Country explorer: Malta
EXPERIMENTAL
2024
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Overview
Malta is a cosmopolitan, high-income island nation in Europe with a very small population. Its economy has grown stably in recent decades, and is based on tourism, financial services, manufacturing and information technology.
Malta is known for its historic sites, including the Megalithic Temples which are some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.
Economy
Malta has experienced significant economic development, characterized by a steady decrease in unemployment rates to well below the European average, consistent with high-income countries, and a controlled inflation environment, showcasing its successful navigation through economic modernization and integration into the global economy.
Demographics
Malta has experienced significant demographic changes, marked by a steadily growing population, consistently positive net migration, a fertility rate that fluctuates below the replacement level, and an increase in life expectancy, aligning it with patterns observed in many high-income countries.
Basic needs
Malta has consistently ensured universal access to basic utilities, including clean cooking fuels, electricity, and safely managed drinking water and sanitation facilities, thus exemplifying an exemplary model of public utility management compared to its high-income peers.
Human development
Malta has shown significant improvement in human development indicators such as the Human Development Index, reduction in child mortality rate, rise in literacy rate, and increase in learning-adjusted years of schooling, positioning it as a high achiever relative to its geographical peers and aligning closely with the progress typical of high-income countries.
Environment & energy
Malta has experienced significant environmental and energy transformations, marked by a gradual increase in renewable energy use, a notable reduction in per capita CO2 emissions, extremely limited renewable freshwater resources, and a slight increase in forest area, reflecting its distinct challenges and efforts as a small island nation amidst broader global shifts towards sustainability.
Technology & innovation
Malta has embraced technological advancement and innovation, evidenced by significant increases in internet usage, mobile phone subscriptions, and scientific publications, positioning it as a rapidly evolving player in the digital and research arenas, in line with high-income country trends yet distinguished by impressive growth rates in its niche sectors.
Culture & society
Malta has experienced significant cultural and societal transformations, characterized by an increase in international residents, a steadily improving outlook on life satisfaction, progressive strides towards gender equality, and a manageable age dependency ratio, showcasing a blend of traditional resilience and modern inclusivity uncommon among its peers.
Governance
Malta has demonstrated marked improvements in governance indicators such as adherence to the rule of law, perceptions of corruption, political and civil liberties, and press freedom, signaling progressive societal transformation while maintaining distinctive strides in press freedom compared to its Southern European neighbors.