Geographic Location
Malta is located in the centre of the Mediterranean, 93 km to the south of Sicily and 290 km to the north of Africa, at the crossroads of Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Its strategic location makes it an ideal launching pad to enter these markets. Most European and Middle Eastern capitals are between two and four hours flying time away.
The Islands
Malta is a small archipelago of islands consisting of Malta, Gozo, Comino and two uninhabited islands.
Capital City
Area
316 km2
Climate
The archipelago enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers.
Average temperature (1990-2002):
-
Dec – Feb 13.2c
-
June – Aug 25.8c
Average annual rainfall (1990 – 2002): 591.3mm
Maritime Area:
International waters: 198 sq km
Territorial Waters: 3,800 sq km
Fishing Zone: 11,100 sq km
Infrastructure
Malta’s infrastructure – air links, transport & logistics electricity grid, telecommunication systems – are of an international standard. The road network is extensive but in need of upgrading.
Countryside and agriculture
A rocky Mediterranean island with a dry and often windy climate, Malta’s countryside offers a unique view of the resourceful character of the traditional islander. Tiny terraced fields have been carved out of any available agricultural land, supported by laboriously constructed rubble walls, and utilizing every available pocket of land, no matter how small. This delightful patchwork picture is enhanced by the wonderful play of colour and lightgolden yellow limestone offset the deep russet soil, the perfect azure of sea and sky and varying hues of green from the ubiquitous olive and carob trees.
Natural resources
The island has no natural resources of its own, except for the honey coloured limestone the Maltese use for building their homes. Water is scarce, with annual rainfall averaging 578mm a year and the island’s requirements are mainly met by the production of the various desalination plants installed around the island.
Population
With a population of 415,196 Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with an average population density of 1314 people per square kilometre. Most Maltese live in the satellite towns around Valletta – Malta’s capital and the country’s political and commercial centre, Sliema and the Grand Harbour, and only 15% in rural areas. More than 95% of the population is Maltese born. Birkirkara, Hamrun, Sliema and the Harbour towns are the most densely populated of urban areas, though real estate prices indicate Sliema and St Julians are the more popular residential locations.
| Total Maltese and Foreigners | 415,196 |
| Males | 206,816 |
| Females | 208,380 |
Age composition in % of population (July 2016)
| 0 – 14 years | 15.01% |
| 15 – 24 years | 11.84% |
| 25 – 54 years | 40.1% |
| 55 – 64 years | 13.98% |
| 65 years and over | 19.06% |
| Average annual growth rate (est. 2016) | 0.29% |
| Density per km | 1314 |
| Average annual growth rate (1990-2002) | 0.8% |
| Density per km | 1,263 |
