Other Cities: Birkirkara (Malta's largest city), Mdina, Rabat
Government:
Type: Republic.
Independence: 21 September 1964 (from UK).
Geography:
Location: Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, east of Tunisia,
south of Sicily (Italy)
Area: 316 km² (122 sq. mi.)
Terrain: Coastal cliffs, rocky, low hills.
Climate: Mediterranean: subtropical summer, with mild, rainy winters.
People:
Nationality: Maltese
Population: 515,000 (end of 2019)
Ethnic divisions: Mixture of Arab, Sicilian, Norman, Spanish, Italian, English.
Religion: Roman Catholic, 98%.
Language: Maltese
and English (official).
Literacy: 93%.
Natural resources: Limestone, salt, arable land.
Agriculture products: Potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes,
citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs.
Industries: Tourism; electronics, ship building and repair, construction;
food and beverages, textiles, footwear, clothing, tobacco.
Exports - commodities: machinery and mechanical appliances; mineral fuels, oils and petroleum products; pharmaceutical products; books and newspapers; aircraft/spacecraft and parts; toys, games, and sports equipment
Exports - partners: Germany 12%,
France 9%,
Italy 9% (2019)
Imports - commodities: mineral fuels, oils and products; electrical machinery; aircraft/spacecraft and parts thereof; machinery and mechanical appliances; plastic and other semi-manufactured goods; vehicles and parts
Imports - partners: Russia 22%, Italy 12%,
United Kingdom 11%, Germany 6%,
Turkey 5%,
France 5%,
China 5%,
South Korea 5% (2019)
Currency: Maltese Lira (MTL)