Malta

Country Summary

Introduction

Background

With a civilization that dates back thousands of years, Malta boasts some of the oldest megalithic sites in the world. A British colony since 1814, Malta gained its independence in 1964 and declared itself a republic 10 years later. Since the mid-1980s, the island has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point, a financial center, and a tourist destination.

Geography

Area

total: 316 sq km
land: 316 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate

Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers

Natural resources

limestone, salt, arable land

People and Society

Population

467,138 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups

Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)

Languages

Maltese (official) 90.1%, English (official) 6%, multilingual 3%, other 0.9% (2005 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic (official) more than 90% (2006 est.)

Population growth rate

0.59% (2023 est.)

Government

Government type

parliamentary republic

Capital

name: Valletta

Executive branch

chief of state: President George VELLA (since 4 April 2019)
head of government: Prime Minister Robert ABELA (13 January 2020)

Legislative branch

description: unicameral House of Representatives or Il-Kamra Tad-Deputati, a component of the Parliament of Malta (65 seats statutory, 79 for 2022-2027 term; members directly elected in 5 multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms)

Economy

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

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

$23.157 billion (2021 est.)
$20.995 billion (2020 est.)
$22.902 billion (2019 est.)

Real GDP per capita

$44,700 (2021 est.)
$40,700 (2020 est.)
$45,400 (2019 est.)

Agricultural products

milk, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cauliflowers, broccoli, eggplants, pork, cabbages, poultry

Industries

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

Remittances

1.64% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.88% of GDP (2020 est.)
1.68% of GDP (2019 est.)

Exports

$22.11 billion (2021 est.)
$19.526 billion (2020 est.)
$20.773 billion (2019 est.)

Exports - partners

Germany 12%, France 9%, Italy 9% (2019)

Exports - commodities

integrated circuits, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, postage stamps, children's toys and stuffed animals, ships (2021)

Imports

$21.362 billion (2021 est.)
$18.328 billion (2020 est.)
$18.578 billion (2019 est.)

Imports - partners

Russia 22%, Italy 12%, United Kingdom 11%, Germany 6%, Turkey 5%, France 5%, China 5%, South Korea 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities

refined petroleum, recreational boats, ships, aircraft, coal tar oil (2019)

Exchange rates

euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.876 (2020 est.)
0.893 (2019 est.)
0.847 (2018 est.)
0.885 (2017 est.)


Page last updated: Wednesday, December 13, 2023