta has a well-developed transportation network encompassing roads, ports, and an airport, facilitating trade and tourism. The country’s single airport serves as a major hub for air travel.

Airports: 1 (2025)
Merchant Marine Size: 1,957 vessels (2023)
Total Ports: 2 (2024)
Heliports: 2 (2025)
Civil Aircraft Registration Code: 9H

Communications

Communications infrastructure in Malta is robust, with high mobile and internet penetration. The country offers various broadcasting services, including public and private television channels.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 767,000 (2024)
Internet Users: 92% of the population (2023 est.)
Fixed-line Subscriptions: 259,000 (2023 est.)
Broadband Subscriptions: 236,000 (2023 est.)
Telephones per 100 Inhabitants: 49 (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	521,828 (2025 est.)
Area	316 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$34.731 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	2.8% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	7.67 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	83.6 years (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	0.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	100% (2022 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	234.698 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Urban Population	94.9% (2023 est.)