Malta : Country overview

Geography

• Full country name: Republic of Malta
• Population: approximately 407,000 (2010).
• Border countries: the Maltese Islands are located in the Mediterranean Sea (95km from Sicily and 290km from Libya), and are made up of Malta, Gozo and Comino, plus the smaller uninhabited islands of Comminotto and Filfla.
• Climate: Mediterranean climate with warm, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
• Terrain: the total area of the islands is 320 square kilometres, consisting of an undulating limestone plateau with no mountains, woodland, rivers or lakes. Malta's islands and coastline make it an ideal location for water sports.

Living in Malta

• Cost of living: it is cheaper to live in Malta than in most other parts of Western Europe. Food, clothing and leisure activities are all reasonably priced and rented accommodation is cheaper than in the UK but bear in mind that incomes are also relatively low.
• Internet domain: .mt
• Health: Malta has a high standard of healthcare, provided free to all registered residents, although medicines must be paid for.
• Laws and customs: penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs in Malta are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Economy and finance

• Currency: Euro €
• Type of economy: Western-style, capitalist economy.
• Health of economy: Managed to miss the worst of the global recession due to financial sector focusing on local real estate. However, the economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing and tourism. Malta imports about 80% of its food.
• Unemployment rate: 7%.
• Main exports: semi-conductors, electronic products and components, plastic and rubber products, pharmaceuticals.

Culture

• People: Maltese, some from Italy and other parts of the Mediterranean.
• Major religion: Roman Catholics (98%).
• History: for an overview of Maltese history, see BBC Timeline: Malta.
• Local etiquette: Malta is a deeply religious country, with very traditional values and norms. It is customary to attend mass on Sunday. The Maltese are usually helpful and hospitable, partly because tourism is vital for the survival of Malta, but they have mixed feelings about the introduction of behaviour that conflicts with their instinctive conservatism. Politics permeates Maltese society and is a major topic of conversation.

Politics

• Type of government: Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964, became a democratic republic in 1974 and joined the EU in 2004. It is a democratic republic.
• Major political parties: Nationalist Party (currently in power), Malta Labour Party, Alliance for Social Justice. 

Travel advice

Find the latest travel advice and a traveller’s checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) .