Area total: 316 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 316 sq km
Population: 398,534 (July 2005 est.)
Ethnic groups: Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)
Capital: Valletta, population 7,000
Largest Cities
Birzebbuga – 22,000 Rabat – 15,000
Official Language
Maltese (official) English (official)
Religion: Roman Catholic 98%
Political system: Republic
GDP: purchasing power parity – $7.223 billion (2004 est.)
GDP per head: purchasing power parity – $18,200 (2004 est.)
Annual growth: 1% (2004 est.)
GDP – composition by sector
agriculture: 3% industry: 23% services: 74% (2003 est.)
Inflation: 2.9% (2004 est.)