OUR REGIONS

Mediterranean - MALTA

Capital:

Valletta

Country Profile:

The Republic of Malta gained independence from the UK in 1964. Forty years later, in 2004, Malta was the smallest of ten countries admitted into the EU. At the start of 2008 it adopted the Euro as its currency. Over the centuries the country’s strategic position fostered its development as a key regional trading post and it remains a leading centre for container and freight transhipment. It is a popular holiday destination and tourism is its main source of income. With the help of a favourable international climate, the availability of domestic resources (i.e. limestone and a productive workforce) and industrial policies that support foreign export-oriented investment, Malta’s economy has been able to sustain a period of rapid growth over the past two decades.

Main Trade Partners:

UK, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, USA, Singapore, Hong Kong

Main Industries:

Tourism, Ship Repair, Electronics, Financial Services, Footwear, Clothing, Construction

Population:

403,532 (est.)

Area:

316 sq. km.

GDP:

9.396 bn. (July 2008 CIA World Factbook est.)

GDP Real Growth Rate:

3.8% (2007 CIA World Factbook est.)

GDP per Capita:

$22,907 (2007 IMF est.)

GDP per Sector:

Services 74.9%, Industry 22.4%, Agriculture 2.7% (2007 CIA World Factbook est.)

Stock Market Capitalisation:

$4.097 bn. (2006 CIA World Factbook)

Exchange Rate:

1 Euro = 1.435 US$ (September 2008)
1 US $ = 0.697 Euros