Malta Facts

Full Country Name: Republic of Malta
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Languages: Maltese, English, Italian
Population: 400,420 (July 2003 est.)
Religion: Roman Catholic (91%)
Land Area: 330 sq km
Coastline: 252.81 km
People: Maltese

GDP per capita: $17,200 (2002 est.)
GDP: $6.818 billion (2002 est.)
Annual Growth: 3.4 (2002 est.)
Inflation: 2.4% (2002 est.)
EU Member : As of May, 2004.

Malta's 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. Malta is privatizing state-controlled firms and liberalizing markets in order to prepare for membership in the European Union.

The island remains fairly divided politically, however, over the question of joining the EU. Continued sluggishness in the global economy is holding back exports, tourism, and overall growth.