Malta: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Malta — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

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 — Malta has 4.51 physicians 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 — expect widely available WiFi in 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