Malta
Malta is a Mediterranean archipelago and parliamentary republic situated in Southern Europe, south of the Italian island of Sicily. Current estimates show a population of approximately 602,000 people, with a high GDP per capita reaching 50,072 USD. The nation is characterized by its high urbanization and strategic position as a maritime and commercial crossroads in the center of the Mediterranean Sea.
Where is Malta?
Malta
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Malta
- Coordinates
- 35.94°, 14.38°
Population Details
- Population
- 602K
- Area
- 316 km²
- Density per km²
- 1,905 / km²
- Growth rate
- +2.87%
- Annual growth
- +17.3K people
- Daily growth
- +47.35 people
- World population share
- 0.01%
Population Trend
Historical series from 1960 to 2026
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Malta
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Valletta
- Region
- Europe
- Area
- 316 km²
- Languages
- English, Maltese
- Currency
- euro (€)
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
The Maltese economy is characterized by high growth and strong diversification, recently recording an annual GDP growth rate of 6.8%. With a GDP per capita of 50,072 USD, the nation ranks 35 globally and 3 in Southern Europe, reflecting a robust service-based economy centered on tourism, financial services, and iGaming. The labor market remains tight, with a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, which ranks 150 globally for lowest first. This economic performance is underpinned by Malta's strategic maritime location and its status as a European hub for digital industries and international trade.
Society
Socially, Malta is a highly urbanized nation with approximately 95.7% of the population living in urban centers. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, evidenced by a life expectancy at birth of 83.0 years, which ranks 25 globally. Connectivity is a major strength, with 93.9% of the population being internet users, a figure that ranks 38 in the world. The country maintains a literacy rate of 93.3%, which ranks 90 globally, supported by an educational tradition rooted in its historical ties to the United Kingdom.
Climate & Environment
Malta enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Its position in the center of the Mediterranean Sea ensures significant sunshine throughout the year, though its low elevation—with a highest point of 253 m (830 ft)—and lack of permanent rivers make it reliant on desalination and groundwater management.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- parliamentary republic
- Independence
- 1964-09-21 (United Kingdom)
Malta is a parliamentary republic where the political framework is based on the British Westminster model. The President of Malta serves as the head of state, performing largely ceremonial duties, while the Prime Minister acts as the head of government and wields executive power. The legislative branch consists of a unicameral House of Representatives, typically composed of 65 to 79 members elected via a system of proportional representation known as the Single Transferable Vote. Politics are dominated by a two-party system featuring the Labour Party and the Nationalist Party. Since achieving independence from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1964, Malta has developed a stable democratic tradition. The country became a republic in December 1974 and joined the European Union in May 2004, later adopting the euro as its official currency. The judicial system is independent, based on a mix of Civil Law and English Common Law.
History
Malta’s history is defined by its strategic location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, covering an area of 316 km² (122 sq mi). For millennia, it was a prize for empires, including the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs. In 1530, the islands were granted to the Knights of St. John, who successfully defended them during the Great Siege of 1565 against the Ottoman Empire. Napoleon Bonaparte captured the islands in 1798, but French rule was short-lived as the Maltese rebelled, leading to British protection and eventual colonial status in 1814. During World War II, Malta’s resistance against relentless Axis bombing earned the entire population the George Cross, an award for gallantry that remains featured on the national flag. Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1964 and transitioned to a republic ten years later. Modern development has been marked by rapid economic shifts and international integration, culminating in its 2004 entry into the European Union. Today, the nation maintains its unique identity, with its Semitic-based Maltese language and a population that recently reached 568,847 people according to official 2024 figures.
Notable Facts
- Malta is home to 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including megalithic temples that are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world.
- The entire capital city, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was the first planned city in Europe, designed by the Knights of St. John.
- The nation's highest point, Ta'Dmejrek, reaches an elevation of only 253 m (830 ft) on the Dingli Cliffs.
- With a total area of 316 km² (122 sq mi), Malta is one of the world's smallest and most densely populated countries, with 95.6546264490509 percent of its population living in urban areas.
- Roman Catholicism is the official religion, practiced by 82.6 percent of the population, and the islands are famously said to have 365 churches—one for every day of the year.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Ta'Dmejrek (253 m)
- Lowest Point
- Mediterranean Sea (0 m)
- Coastline
- 197 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in MaltaExplore weather and climate data for cities in Malta
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Valletta
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C / 14°C | 13°C / 10°C | 7days (46 mm) Good | 9.1h Good | 71% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| February | 15°C / 14°C | 13°C / 10°C | 4days (36 mm) Good | 9.7h Good | 74% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| March | 16°C / 14°C | 13°C / 10°C | 5days (26 mm) Good | 10.8h Excellent | 75% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| April | 17°C / 16°C | 16°C / 12°C | 2days (8 mm) Excellent | 11.4h Excellent | 79% Humid | Good | View Details |
| May best | 20°C / 19°C | 21°C / 17°C | 3days (14 mm) Excellent | 12.9h Excellent | 83% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| June best | 24°C / 23°C | 28°C / 24°C | 1days (2 mm) Excellent | 13.7h Excellent | 82% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| July | 27°C / 26°C | 33°C / 28°C | 0days (0 mm) Excellent | 13.9h Excellent | 80% Humid | Good | View Details |
| August | 28°C / 27°C | 33°C / 29°C | 0days (1 mm) Excellent | 12.6h Excellent | 78% Humid | Good | View Details |
| September | 26°C / 25°C | 30°C / 26°C | 4days (35 mm) Good | 11.4h Excellent | 75% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| October best | 23°C / 22°C | 24°C / 21°C | 5days (43 mm) Good | 10h Excellent | 73% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| November | 21°C / 19°C | 20°C / 17°C | 10days (76 mm) Wet | 8.8h Good | 71% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| December | 18°C / 16°C | 15°C / 12°C | 10days (59 mm) Wet | 8.4h Good | 72% Muggy | Good | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 16°C / 14°C . Feb: 15°C / 14°C . Mar: 16°C / 14°C . Apr: 17°C / 16°C . May: 20°C / 19°C . Jun: 24°C / 23°C . Jul: 27°C / 26°C . Aug: 28°C / 27°C . Sep: 26°C / 25°C . Oct: 23°C / 22°C . Nov: 21°C / 19°C . Dec: 18°C / 16°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 46 mm. Feb: 36 mm. Mar: 26 mm. Apr: 8 mm. May: 14 mm. Jun: 2 mm. Jul: 0 mm. Aug: 1 mm. Sep: 35 mm. Oct: 43 mm. Nov: 76 mm. Dec: 59 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Malta is approximately 602K (2024).
The capital of Malta is Valletta.
Malta's GDP per capita is $50.1K (2024).
Life expectancy in Malta is 82.96 years (2024).
Malta covers 316 km² (122 sq mi).
Malta is very densely populated, with 1,905 people per km², far exceeding the global average of 60.
Malta's population is growing rapidly at 2.9% per year — among the fastest in the world.
Yes — based on GDP per capita, Malta falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $50.1K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Malta reports a very low intentional homicide rate of 0.6 per 100,000 people — among the safest in the world by this measure.
Malta has 2 official languages: English, Maltese.
Malta uses the euro (€) as its sole official currency.
Malta is an island nation and shares no land borders.
The best months to visit Malta are May, June, October, based on climate data for the capital.
Current estimates indicate that the population of Malta is approximately 602,000 people. This represents a significant density for the archipelago, as the nation ranks 169 globally by total population size. Growth remains relatively strong for the region, driven by both natural increase and international migration patterns. (52 words)
Recent data shows that the average wealth in Malta is high, with a projected GDP per capita of 50,072 USD. This performance places the country at a rank of 35 globally and 3 in Southern Europe. The economy is fueled by a diverse service sector including finance and high-tech industries. (54 words)
Yes, Malta is one of the most digitally connected nations in the world, with 93.9% of the population having access to the internet. This connectivity level ranks 38 globally. High internet penetration supports the country’s growing reputation as a hub for the digital economy and iGaming sectors. (52 words)
Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. Maltese is a unique Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet, reflecting the archipelago's diverse historical influences. English is widely used in government, business, and education, a legacy of the country's independence from the United Kingdom in September 1964. (53 words)
Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with an estimated density of 1,880.4 people per km² (4,870.3 people per sq mi). Approximately 95.7% of the population resides in urban areas. This high concentration is due to the country's small land area of only 316 km² (122 sq mi). (56 words)
According to the latest data, Malta has an adult literacy rate of 93.3%. This places the country at a rank of 90 globally. The education system is compulsory and free for children, following a structure closely modeled on the British system, which has helped maintain high educational standards across the archipelago. (54 words)
Malta maintains a very high economic growth rate, recently measured at 6.8% annually. This level of growth is among the strongest in Europe, driven by a combination of digital service exports, tourism, and financial services. Such expansion has helped maintain a very low unemployment rate of 2.9%. (52 words)
The estimated 2026 population of Malta is 601,980 people. This figure is based on projections from the latest official 2024 data, which recorded 568,847 residents. The population has been growing at an annual rate of 2.87%, primarily fueled by international migration into the island nation.
Malta currently ranks global 169 of 215 countries in terms of total population. Regionally, it is the 39th most populous out of 47 countries in Europe. In the subregion of Southern Europe, it ranks 6th out of 9 nations, reflecting its status as a small island state.
The fertility rate in Malta is 1.01 births per woman according to the latest official data. This is one of the lowest fertility rates globally, ranking 209 of 215 countries. It is well below the replacement level required for a population to maintain its size without migration.
Approximately 95.65% of Malta's population lives in urban areas, according to recent estimates. This high level of urbanization ranks Malta 15th in the world. Due to the small land area of 316 km² (122 sq mi), most of the island is developed into interconnected urban zones.
Malta's population is currently growing at a rapid rate of 2.87% annually. While the natural birth rate is low, the country sees a net population change of approximately 45 people per day. This growth is almost entirely driven by the arrival of foreign workers and international residents.
All Indicators
Explore Malta's data across 50+ indicators
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