World Countries-Malta
Valletta
MALTA
Country Name Republic of Malta
Capital Valletta
Currency Maltese lira
Religion Roman Catholic
Surface Area 316 sq km
Population 398,534
Nationality Maltese
Languages Maltese (official), English (official)
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Country Map

Geographical Information
Map Location Europe
Geographical Location 35° 50' North Latitude
14° 35' East Longitude
Surface Area 316 sq km
Climate Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers
Natural Resources Limestone, salt, arable land
Political Information Top of Page
Country Name Republic of Malta
Capital City Valletta
Government Type Republic
Administrative Divisions None (administered directly from Valletta); note - Local Councils carry out administrative orders
Independence Day 21 September 1964 (from UK)
Demographical Information Top of Page
Population 398,534 (July 2005 est.)
Nationality Maltese
Ethnic Groups Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)
Religion Roman Catholic 98%
Languages Maltese (official), English (official)
Population Growth Rate 0.42% (2005 est.)
Economical Information Top of Page
Currency Maltese lira (MTL)
Industries Tourism; electronics, ship building and repair, construction; food and beverages, textiles, footwear, clothing, tobacco
Labor Force 160,000 (2002 est.)
Labor Force by Sectors Agriculture 5%, industry 24%, services 71% (1999 est.)
Agriculture Products Potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs
Export Commodities Machinery and transport equipment, manufactures
Export Partners Singapore 15.5%, US 12%, France 10.5%, UK 10.1%, Germany 9%, China 5.8% (2004)
Import Commodities Machinery and transport equipment, manufactured and semi-manufactured goods; food, drink, and tobacco
Import Partners Italy 18.2%, France 17.9%, UK 9.7%, Germany 9.2%, Singapore 6.9%, China 5.7% (2004)
Transportation Top of Page
Railways -
Highways 2,222 km
Pipelines -
Airports 1 (2004 est.)
Ports and Harbors Marsaxlokk, Valletta
Communication Top of Page
Phone Code +356
Internet Abbreviation .mt
Other Top of Page
Short History Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814. 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. 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.