Malta
Republic of Malta
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
Situated in Southern Europe, Malta has a population of approximately 574.3k—a modestly sized nation in population terms. Despite covering only 316 km², the territory records a density of 1,817 people per km². Its capital is Valletta, and official languages include English and Maltese, while the euro serves as the national currency.
Population
574,250
Area
316 km²
Density
1817/km²
World Rank
#173
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. The gap between the birth rate (8.1 per thousand) and death rate (7.3 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The population skews older, with 20.2% aged 65 or above and 13% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Valletta
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Southern Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- English, Maltese
- Currencies
- euro (€)
- Calling Code
- +356
- Top-Level Domain
- .mt
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 574,250
- Land Area
- 316 km²
- Population Density
- 1,817 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +5,053 people
- Daily Growth
- +14 people
- World Population Share
- 0.01%
- Coordinates
- 35.94°, 14.38°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $43.9k, Malta sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 2.9%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 34.6 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
83.5 years
GDP per Capita
$43,899
Birth Rate
8.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.3 per 1,000
Urban Population
95.7%
Fertility Rate
1.06 births/woman
Infant Mortality
4.8 per 1,000
Unemployment
2.9%
Literacy Rate
93.3%
Internet Users
92.1%
Under 15
13.0%
Over 65
20.2%
Health Spending
8.8% GDP
Gini Index
34.6
Age Distribution
0-14 years
75K
15-64 years
383K
65+ years
116K
Urbanization
Malta is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 95.7% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. Valletta serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. High density and high urbanization together create both efficiency gains and challenges around housing, transport, and environmental quality.
549,270
95.7%
24,980
4.3%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 83.5 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 4.8 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. The literacy rate of 93.3% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Malta is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.1 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Malta participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 574,250 |
| 2030 | 594,595 |
| 2035 | 620,750 |
| 2040 | 647,763 |
| 2045 | 675,688 |
| 2050 | 704,582 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Malta?
The population of Malta is approximately 574,250 as of 2026, making it #173 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Malta?
The capital of Malta is Valletta.
What languages are spoken in Malta?
The main languages spoken in Malta are English, Maltese.
How big is Malta?
Malta covers an area of 316 km² with a population density of 1817 people per km².
Is Malta growing or shrinking?
Malta is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 5,053 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Malta?
The average life expectancy in Malta is 83.5 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Malta?
The GDP per capita of Malta is $43,899.