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Country information - Malta

Malta has been inhabited since around 5200 BC. A significant prehistoric civilization, that predates the Pyramids of Giza by a millennium, is believed to have existed on the islands.

In 1814, as part of the Treaty of Paris, Malta officially became a part of the British Empire and was used as a shipping waystation and fleet headquarters. Malta's proximity to the Suez Canal proved to be its main asset during these years, and it was considered to be a most important stop on the way to India.

The island staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars and remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964.

A decade later Malta became a republic within the Commonwealth. Since about the mid-1980s, the island has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point, a financial center, and a tourist destination.

Malta became an EU member in May of 2004.

	Geography	Malta

Location

Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy)

Area	total: 316 sq km

Land

316 sq km

Water

0 sq km

Land boundaries

0 km

Coastline

196.8 km

Climate

Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers

Terrain

mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs

Elevation extremes

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

Highest point

Ta'Dmejrek 253 m (near Dingli)

Natural resources

limestone, salt, arable land

Natural hazards

	People	Malta

Population

398,534

Nationality

noun: Maltese (singular and plural)

Adjective

Maltese

Ethnic groups

Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)

Religions

Roman Catholic 98%

Languages

Maltese (official), English (official)

	Government	Malta

Country name

conventional long form: Republic of Malta

Conventional short form

Malta

Local long form

Repubblika ta' Malta

Local short form

Malta

Government type

republic

Capital

Valletta

Administrative divisions

none (administered directly from Valletta);

Independence

21 September 1964 (from UK)

National holiday

Independence Day, 21 September (1964)

Constitution

1964 constitution; amended many times

Legal system

based on English common law and Roman civil law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch

chief of state: President Eddie Fenech Adami (since 4 April 2004)

Head of government

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi (since 23 March 2004)

Cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister

Elections

president elected by the House of Representatives for a five-year term; election last held 29 March 2004 (next to be held by April 2009); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president for a five-year term; the deputy prime minister is appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister

Legislative branch

unicameral House of Representatives (usually 65 seats; note - additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular vote to ensure a legislative majority; members are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve five-year terms)

Elections

last held 12 April 2003 (next to be held by April 2008)

Judicial branch

Constitutional Court; Court of Appeal; judges for both courts are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister

Flag description

two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red

	Economy	Malta

Major resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location, and a productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has no domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing (especially electronics and textiles), and tourism. Continued sluggishness in the European economy is holding back exports, tourism, and overall growth.

The Maltese government is intending to adopt the euro as the country's currency on 1 January 2008, having entered ERM II in May 2005. Although Malta is now a member of the European Union, it is not a member of the Schengen Treaty yet. It is currently adopting Schengen regulations with the goal to be finished by 2007.

Labor force

160,000

Labor force - by occupation

agriculture 5%, industry 24%, services 71%

Unemployment rate

Population below poverty line

Household income by percentage share

lowest 10%: NA%, highest 10%: NA%

Agriculture - products

potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs

Industries

tourism; electronics, ship building and repair, construction; food and beverages, textiles, footwear, clothing, tobacco