People and Society of Malta

Nationality

Maltese (singular and plural)

Ethnic Groups

Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)

Population

535,064

Population in Major Urban Areas

VALLETTA (capital) 198,000

Medical care is available through public and private hospitals. The quality of medical care in Malta ranges from adequate to good. Medical Specialists are few with many choosing to work in other countries. Private hospitals generally offer a higher standard of service than the public hospitals. One public hospital in Malta has adequate emergency room and trauma facilities, but its capacity is limited.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Malta ranks among the highest in the European Union and the broader Mediterranean region, reflecting the country's strong healthcare infrastructure, high standard of living, and culturally ingrained dietary habits. As of the most recent available data, the overall life expectancy at birth in Malta stands at approximately 83 years, with women typically living longer than men. Female life expectancy is around 85 years, while male life expectancy is approximately 81 years. These figures place Malta consistently above the EU average and well ahead of global averages, which hover closer to 73 years. The country's longevity statistics are attributed to several contributing factors. Malta benefits from a universal public healthcare system that provides residents with access to free or heavily subsidized medical services, including primary care, specialist consultations, and hospital treatment. The healthcare system has steadily modernized over recent decades, with investment in cardiac care, oncology, and preventive medicine playing a notable role in improving outcomes. The traditional Maltese diet, historically influenced by the Mediterranean dietary pattern, emphasizes fresh vegetables, legumes, fish, olive oil, and whole grains. This dietary culture has long been associated with reduced rates of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, contributing to longer and healthier lives among the population. Lifestyle factors also play a role. Malta has relatively low rates of extreme poverty, high literacy rates, and a stable social environment, all of which positively influence health outcomes. However, the country does face some public health challenges that could affect future life expectancy trends, including rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and sedentary behavior — particularly among younger generations — that health authorities continue to monitor and address through national health promotion strategies. Malta's life expectancy figures are tracked and published regularly by international bodies, confirming that the island nation continues to perform strongly in this key measure of human development and population well-being.

Literacy Definition

age 10 and over can read and write

• Roman Catholic98.0%
• Other2.0%

Maltese (official), English (official)

The Maltese language has a Semitic structure derived from a early form of Arabic. Both Maltese and English are official languages. The written form of Maltese is a Latin script, and it is used in commerce, education and business. However, English is a second language that is taught in school.

• English
• Maltese

Crime Information

Malta is rated Medium for crime by the Department of State. Most reported incidents are crimes of opportunity for immediate gain, such as simple assault, pick-pocketing, and petty theft. In general, criminals in Malta have avoided using violence in order to achieve their objective. However, while armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides are not as common as in some major U.S. cities, they do occur. . Practice the same good, common-sense personal security precautions that are part of everyday life in urban areas within the United States, particularly when spending time in areas frequented by tourists. Secure your valuables and be aware of pickpockets and purse snatchers; such criminals focus on areas and establishments frequented by tourists. You should be careful in the Paceville nightclub area, where excessive drinking and poor crowd control can lead to violence, including some that appears to be racially motivated. Theft of unattended personal property and car stereos from vehicles is also a common problem. Panhandling is almost non-existent in Malta. Don’t buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. The bootlegs are illegal to bring back into the United States, and if you purchase them, you are also breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Malta, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own, and criminal penalties vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in Malta, but still illegal in the United States. For example, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is also a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Malta, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not in any country you visit. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Malta are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Judicial proceedings in Malta typically last five to seven years and are characterized by lengthy and sometimes unpredictable delays between hearings. Foreign nationals can expect to be denied bail while a court case is ongoing, which can result in lengthy periods of pre-trial detention ranging from several months to several years. Obtaining no-fee legal aid can be a slow and difficult process, delaying already lengthy judicial proceedings. IF ARRESTED: If you are arrested in Malta, authorities of Malta are required to notify the U.S. Embassy of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy of your arrest. Malta’s laws on rights of arrestees are different from the United States. For example, once you have contacted a lawyer, you lose your right to remain silent.