People & economy

Malta: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

The numbers behind a trip to Malta: who lives there, how the economy and prices compare, how many tourists visit, and what healthcare and internet access are like.

Population & Geography

Population
483,530
#169 of 197 countries
Area
316 km²
#215 of 248 countries
Density
1530.2 / km²
#9 of 245 countries

Malta has a population of 483,530 spread across 316 km², giving it an average density of 1530.2 people per km². This is a densely populated country where urban areas dominate the landscape.

Demographics

Median Age
42.1
Life Expectancy
83.6 yrs
Government
parliamentary republic
Religions
GDP by Sector

Population Trends

How a country's age structure is shifting tells you a lot about what to expect on the ground. A growing elderly population often means better healthcare and higher costs, while a young population signals energy and growth but potentially less developed infrastructure.

Age Structure Over Time
Population Growth Rate (%)
Urban vs Rural (%)
Birth & Death Rates (per 1,000)

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Malta is classified as a high income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 61% of US levels, meaning costs are moderate and most travellers will find it reasonably affordable.

Income Level
High income
GDP per Capita
$40,906
Cost of Living
61% of US
Inflation
5.1%
Inequality
34.6
Moderate
GDP per Capita (USD)
GDP Growth (%)
Inflation Rate (%)
Employment
GDP/Capita (PPP)
$60,500
Unemployment
2.8%

Tourism

Tourism data reveals how popular a destination is and how much infrastructure exists to support visitors. Tourism accounts for 11.5% of Malta's total exports, making it a significant contributor to the economy with solid visitor infrastructure.

Tourism % of Exports
11.5%
Outbound Tourists
218,000
Air Passengers
2,387,400
International Tourist Arrivals
Tourism Receipts (USD)
Air Passengers Carried
Tourism as % of Exports

Health & Safety Infrastructure

Healthcare quality matters when you're far from home. These indicators help gauge what level of medical care is available In Malta there are 4.51 doctors per 1,000 people, above the global average, indicating strong healthcare infrastructure.

Physicians
4.51/1k
Hospital Beds
4.09/1k
Health Spend
$3623/person
Infant Mortality
4.8/1k
Immunization
88%
Safe Drinking Water
100.0%
Basic Sanitation
100.0%
Health Expenditure per Capita (USD)
Hospital Beds per 1,000

Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure

Staying connected while travelling is essential for navigation, communication, and remote work. In Malta, 92% of the population uses the internet, so expect WiFi in most hotels, cafes and public spaces. There are 141 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, and local SIM cards are easy to find.

Internet Users
92.1%
Mobile Subs
141/100
Broadband
44.3/100
Internet Users (%)
Urbanization (%)

Source: World Bank Open Data