Country Profile: Malta

Malta, an archipelago situated in the central Mediterranean, has a rich history that spans thousands of years and includes influences from various civilizations. With a population of around 521,828 and a burgeoning economy primarily driven by tourism and services, Malta has transformed from a strategic military asset into a high-income EU member state since gaining independence in 1964. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Malta boasts a stable political environment marked by a diverse and educated workforce.

Geography

Malta is located in Southern Europe, south of Sicily, characterized by its Mediterranean climate and a landscape dominated by rocky plains and coastal cliffs. The country spans an area of 316 square kilometers, entirely land-based, with no natural water bodies. The archipelago includes three main inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino, providing numerous bays that serve as excellent harbors.

316 sq km: Total land area.
196.8 km: Total coastline.
0.0 km: Land boundaries, as Malta is an island nation.
12 nm: Territorial sea claims.
253 m: Highest point at Ta'Dmejrek.
1.5%: Forest cover as of 2023.

People and Society

Malta has a diverse population of approximately 521,828, predominantly of Maltese ethnicity, with a rich cultural heritage influenced by Mediterranean roots. The official languages are Maltese and English, and over 90% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic. The median age is 42.1 years, and the country exhibits a high urbanization rate with over 94% of the population residing in urban areas.

521,828: Estimated population in 2025.
83.6 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
7.67 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.).
2.8%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
94.9%: Percentage of urban population (2023).
100%: Access to improved drinking water sources.

Economy

Malta's economy is categorized as high-income, heavily reliant on imports for food and energy, and characterized by a diversified portfolio with a strong emphasis on services such as tourism and finance. The nation's real GDP is projected to reach approximately $34.731 billion by 2024, with a notable growth rate of 6%, driven by a highly educated workforce.

$34.731 billion: Projected real GDP (2024 est.).
80.8%: Contribution of the services sector 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.).
$1.418 billion: Foreign exchange reserves (2024 est.).

Government

Malta is a parliamentary republic with a mixed legal system that incorporates elements of English common law and civil law. The government comprises an executive branch led by the President and Prime Minister, a unicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary. Following its independence from the UK in 1964, Malta became a member of the EU in 2004.

President: Myriam Spiteri Debono (since 2024).
Prime Minister: Robert Abela (since 2020).
65: Total seats in the House of Representatives.
18 years: Universal suffrage age.
3: World Heritage Sites.

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) play a critical role in maintaining the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also engaging in international peacekeeping efforts. The military expenditure stands at 0.5% of GDP, reflecting Malta's commitment to a neutral security policy.

2,000: Active personnel in the AFM (2025).
0.5%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.).
18-30 years: Age range for voluntary military service.
1995: Year Malta joined NATO's Partnership for Peace program.

Energy

Malta's energy sector is primarily dependent on fossil fuels, with renewable sources like solar making up a smaller percentage of the total capacity. Electricity access is universal, and the country aims to diversify its energy portfolio to enhance sustainability.

100%: Electrification of the total population (2022 est.).
829,000 kW: Installed electricity generation capacity (2023 est.).
86.4%: Share of fossil fuels in energy generation capacity (2023 est.).
2.766 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.).

Communications

Malta has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, boasting high mobile and internet penetration rates. The country has substantial fixed-line subscriptions and offers a variety of broadcast media options.

92%: Internet usage among the population (2023 est.).
767,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.).
44: Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023 est.).

Transportation

Malta maintains a functional transportation network, with air and maritime links being vital for connectivity. The nation has one international airport and important ports that support its shipping industry.

1: International airport (2025).
1,957: Merchant marine vessels (2023).
2: Total ports (2024).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	521,828	Estimated for 2025
Area	316 sq km	Total land area
Real GDP (PPP)	$34.731 billion	Projected for 2024
Unemployment Rate	2.8%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	7.67 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2025
Life Expectancy	83.6 years	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption	234.698 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Urban Population	94.9%	Total urban portion
Military Expenditure	0.5% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Total Water Withdrawal	39.497 million cubic meters	Estimated for 2022