Malta 🇲🇹

Malta is an independent state in Southern Europe, and a member of the United Nations. The long form of the name is Republic of Malta. The capital is Valletta.

Its territory runs to 316 km², which ranks it 215th of the 250 countries and territories in this dataset — just behind the Caribbean Netherlands and just ahead of the Maldives. That makes it a little larger than the Maldives.

Some 568,847 people call it home, placing it 173rd of 250 by population — between Western Sahara above it and the Maldives below. Among the 10 entries in Southern Europe it ranks 7th by area and 6th by population.

Location, borders and position

Plotted on a globe it falls at 35.8° north, 14.6° east, which puts it in the northern hemisphere, roughly 3,989 km from the equator, in what geographers would call temperate latitudes.

Follow that same latitude east or west and you reach China, Japan and South Korea — places that share its distance from the equator but little else.

It shares no land border with anyone. That puts it among the 85 entries of 250 here with no land neighbours, a group made up mostly of islands and island groups.

Population and languages of Malta

Population divided by land area gives roughly 1,800 people per square kilometre, which makes it among the most densely populated places on earth. Half the entries in this dataset fall below roughly 90 per square kilometre.

The demonym is Maltese, so residents are Maltese.

It recognises 2 languages: English and Maltese. Maltese is listed for no other entry in this dataset, which makes it effectively unique to Malta. English, the first listed, is shared with 90 other entries worldwide.

Inside Europe it places 40th of 53 by population, and it accounts for under 1% of everyone living in Southern Europe.

Money, internet and phone codes

It uses the Euro (€, EUR). That is a shared currency: 37 other entries use it, including Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria and Croatia.

Valletta is the seat of government and the answer most quizzes are looking for.

The top-level domain is .mt. The international dialling code is +356. In ISO terms it is mt in two letters and MLT in three.

Malta is one of the 193 UN member states in this dataset. The other 57 entries are territories, dependencies or observers, which is why totals on this site run to 250 rather than the familiar 195.

Fun facts about Malta

• It lies about 3,989 km from the equator, in temperate latitudes.
• It has no land border with any other country — one of 85 such entries in this dataset.
• Population density works out at roughly 1,800 people per square kilometre.
• Maltese is listed as an official language for no other entry in this dataset.
• Its currency, the Euro, is shared with 37 other entries.
• China and Japan sit at almost the same latitude, on the far side of the globe.

Malta — frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Malta?

The capital of Malta is Valletta.

Where is Malta located?

Malta is in Southern Europe, part of Europe. Its reference coordinates are 35.8° north and 14.6° east, roughly 3,989 km from the equator in temperate latitudes.

How big is Malta?

Malta covers 316 km², ranking 215th of 250 by land area. That makes it a little larger than the Maldives.

What is the population of Malta?

Malta has a population of about 568,847, which makes it the 173rd most populous of the 250 countries and territories listed on this site. Western Sahara sits just above it and the Maldives just below.

What currency does Malta use?

Malta uses the Euro, written € (currency code EUR). It is shared with 37 other entries.

Is Malta a country?

Yes. Malta is a sovereign state and one of the 193 UN members listed on this site.

What language is spoken in Malta?

Malta lists 2 official languages: English and Maltese. Maltese does not appear as an official language anywhere else in this dataset.

Does Malta border any other country?

No. Malta has no land border with any other country, so every route in or out is by sea or air. 85 of the 250 entries on this site are in the same position.