Malta

Malta
Type	Sovereign state
Key terms	Archipelago; Mediterranean climate; Parliamentary republic
Related	European Union; Mediterranean Sea; Valletta
Examples	Gozo; Comino; Grand Harbour
Domain	Geography and governance
Wikidata	Q233

Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is a small island nation in Southern Europe. It consists of an archipelago in the central Mediterranean Sea, about 93 km south of Sicily. With an area of only 316 km², Malta is one of the world’s smallest and most densely populated countries. The main inhabited islands are Malta (the largest), Gozo, and Comino, with a few tiny uninhabited islets. Despite its size, Malta has a rich history influenced by various cultures and a modern diversified economy. Maltese and English are official languages, and most inhabitants are Roman Catholic. Since joining the European Union in 2004, Malta has become fully integrated into EU and global systems.

Geography and Climate

Malta’s terrain is generally low and rocky. The islands are composed mostly of limestone with rolling plateaus and steep cliffs, especially along the southern and southwestern coasts. The highest point on Malta island is Ta’ Żuta (253 m). Valleys and limited plains lie between the uplands. The coastline totals about 350 km and includes bays, coves, and natural harbors. The tiny island of Gozo is hilly and more rural, with its highest hill Ta’ Dbieġi (195 m). Comino, the third island, is mostly undeveloped except for a few bays and a hotel.

The country lies at latitude 35°N, giving it a Mediterranean climate. Winters (December–February) are mild and rainy, with daytime highs around 15–17 °C. Summers (June–August) are hot, dry, and sunny: July–August temperatures often reach 30–34 °C on the mainland coast and occasionally higher inland, with nightly lows around 22 °C. Rainfall falls almost entirely in winter; the annual average is only about 500 mm, which is relatively low. Malta enjoys over 300 sunny days per year, one of the sunniest places in Europe. This climate (Köppen Csa) yields long, warm growing seasons and has aided tourism. However, summer drought and limited freshwater have long been challenges; Malta depends heavily on underground aquifers and, since the late 20th century, desalination to meet water needs.

The central Mediterranean location makes Malta windward of weather systems from both Europe and North Africa. It receives occasional warm, dry winds from the Sahara (the sirocco) which can raise temperatures and reduce humidity. Storms are infrequent but can bring brief heavy downpours in winter. Reflecting its subtropical latitude and geographic isolation, Malta has relatively stable temperatures year-round. For example, its capital, Valletta, records winter daytime averages around 16 °C (61 °F) and summer averages near 31 °C (88 °F). Because of its small land area and mild climate, natural vegetation consists mainly of shrubs, garigue, and drought-resistant trees. Virtually no permanent rivers or lakes exist; excess winter rain either drains into the sea or is stored underground.

History

Malta’s history stretches back to prehistoric times. Its earliest known inhabitants built megalithic temples as early as 3600 BCE, such as those at Ħaġar Qim and Ġgantija, some of the world’s oldest free-standing structures. By the Bronze Age the islands were settled, and over centuries Malta came under the influence of Mediterranean cultures. It was occupied by Phoenicians (Carthage) in the 8th–6th centuries BCE, and later by Carthage proper. The Romans took control in the 2nd century BCE and integrated Malta into the Roman Empire. After Rome’s fall, Malta briefly became Byzantine (Eastern Roman) and then came under the rule of the Aghlabids and other Arab dynasties in the early medieval period. The Arabs (9th–11th century) left a lasting legacy in Malta, including the Maltese language (a Semitic language derived from Siculo-Arabic) and some agricultural innovations.

From the late Middle Ages, Malta was contested. The Normans (from Sicily/Italy) re-conquered it for Western Christendom in the 11th–12th centuries. Later it fell under the Kingdom of Sicily and the Crown of Aragon (Spain). In 1530, the Emperor Charles V granted Malta to the Hospitaller Order of St John (the Knights of Malta) in exchange for malmsey wine and support in defending Christendom. These knights (a crusading religious-military order) made Malta their base, notably building strong fortifications and the Baroque capital Valletta after repelling the Ottoman siege of 1565. Under the Knights, Malta enjoyed prosperity and a flowering of culture, though it was also a major player in Mediterranean conflicts.

The French under Napoleon seized Malta in 1798 during his Mediterranean campaign. However, Maltese rebellion and British support soon forced the French out. In 1800 Malta became a British protectorate and then a crown colony in 1813. As part of the British Empire for most of the 19th and early 20th centuries, Malta became seriously modernized: dockyards, hospitals, schools, and parliamentary traditions were established. Its strategic location made it invaluable to British naval operations. Malta earned great distinction during World War II when it withstood severe Axis bombing; the entire population was awarded the George Cross for bravery in 1942.

After the war, the Maltese intensified their push for self-government. Malta achieved full independence within the British Commonwealth on 21 September 1964, becoming the Republic of Malta in 1974 with a Maltese President as head of state. In 2004 Malta joined the European Union and in 2008 adopted the euro, integrating its economy with Europe. Throughout the 21st century, Malta has remained free of major conflict, but it has faced internal debates over issues like corruption and environmental sustainability. Recent years saw political turmoil (e.g. a major journalist’s assassination in 2017 exposed government graft) that led to reforms. Today, Malta combines its long historical traditions with a modern, outward-looking stance in Europe and the Mediterranean.

Government and Politics

Malta is a unitary parliamentary republic. It has a Constitution (first adopted in 1964 at independence) that provides for democratic rule. The President of Malta is the head of state, but this role is mostly ceremonial, similar to parliamentary republics elsewhere. The Prime Minister is the head of government and holds executive power along with a Cabinet of ministers. The President is elected by Parliament for a five-year term; today (as of 2025) the President is Myriam Spiteri Debono.

Legislative power rests in a single-chamber House of Representatives (Il-Kamra tad-Deputati). Members of Parliament are elected for five-year terms by proportional representation using the single transferable vote (STV) system. STV is a complex method where voters rank candidates; it tends to produce a more proportionate result. Malta’s politics are dominated by two major parties: the centre-left Labour Party (Partit Laburista) and the centre-right Nationalist Party (Partit Nazzjonalista). These parties alternate in government with little room for smaller third parties in practice, as rural Malta and its social culture combine with the electoral system to produce largely two-party outcomes.

Since joining the European Union in 2004, EU membership has shaped Maltese governance. Malta sends representatives to the European Parliament and abides by EU laws. Euroscepticism is minimal; most Maltese support the euro and EU integration, having enjoyed structural funds and open markets. Malta is also a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and other international bodies. It is part of the Schengen Area (open borders within much of Europe) and was in NATO’s Partnership for Peace, though it remains formally neutral and not a full NATO member.

At the local level, Malta has no federal states or provinces because it is a unitary state. Instead, there are 68 local councils (one for each town or urban area) that handle local planning and community services. Malta’s judicial system is based on the European continental (civil law) model blended with common law influences, and the Maltese constitution provides for an independent judiciary.

Demographics and Society

Malta’s population is about 0.57 million (2024 estimate). It has grown from roughly half a million in the early 2000s to nearly 575,000 today, making it one of the fastest-growing EU countries demographically. The population boom results largely from immigration and a higher birth rate in recent years. In fact, Malta saw a surge of immigrants from outside the EU after 2015, due in part to its intake of asylum seekers and foreign workers. In 2023–24 most net migrants were non-EU nationals, driven by demand in construction, hospitality, and other sectors. Today, about 30% of residents are non-Maltese citizens. Due to the influx of working-age immigrants, the population is unusually weighted toward adults under 50.

Maltese society is highly urbanized: roughly 95% of people live in towns or the metropolitan area. Greater Valletta and the surrounding harbor cities (like Sliema, Birkirkara, Ħamrun) form a densely built conurbation. Even so, Malta’s countryside and the island of Gozo retain rural villages and farmland. The population is one of the most densely packed in the world—around 1,700 people per square kilometer.

The dominant ethnic group is Maltese, a mix of Mediterranean indigenous people with successive waves of immigrants (Phoenician, Greek, Arab, Sicilian, etc.). Maltese people are culturally Mediterranean. Family and community ties remain strong. The society is tradition-friendly: folk customs, especially religious festas (feasts) for local patron saints, are celebrated vigorously throughout the islands.

Languages: Malta has two official languages: Maltese (Malti/Il-Malti) and English. Maltese is the national language, unique among EU members in being of Semitic origin. It evolved from Siculo-Arabic (the Arabic dialect introduced during Arab rule) but contains many loanwords from Italian/Sicilian and later English. Maltese is written in the Latin alphabet. Virtually all Maltese speak Maltese as a first language and English as a second language; English is widely used in government, business, and education. Italian is also spoken or understood casually by many, due to geographic proximity and historical ties; older generations especially grew up with Italian TV and culture. In public life, most street signs and official documents are bilingual (Maltese and English).

Religion: Malta is one of the most Catholic countries in Europe. Over 90% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic. The Catholic Church has considerable influence on social and cultural life. Each town has a parish church and annual patron-saint feast day (the “festa”), featuring band marches, fireworks, and processions that unite community members. Religious holidays like Easter and Christmas are widely observed. The constitution recognizes Roman Catholicism as Malta’s “traditional religion,” but freedom of religion is guaranteed. There are small communities of other Christians (Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox) and minorities of Muslims, Hindus, etc., mainly among foreign residents. In practice, public life is quite secular in governance, though Catholic moral values remain part of social norms (for example, divorce was legalized only in 2011).

Education is highly valued. Literacy in Malta is over 90%. Malta has compulsory schooling up to age 16. Both Maltese and English are used as languages of instruction, with science and math often taught in English. The University of Malta (founded 1592) is the oldest university in the Mediterranean after Bologna. It has around 12,000 students and offers courses in Maltese and English.

Malta has diasporas in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Canada. Historically, Maltese emigrated widely (especially post-WWII) due to limited local jobs. Today, however, Malta is more a receiver of migrants and expatriates, including retirees from Europe attracted by climate and cost of living.

Economy

Malta has a diversified, high-income economy. It ranks among the highest in Europe in GDP per capita (about €39,500 in 2023). The service sector dominates, accounting for over 80% of output and employment. Within services, the largest industries are financial services, tourism, and iGaming (online betting). The manufacturing sector is small but advanced; agriculture and fishing are minimal due to limited land.

Being small and open, Malta’s economy is integrated with the EU (it is in the Eurozone since 2008). Trade, tourism, and financial activities connect it globally. In recent decades, Malta has pursued policies to attract foreign investment in niche industries. As a result, it recorded rapid growth: GDP expanded on average ~6–7% per year between 2014–2023, one of Europe’s fastest rates. Growth in 2023 was around 6%. However, as a small island, Malta is sensitive to external shocks (e.g. pandemic, global trade swings) and its growth has moderated to forecast ~4–5% yearly in the mid-2020s.

Key sectors:

Tourism: This is a pillar of Malta’s economy. Scenic coasts, cultural heritage, and mild climate bring cruise ship and holiday visitors. In 2024, inbound tourist arrivals hit a record level (around 3.5 million, about six times Malta’s population), with total tourist expenditure exceeding €3 billion. Tourists come mainly from nearby Europe (UK, Germany, Italy, etc.) and increasingly from Eastern Europe and North Africa. About 15% of GDP is directly from tourism. Hotels, restaurants, transport, and attractions (like historical sites, diving spots) are major employment drivers. Tourism is highly seasonal, peaking in summer. Malta also promotes niche tourism (conferences, e-sports tournaments, festivals, and Maltese language courses for foreigners).

Financial and Business Services: Malta’s financial sector is unusually large for its size. It includes banking, insurance, and asset management. Banks and insurance companies often have international ownership but a robust domestic presence. At end-2023, assets in Maltese banks reached around twice the country’s GDP. Malta has also become a hub for investment fund registration and fintech. Importantly, Malta pioneered regulation in emerging fields: it was the first EU country to license internet gaming and to develop a legal framework for blockchain and cryptocurrencies. The gaming industry (online casinos, betting) contributes significantly (about 3% of GDP directly, much more indirectly). Accompanying this, ICT, software development, and e-commerce firms have clustered in Malta. Corporate tax incentives and a skilled multilingual workforce attract foreign companies.

Industry and Manufacturing: Industry, including construction, employs less than 20% of workers and adds around 11% of GDP. Key manufacturing niches include electronics (especially microchips and circuit boards), pharmaceutical and medical devices, food processing, and chemicals. For example, Malta’s factories make sophisticated printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic components. The country has no natural resources like oil or minerals, so factories rely on imported raw materials. Energy is mostly imported (liquefied gas, oil), though Malta is expanding its renewable energy. Construction and real estate boomed in the early 2020s but have slowed somewhat as the market stabilized.

Agriculture and Forestry: Agriculture is very small (about 1% of GDP). Less than one-fifth of land is cultivable. Common crops are tomatoes, potatoes, citrus fruits, and grapes (for limestone wine). Many farms are family-run and produce for local sale or consumption. Malta’s fishing industry is also tiny due to limited fish stocks. The country imports most food. There are some initiatives to increase local greenhouses and sustainable farming, but space and water remain constraints.

Economic Indicators:

GDP: About USD 26 billion (2024).
Growth: Around +6% in 2023; inflation stabilized ~2.5% in 2024.
Employment: Unemployment is low (around 3–4%), among EU’s lowest. However, many of the jobs filled are in service industries (tourism, hospitality, construction).
Infrastructure: Malta has modern ports (Valletta’s Grand Harbour and Marsaxlokk Port), a refurbished international airport (serving 5 million-plus passengers in 2023), and high-quality road networks given its density. Public transportation includes buses (private-operated) and two maritime ferry services (Malta-Gozo and Marsa-Convoy to Comino). No railways exist.
Currency: The euro. Malta decided to use the euro from its introduction; this eliminated exchange risk with the EU.

Malta faces economic challenges despite its successes. Being small and island, it has vulnerability to climate change (coastal flooding) and high import costs (energy and food). Also, income inequality is moderate; about 18–20% of people are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Housing affordability is strained by demand and limited land. The government’s recent budgets have aimed to control public debt (around 50% of GDP) and support sustainable growth. In summary, Malta’s economy is among the most dynamic in Europe, but it must navigate its physical constraints and need for diversification.

Culture

Maltese culture is a blend of Mediterranean and historical influences, with unique local traditions. Maltese people are known for warm hospitality and a strong sense of community. Key cultural aspects include:

Language and Identity: Maltese (Malti) is a source of national pride. It is spoken by nearly everyone as a first language. English fluency is also widespread, making communications and bilingual media common. Schools teach reading and writing in both languages. Many Maltese watch Italian TV and use Italian terms, due to proximity and heritage.

Festivals and Religion: As mentioned, Roman Catholicism shapes many events. Each town holds an annual festa for its patron saint, featuring band marches, church services, fireworks, and street decorations. These are major social occasions throughout spring and summer. Two of Malta’s biggest public holidays are Independence Day (September 21, 1964) and Republic Day (December 13, 1974). Christmas and Easter are celebrated with religious and secular customs (Midnight Mass, pastries, caroling). Carnival (the week before Lent) and Notte Bianca (an annual all-night cultural festival in Valletta) are also celebrated.

Arts and Heritage: Malta has an active arts scene considering its size. Traditional crafts include filigree silverwork, lace-making, and pottery. Folk music and dance reflect Mediterranean roots; the għana (folk singing) was once common. The national costume (worn in historical reenactments) recalls medieval garb. In architecture, Maltese Baroque church architecture is notable — Valletta and surrounding towns are filled with elaborate churches. Notable heritage includes three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the prehistoric temples (Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, Ġgantija etc.), the subterranean Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum (an underground prehistoric site), and the fortified city of Valletta (built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century). Many other sites are on heritage lists, making Maltese towns a draw for history buffs.

Cuisine: Maltese food is Mediterranean in character, featuring olives, capers, cheese (like ġbejna), bread, seafood, and pork/salami. Traditional dishes include fenek (rabbit stew), ckejken (Malta’s version of chicken), pastizzi (flaky pastry snacks filled with ricotta or peas), and hobz biz-zejt (tomato, tuna, olive paste on crusty bread). Pasta, especially with fish or wild greens, is popular. Influences range from Italian to North African. Wine-making has revived in recent decades, dating back to Phoenician times. Seafood, fresh from the Mediterranean, is often featured in restaurants.

Education and Media: Malta has a high school enrollment rate and an expanding higher education system. Besides the University of Malta, there are private colleges and vocational institutes. Media includes Maltese and English-language TV, radio, and newspapers. Because of EU membership and global culture, international influences (Hollywood films, pop music, foreign news) are strong, but Maltese-language TV and radio preserve local culture. Two Maltese television stations and four radio stations cater to local tastes.

Sports and Recreation: Popular sports include football (soccer), water polo, and diving. Maltese football clubs compete in a national league; though small, football is the dominant spectator sport. The warm sea and clear waters make recreational swimming, sailing, and scuba diving very popular. In fact, Malta has become a hub for scuba tourism: its underwater caves and wrecks attract divers worldwide. The calendar includes regattas, triathlons, and even an annual boat race among local villages.

One distinctive cultural symbol is the Maltese cross (an eight-pointed cross from the Knights of St. John), featured on coins and logos. Another is the luzzu boat—brightly painted fishing boats with eyes on the bow—ubiquitous in harbors. Carnival, elaborate puppetry, and street band marches add color to life. Maltese people are generally multilingual and many travel abroad, but they also maintain local customs.

In recent times, Malta’s culture has gained international attention: several movies and TV shows (e.g. parts of Game of Thrones) were filmed in Malta. Malta hosts international artists and has growing festivals in music and the arts. At the same time, the country preserves its heritage through museums (e.g. National Museum of Archaeology, the Inquisitor’s Palace) and restored palatial homes.

Environment and Sustainability

Despite its small size, Malta faces significant environmental challenges. Urban development and tourism put pressure on natural areas. Public and government awareness of environmental issues has grown, especially since EU membership, which brought strict environmental regulations. Key points include:

Water Scarcity: Freshwater is scarce. Malta has no large rivers or lakes; groundwater aquifers are the main source, supplemented by seawater desalination (over half of drinking water). The government operates large reverse-osmosis desalination plants. Conservation is encouraged; rainwater harvesting is also practiced. Historical networks of tunnels (from various eras) still collect water. Climate change may exacerbate droughts and heatwaves, making water management critical.

Land Use and Urbanization: With over 90% urbanization, natural habitats cover little area. Forests are virtually nonexistent (Malta has one of Europe’s lowest tree cover rates). Protected areas (around 10% of land) include small nature reserves and features of the Natura 2000 network. Examples: Għadira Nature Reserve (wetland for birds), Buskett Gardens (wooded area birthed in medieval times), and Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park. Coastal cliffs and the surrounding marine environment have protections, but development (hotels, roads, quarries) has fragmented habitats. Soil erosion and coastal slide are issues, as is loss of farmland.

Biodiversity: Native flora and fauna are limited by Malta’s size and aridity, but there are some endemic or rare species. The Maltese rock-centaury (a flower) and Maltese wall lizard are example endemics. Migratory birds breed or stop over in Malta; the islands lie on an important Mediterranean flyway. There have been local extinctions (e.g. the monk seal, brown bear) and the remaining wildlife is mostly maritime or avian. Conservation programs try to protect migratory birds and marine life (such as Posidonia seagrass meadows). Coral formations exist around the islands, but are sensitive to pollution.

Energy and Climate: Malta historically relied on imported oil and gas for electricity (it has one main power station). However, Malta is increasing its renewable energy. Solar power has grown fast; Malta aims for over 10% of electricity from solar by the 2030s, as outlined in its National Energy and Climate plans. Wind power is also planned (with careful siting due to the islands’ flatness). Because of its mild climate, Malta uses little heating fuel in winter, but cooling demand in summer is rising with hotter temperatures. The country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (power generation and transportation are key targets). As an EU member state, Malta follows EU environmental directives.

Pollution and Waste: High population density means waste management is challenging. Landfill space is limited; recycling rates have improved but remain an ongoing issue. Malta set a target of 65% recycling by 2030 (EU law) and is investing in waste-to-energy and recycling plants. Air quality is generally acceptable but can suffer from vehicle emissions (cars drive on the left side, a British legacy) and from shipping traffic in the harbors. Efforts to promote public transport and cleaner vehicles are underway. Marine pollution is controlled by EU maritime laws.

Climate Change Impact: Being at low elevation, Malta is vulnerable to sea-level rise, which could threaten harbors and coastal roads. The government participates in international climate negotiations (through the EU) and has adaptation strategies (e.g. improved flood defenses, water conservation). Still, Malta’s climate is naturally fairly Mediterranean (long growing season, mild winters), but heatwaves and storm surges are expected to increase.

In sum, Malta’s environment is characterized by its small size and human imprint. Conservation is balanced against development and tourism. Well-known programs include preserving the prehistoric temples, rehabilitating old buildings, and protecting stray cats (which roam freely and are fed by communities as a cultural tradition). Environmental education and an active NGO sector (e.g. BirdLife Malta, Nature Trust) have grown as pollution problems became more apparent in the late 20th century. Today, Malta participates in EU-led green initiatives (like the European Green Deal) which aim for more renewable energy, cleaner transport (promoting electric buses and ferries), and building energy efficiency.

International Relations and Significance

Malta punches above its weight internationally by leveraging its location and diplomacy. As an EU member, it contributes to EU policymaking in finance, maritime affairs, and migration. It holds rotating duties as Presidency of the Council of the EU (roughly once every 14 years among members; last served in 2017). Malta is active in Mediterranean cooperation, joining initiatives on migration, maritime security, and climate adaptation.

Geopolitically, Malta’s neutrality and good relations with many neighbors allow it to mediate or host dialogues. For example, it co-chairs the Union for the Mediterranean with other countries to address regional issues. It also hosts international conferences occasionally, given its central location (one example is the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2015).

On the cultural side, Maltese cuisine and language tie it to an old crossroad of trade: Maltese slang borrows British, Italian, and Arabic terms, reflecting its layered past. This European-African crossroads aspect is often cited in Maltese self-image.

Malta’s economy is small in global terms (about 0.1% of EU GDP), but it has niche advantages. Its ports serve as a transshipment hub in the Mediterranean. The retention of English plus Maltese in education makes it attractive for regional centers of multinational corporations (e.g. match their tax or regulatory needs within the EU). The government has advertised Malta as an “Information and Communications Technology (ICT) host” and a safe, English-speaking base between Europe and North Africa.