Malta - MT - MLT - MLT - Europe

Last updated: December 18, 2025

Malta Images

Comino, formerly called Ephaestia, is a small (3.5 sq km; 1.4 sq mi) Maltese bird sanctuary and nature reserve island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is located on a peninsula between two harbors. At just 0.61 sq km (0.24 sq mi), it is the EU's smallest capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The old fortifications in Valletta, Malta, date to the 16th century.
Malta is renowned for its use of indigenous wheat-colored limestone in the construction of roads, houses, hospitals, government buildings, shops, and forts. Valletta, Malta’s capital, has a medieval cityscape and elegant flagstone streets reminiscent of the 16th century.
The Fountain of the Three Tritons, designed by Vincent Apap, stands outside of the main gate of Malta's capital, Valetta.
A view of the statue of Neptune in the Presidential Palace courtyard in the center of Malta's capital city, Valletta. The Palace is the official office of the president of the Republic of Malta and has been the seat of authority in Malta since the 16th century, when it was known as the Magistral Palace.
Located in Palace Square in Valletta, Malta, the Sette Giugno (Italian for "Seventh of June") Monument commemorates the 1919 uprising against profiteering merchants and the colonial government. This event was a first step towards Maltese independence in 1964.
Closer view of the facade of the Collegiate Parish Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck in Valletta. Saint Paul the Apostle is considered the spiritual father of the Maltese; his shipwreck on the island is described in the New Testament.
Statue of Queen Victoria outside Malta’s National Library in Republic Square, Valletta. Erected in 1891, the monument commemorates Queen Victoria’s 50th jubilee and was paid for by public subscription.
A view of the dome and altar of the Saint Francis Church in Valletta, Malta. The church was completed in 1598, but the church was rebuilt in 1681 to correct structural problems. In the 1920s, it was enlarged to include a dome. With a pipe organ built in 1932 and restored in 2014, Saint Francis has often served as one of the sites for the Malta International Organ Festival.
Sculpture of the warrior Knights of Malta at the Fort St. Elmo War Museum in Valletta, Malta. Most of Fort St. Elmo's defenses date from the 16th century.
This bronze statue by Antonio Sciortino is located outside the entrance to Malta's capital city of Valletta. It commemorates the 24th International Eucharistic Congress in 1913, the last of its type.
Sliema (which means "peace") is a town located on the northeast coast of Malta.
A view of Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village located on the southeast side of the island of Malta. The 1833 parish church in the background is dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii and is built on the site of a 17th-century church.
Known as "luzzu," these colorful fishing boats in Marsaxlokk harbor in Malta are painted in bright shades of blue, yellow, green, and red and include an image of a pair of eyes that is said to protect fishermen at sea.
Comino, formerly called Ephaestia, is a small (3.5 sq km; 1.4 sq mi) Maltese bird sanctuary and nature reserve island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is located on a peninsula between two harbors. At just 0.61 sq km (0.24 sq mi), it is the EU's smallest capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Malta Factbook Data

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Somers FARKAS (since 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/

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)

This is the population pyramid for Malta. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.

For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.

Geographic coordinates

35 50 N, 14 35 E

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.)

Natural hazards

occasional droughts

Area - comparative

slightly less than twice the size of Washington, D.C.

slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC

Military service age and obligation

18-30 years of age for men and women for voluntary military service; no conscription (2024)

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.

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

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.)

Population below poverty line

16.7% (2021 est.)

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

Exports - commodities

refined petroleum, integrated circuits, packaged medicine, ships, postage stamps/documents (2023)

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

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

Agricultural products

milk, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, chicken, cauliflower/broccoli, cabbages, pork, pumpkins/squash, watermelons (2023)

note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

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

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

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

Imports - commodities

ships, refined petroleum, integrated circuits, aircraft, packaged medicine (2023)

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Climate

Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers

Coastline

196.8 km (excludes 56 km for the island of Gozo)

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

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.)

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

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

Independence

21 September 1964 (from the UK)

Industries

tourism, electronics, ship building and repair, construction, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, footwear, clothing, tobacco, aviation services, financial services, information technology services

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)

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.)

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

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

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)

Nationality

noun: Maltese (singular and plural)

adjective: Maltese

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

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

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

Suffrage

18 years of age (16 in local council elections); universal

Terrain

mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs

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

Location

Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy)

Map references

Europe

Irrigated land

39 sq km (2022)

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)

Internet users

percent of population: 92% (2023 est.)

Internet country code

.mt

Refugees and internally displaced persons

refugees: 9,284 (2024 est.)

stateless persons: 171 (2024 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$24.322 billion (2024 est.)

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Total renewable water resources

50.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 16 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.)

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)

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.)

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

This is an audio of the National Anthem for Malta. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.

Major urban areas - population

213,000 VALLETTA (capital) (2018)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Physician density

7.86 physicians/1,000 population (2022)

Hospital bed density

4.4 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)

National symbol(s)

Maltese eight-pointed cross

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

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

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.)

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

Population distribution

most of the population lives on the eastern half of Malta, the largest of the three inhabited islands

Electricity access

electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

Sanitation facility access

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.)

Imports - partners

Italy 18%, China 10%, Germany 8%, France 7%, Turkey 7% (2023)

note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Elevation

highest point: Ta'Dmejrek on Dingli Cliffs 253 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

Health expenditure

10.6% of GDP (2021)

16.2% of national budget (2022 est.)

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)

Military and security service personnel strengths

approximately 2,000 active Armed Forces of Malta (2025)

Total water withdrawal

municipal: 39.497 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.)

National heritage

total World Heritage Sites: 3 (all cultural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: City of Valletta; Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum; Megalithic Temples of Malta

Coal

consumption: 8.4 metric tons (2021 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.)

Natural gas

consumption: 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.)

Gross reproduction rate

0.74 (2024 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

52% (2021 est.)

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

Ports

total ports: 2 (2024)

large: 0

medium: 1

small: 1

very small: 0

ports with oil terminals: 0

key ports: Marsaxlokk, Valletta Harbors

National color(s)

red, white

Particulate matter emissions

13.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

Labor force

318,200 (2024 est.)

note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

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

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

Maternal mortality ratio

8 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)

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

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

Total fertility rate

1.51 children born/woman (2024 est.)

Unemployment rate

2.8% (2024 est.)
3.2% (2023 est.)
3% (2022 est.)

note: % of labor force seeking employment

Population

total: 469,730 (2024 est.)

male: 237,023

female: 232,707

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.)

Area

total : 316 sq km

land: 316 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Taxes and other revenues

21.9% (of GDP) (2023 est.)

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

Airports

1 (2025)

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

Telephones - mobile cellular

total subscriptions: 749,000 (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 132 (2022 est.)

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income

34.6 (2022 est.)

note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

1.7% (2024 est.)
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

Real GDP per capita

$60,500 (2024 est.)
$59,300 (2023 est.)
$57,800 (2022 est.)

note: data in 2021 dollars

Broadband - fixed subscriptions

total: 236,000 (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2023 est.)

Tobacco use

total: 22.1% (2025 est.)

male: 23.9% (2025 est.)

female: 20.2% (2025 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

28.9% (2016)

Energy consumption per capita

234.698 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Death rate

8.8 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Birth rate

9.4 births/1,000 population (2024 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.)

Merchant marine

total: 1,957 (2023)

by type: bulk carrier 490, container ship 348, general cargo 152, oil tanker 354, other 613

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

0.7% (2022 est.)

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

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

Heliports

2 (2025)

Telephones - fixed lines

total subscriptions: 259,000 (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 49 (2023 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.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 83.6 years (2024 est.)

male: 81.5 years

female: 85.8 years

Real GDP growth rate

6% (2024 est.)
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

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

Education expenditure

4.7% of GDP (2022 est.)

12.5% national budget (2022 est.)

Population growth rate

0.51% (2024 est.)

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).

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the military has a small inventory that consists of equipment from a mix of European countries, particularly Italy, and the US (2025)

Sources: