Exporting

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With a civilization that dates back thousands of years, Malta boasts some of the oldest megalithic sites in the world. Situated in the center of the Mediterranean, Malta’s islands have long served as a strategic military asset, with the islands at various times having come under control of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans,

Location

Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy)

Natural Resources

limestone, salt, arable land

Population - distribution

most of the population lives on the eastern half of Malta, the largest of the three inhabited islands

403000
Maltese (official) 90.1%, English (official) 6%, multilingual 3%, other 0.9% (2005 est.)
VALLETTA (capital) 197,000 (2014)
Conventional long form
Republic of Malta
Conventional short form
Malta
Local long form
Repubblika ta' Malta
Local short form
Malta
parliamentary republic
Name
Valletta
Geographic coordinates
35 53 N, 14 30 E
Time difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time
+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Malta’s free market economy – the smallest economy in the euro-zone – relies heavily on trade in both goods and services, principally with Europe. Malta produces less than a quarter of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has few domestic energy sources. Malta's economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing, and tourism. Malta joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the euro on 1 January 2008.
Inflation
0.577%
Total tax rate (% of commercial profits)
43.8%
Real Interest Rate
3.422%
Manufacturing, value added (% of GDP)
8.604%
Current Account Balance
US$ 864,443,114
Labor Force, Total
195,878
Employment in Agriculture
1.62%
Employment in Industry
19.80%
Employment in Services
78.58%
Unemployment Rate
5.32%
Imports of goods and services
US$ 14,179,336,224
Exports of goods and services
US$ 15,485,042,113
Total Merchandise Trade
84.07%
FDI, net inflows
US$ 2,451,065,362
Commercial Service Exports
US$ 12,724,180,681
potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs
tourism, electronics, ship building and repair, construction, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, footwear, clothing, tobacco, aviation services, financial services, information technology services
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
Partners
Egypt 13.7%, Germany 8.5%, Libya 5.7%, France 5.6%, Hong Kong 5.6%, Singapore 5.1%, US 4.5%, Italy 4.4% (2015)
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
Partners
Italy 19.2%, Canada 9%, Germany 5.7%, UK 5.3%, US 4.5%, France 4% (2015)
Country Risk Rating
A2
The political and economic situation is good. A basically stable and efficient business environment nonetheless leaves room for improvement. Corporate default probability is low on average.
Business Climate Rating
A2
The business environment is good. When available, corporate financial information is reliable. Debt collection is reasonably efficient. Institutions generally perform efficiently. Intercompany transactions usually run smoothly in the relatively stable environment rated A2.
  • Crossroads between eastern and western Mediterranean regions
  • Eurozone membership
  • Considerable investment in transport, energy, education and health
  • Tourist and port activities
  • High added value industries (electronics)
  • Productive, English-speaking and growing labor force (immigration, rising female employment rate)
  • Public debt held by residents
  • Small size and insularity
  • Growing but aging population
  • Structural deficit in trade in goods (no natural resources)
  • Inadequate higher education provision
  • Road infrastructure still inadequate
  • Expensive energy for businesses

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