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Republic of Malta COUNTRY DESCRIPTION  Malta is a small, developed, democratic Mediterranean island nation,
positioned as a cultural stepping-stone between Europe and North
Africa. Malta became a member of the European Union, with nine other
new member states, on May 1, 2004. Tourist facilities of all
categories are widely available.PEOPLE Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with about 1,160 inhabitants per square kilometer (3,000 per sq. mi.). This compares with about 21 per square kilometer (55 per sq. mi.) for the United States. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Malta was first colonized by the Phoenicians. Subsequently, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem, and the British have influenced Maltese life and culture to varying degrees.  Most of the foreign community in Malta, predominantly active or
retired British nationals and their dependents, centers around Sliema and surrounding modern suburbs. There is also a growing North
African Muslim community of about 4,000 (2003), many of whom are
married to Maltese nationals. The Constitution establishes Roman
Catholicism as the religion of Malta; however, it also guarantees
full liberty of conscience and freedom of worship and a number of
faiths have places of worship on the island. Malta has two official
languages--Maltese (a Semitic-based language) and English. The
literacy rate has reached 93%, compared to 63% in 1946. Schooling is
compulsory until age 16. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS A valid passport is required. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for stays up to 90 days. For the most current information concerning entry requirements for Malta, travelers should contact the Embassy of Malta at 2017 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20008, tel: (202) 462-3611, or the Maltese Consulate in New York City, tel: (212) 725-2345. QUICK FACTS Geography Area: 316 sq. km. (122 sq. mi.); about twice the size of the District of Columbia. Major cities: Valletta (capital), Sliema. Terrain: Low hills. Climate: Subtropical summer; other seasons temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. People Nationality: Noun and adjective--Maltese. Population (2003): 399,867. Ethnic divisions: Caucasian Maltese. Religion (2003): Roman Catholic, 98%. Languages: Maltese, English. Education (2003): Years compulsory--until age 16. Attendance--96%. Literacy--93%. Health (2003): Infant mortality rate (per 1,000 live births)--29.0. Life expectancy at birth--males 76.4, females 80.4 (2004 est.) Labor force (2004 est.): 145,220; public sector 29%, services 43%, manufacturing 17.6%, construction and quarrying 8.0%, agriculture and fisheries 2.4%. Government Type: Republic. Independence: September 1964. Constitution: 1964; revised 1974; revised 1987. Branches: Executive--president (chief of state), prime minister (head of government), cabinet. Legislative--unicameral House of Representatives. Judicial--Constitutional Court. Administrative subdivisions: 13 electoral districts Political parties: Nationalist Party, Malta Labor Party, Alternattiva Demokratika (Green Party). Suffrage: Universal at 18. Economy GDP (2004): $5.32 billion. Annual growth rate (2004): 2.0% (current market prices). Per capita income: $13,600. National resources: Limestone, salt. GDP composition by sector, 2002: Services (75% of GDP). Industry (22.5% of GDP): Types--clothing, semiconductors, shipbuilding and repair, furniture, leather, rubber and plastic products, footwear, spectacle frames, toys, jewelry, food, beverages, tobacco products. Agriculture (2.5% GDP): Products--fodder crops, potatoes, onions, Mediterranean fruits and vegetables. Trade (2004): Exports--$2.64 billion: Types--machinery and transport equipment, semi-conductors, clothing, furniture, leather, rubber and plastic products, footwear, bunker fuel. Major markets--France, U.S., Germany, U.K., Italy. Imports--$3.81 billion: Types--finished and semi-finished goods, food and beverages, industrial supplies, petroleum and related products. Major suppliers--Italy, U.K., Germany, France, U.S. Trade balance (2003): $1.17 billion. Budget (2004): Revenues $2.65 billion; expenditures $2.87 billion, including capital expenditures of $420.5 million. Average exchange rate (2005): $1 = Lm 0.345 (rate fluctuates) USEFUL LINKS U.S. Government
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