# Malta

> country in Southern Europe situated on an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea

**Wikidata**: [Q233](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q233)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/malta

## Summary

Malta is a country located in Europe [1]. The nation has a population of 553k as of 2023 [2].Robert Abela serves as the head of government [3].

## Summary
Malta is a sovereign state and island country located in the Mediterranean Sea, part of Southern Europe. It is a small but historically significant archipelago nation that became independent in 1964 and is known for its strategic location, rich cultural heritage, and active role in international affairs. Malta is a member of the European Union and the Commonwealth of Nations.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Republic of Malta (Repubblika ta’ Malta)
- **Capital**: Valletta
- **Location**: Southern Europe, Mediterranean Sea
- **Independence Date**: September 21, 1964
- **Population (2023)**: 553,214
- **Area**: 316 km²
- **Timezone**: UTC+01:00 (standard), UTC+02:00 (daylight saving)
- **Currency**: Euro (€) since 2008; previously Maltese lira
- **Government Type**: Parliamentary democracy
- **Head of State (2024)**: Myriam Spiteri Debono
- **Head of Government (2024)**: Robert Abela
- **Highest Point**: Ta’ Dmejrek
- **Lowest Point**: Mediterranean Sea (0 m)
- **Continent**: Europe
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 35.8833°, Longitude 14.5°
- **Languages**: Maltese (national language), English (official)
- **Internet TLD**: .mt
- **ISO Codes**: MT (Alpha-2), MLT (Alpha-3), 470 (Numeric)
- **M49 Code**: 470
- **Mobile Country Code**: 278
- **Emergency Numbers**: 112 (general), 191 (police), 199 (fire), 196 (medical)
- **National Flag**: Flag of Malta
- **Coat of Arms**: Coat of arms of Malta
- **Anthem**: L-Innu Malti ("The Hymn of Malta")
- **Motto**: "Truly Mediterranean"
- **Driving Side**: Left
- **Electricity**: 230 volts, 50 Hz, Type G (BS 1363)
- **VAT Rate**: 18%
- **Gini Coefficient (2019)**: 31
- **Human Development Index (2021)**: 0.918
- **Inequality-adjusted HDI (2021)**: 0.849
- **Democracy Index (2020)**: 7.68
- **Happy Planet Index Score (2019)**: 43.5
- **Birth Rate (2022)**: 8.1 per 1,000
- **Death Rate (2022)**: 8 per 1,000
- **Life Expectancy (2022)**: 83 years
- **Suicide Rate (2019)**: 5.3 per 100,000
- **Nominal GDP (2022)**: $17.76 billion
- **Unemployment Rate (2014)**: 6%
- **Total Fertility Rate (2014)**: 1.38
- **Religion/Worldview**: Predominantly Christian, with Hindu and Islamic minorities
- **Notable Awards**: George Cross (awarded in 1942)
- **Notable Regions**: Gozo Region (Għawdex), Northern Region, Southern Region, etc.
- **Notable Cities**: Valletta, Qormi, Mosta, Birkirkara
- **Notable Organizations**: European Union, United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, Interpol, WTO, OSCE, NATO agencies, etc.
- **Notable Cultural Institutions**: Parliament of Malta, Central Bank of Malta, Government of Malta
- **Notable Historical Entities**: Crown Colony of Malta, State of Malta
- **Notable Geographic Features**: Mediterranean Sea, Ta’ Dmejrek, Valletta Harbour
- **Notable Technical Standards**: BS 1363 plugs, 230V/50Hz, Type G sockets
- **Notable Demographics**: Urban population: 503,893 (2022); Rural population: 27,220 (2022)
- **Notable Historical Figures**: George William Vella (2019–2024 President), Robert Abela (Prime Minister since 2020)
- **Notable Historical Events**: Independence (1964), EU Accession (2004), Schengen Entry (2007)
- **Notable Cultural Events**: George Cross Award (1942), Independence Day (March 31), Freedom Day (March 31)
- **Notable Languages**: Maltese (Malti), English, Maltese Sign Language
- **Notable Geographic Codes**: FIPS 10-4: MT, ISO 3166: MT/MLT/470, GeoNames: 2562770
- **Notable Diplomatic Relations**: Italy, UK, US, Germany, Australia, India, Japan, Russia, etc.
- **Notable Historical Capitals**: Valletta, Mdina
- **Notable Geographic Identifiers**: GeoShape: Data:Malta.map, Who's On First ID: 85633331
- **Notable Cultural Identifiers**: Wikidata ID: Q233, Freebase ID: /m/04v3q, VIAF ID: 147680224

## FAQs

### What is Malta?
Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, part of Southern Europe. It is a sovereign state with a rich history, having gained independence in 1964 and becoming a republic in 1974. It is known for its strategic location, cultural heritage, and active role in international diplomacy.

### What are Malta’s key political and geographic features?
Malta is a unitary state with a parliamentary democracy. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea, with its capital in Valletta. It is divided into several regions, including Gozo (Għawdex), and is part of the European Union since 2004.

### What organizations is Malta a member of?
Malta is a member of the European Union, United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, World Trade Organization, Interpol, OSCE, and numerous other international bodies. It also participates in NATO-related agencies and is part of the Schengen Area.

### What is Malta’s economy like?
Malta has a mixed economy with a nominal GDP of $17.76 billion (2022). It uses the Euro and has a Gini coefficient of 31 (2019), indicating relatively low income inequality. The unemployment rate was 6% in 2014.

### What is Malta known for culturally and historically?
Malta is known for its strategic location in the Mediterranean, its George Cross award (1942), and its rich history under various rulers including the British Empire. It is also known for its multilingualism, with Maltese and English as official languages.

### What are Malta’s demographics and social indicators?
Malta has a population of over 550,000 (2023), with a life expectancy of 83 years. The birth rate is 8.1 per 1,000, and the death rate is 8 per 1,000. The suicide rate is 5.3 per 100,000 (2019). The total fertility rate is 1.38 (2014).

### What is Malta’s government structure?
Malta is a parliamentary democracy. The head of state is the President (currently Myriam Spiteri Debono), and the head of government is the Prime Minister (currently Robert Abela). The Parliament of Malta is the legislative body.

### What are Malta’s technical and infrastructure details?
Malta uses 230 volts at 50 Hz, with BS 1363 electrical plugs. The country drives on the left side and uses the .mt top-level domain. Emergency numbers include 112 (general), 191 (police), 199 (fire), and 196 (medical).

## Why It Matters
Malta matters due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean, which has historically made it a key point of geopolitical interest. It plays a significant role in European and international affairs, particularly in trade, migration, and diplomacy. Its rich cultural heritage and multilingual society make it a unique case study in small-state resilience and integration into global systems. Malta’s high human development and democratic indices underscore its success in governance and social policy.

## Notable For
- Being one of the smallest yet most densely populated EU countries
- High Human Development Index (0.918 in 2021)
- Low Gini coefficient (31 in 2019) indicating low income inequality
- Early EU membership (2004) and Schengen participation (2007)
- George Cross recipient (1942) for bravery during WWII
- Multilingualism: Maltese and English as co-official languages
- High life expectancy (83 years) and low fertility rate (1.38 in 2014)
- Active participation in international diplomacy and humanitarian efforts
- Hosting major EU institutions and NATO-related agencies
- Being a cultural crossroads of European, North African, and Middle Eastern influences

## Body

### History and Independence
Malta’s history is deeply tied to its strategic location in the Mediterranean. It was a British Crown Colony from 1813 until it gained independence on **September 21, 1964**, becoming the **State of Malta**. It transitioned from a British colony to a sovereign state and later became a republic in 1974. The country was part of the **Commonwealth of Nations** from 1800 to 1964.

### Geography and Environment
Malta is located in **Southern Europe**, on an archipelago in the **Mediterranean Sea**. Its coordinates are **latitude 35.8833°, longitude 14.5°**. The country covers an area of **316 km²** and includes regions such as **Gozo (Għawdex)**, **Malta Majjistral**, and **Malta Xlokk**. The **highest point** is **Ta’ Dmejrek**, and the **lowest point** is the **Mediterranean Sea** at sea level.

### Government and Politics
Malta is a **parliamentary democracy**. The **head of state** is **Myriam Spiteri Debono** (since 2024), and the **head of government** is **Robert Abela** (since 2020). The **Parliament of Malta** is the legislative body. The country has a **bicameral system** with the **Chamber of Representatives** and **Senate**.

### Demographics and Society
Malta has a **population of 553,214** (2023). The **life expectancy** is **83 years** (2022). The **birth rate** is **8.1 per 1,000**, and the **death rate** is **8 per 1,000**. The **suicide rate** is **5.3 per 100,000** (2019). The **Gini coefficient** is **31** (2019), indicating low income inequality.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Malta’s **nominal GDP** was **$17.76 billion** (2022). The **unemployment rate** was **6%** (2014). The **VAT rate** is **18%**. The **currency** is the **Euro** (€) since **2008**, replacing the **Maltese lira**. The **electrical system** is **230 volts, 50 Hz**, using **Type G (BS 1363)** plugs.

### International Relations and Memberships
Malta is a member of the **European Union** (since **2004**), **United Nations** (since **1964**), **Commonwealth of Nations**, **World Trade Organization**, **Interpol**, **OSCE**, and **Schengen Area** (since **2007**). It maintains diplomatic relations with **Italy**, **UK**, **US**, **Germany**, **Australia**, **India**, **Japan**, **Russia**, and others.

### Symbols and Culture
The **national flag** is the **Flag of Malta**, and the **coat of arms** is the **Coat of arms of Malta**. The **anthem** is **L-Innu Malti** ("The Hymn of Malta"). The **motto** is **"Truly Mediterranean"**. Malta is also known for its **multilingualism**, with **Maltese** and **English** as official languages.

### Administrative Divisions
Malta is divided into **regions**, including **Gozo (Għawdex)**, **Northern Region**, **Southern Region**, **Port Region**, **Western Region**, and **Eastern Region**. These were restructured in **2009** and **2021**.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
Malta uses the **.mt** internet domain. The **international calling code** is **+356**. The **aircraft registration prefix** is **9H**. The **ISO codes** are **MT (Alpha-2)**, **MLT (Alpha-3)**, and **470 (Numeric)**. The **emergency number** is **112**. The **timezone** is **UTC+01:00** (standard) and **UTC+02:00** (daylight saving).

### Related Entities and Historical Context
Malta was previously known as the **Crown Colony of Malta** (1813–1964) and the **State of Malta** (1964–1974). It is part of the **Maltese Islands**, which include **Malta**, **Gozo**, and **Comino**. The country is also known for its **George Cross** award (1942) and its role in **WWII**. It has a rich history under **British**, **French**, and **Ottoman** rule.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.gov.mt/en/Government/Government%20of%20Malta/Prime%20Ministers%20of%20Malta/Pages/Prime%20Ministers%20of%20Malta.aspx)
2. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/malta)
3. [This month in history: Malta's George Cross | The Gazette](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/awards-and-accreditation/content/100008)
4. [Source](https://legislation.mt/eli/const/eng)
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. archINFORM
7. CiNii Research
8. Lingua Libre
9. [Source](https://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/malta)
10. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
11. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Europe/MALTA)
12. [Nuclear Suppliers Group](http://www.nuclearsuppliersgroup.org/en/participants1)
13. [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
14. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/malta)
15. [International Hydrographic Organization](https://www.iho.int/srv1/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=452&lang=en)
16. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/eri/cp/ListeMS_Indicators.asp)
17. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
18. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=190)
19. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
20. [Source](https://www.touteleurope.eu/les-pays-membres-de-l-espace-schengen.html)
21. [Source](https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program-requirements)
22. [Source](http://icdo.org/who-we-are/members/observer-states.html)
23. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/malta)
24. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
25. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
26. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
27. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
28. FIPS 10-4
29. MusicBrainz
30. [Human Development Report. 2022](https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/human-development-index#/indicies/HDI)
31. World Bank Open Data
32. [World Bank Open Data](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL)
33. [World Bank Open Data](https://data.worldbank.org/country/malta?view=chart)
34. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
35. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
36. [CVCE.eu](https://www.cvce.eu/en/obj/changes_in_the_distribution_of_seats_in_the_european_parliament-en-e6d28948-3fa8-4fe7-a552-1b062bc6fb47.html)
37. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
38. [Source](https://www.ui.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/europa/malta/)
39. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/ar/mn-nhn/aldwl-alada/maltt)
40. The National Terminology Database for Irish
41. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
42. BBC Things
43. [Source](http://chartsbin.com/view/edr)
44. Library and Archives Canada
45. [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)
46. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)
47. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3372)
48. BabelNet
49. [Source](https://www.gov.mt/en/Services-And-Information/Business-Areas/Emergency%20Information/Pages/Emergency-Services.aspx)
50. [International Numbering Resources Database](http://www.itu.int/net/itu-t/inrdb/e129_important_numbers.aspx)