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Photo: Dirk Heldmaier derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Malta
Malta places highest on Global Militarisation Index (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on Crop Production Index (bottom 1%).
Malta in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
532,956
people
since 1950
Land area
315.15
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
63,656
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
83.3
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.924
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
2.896
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Malta
Key facts about Malta
- Capital
- Valletta
- Official languages
- English, Maltese
- Currency
- euro (EUR)
- ISO code
- MLT · MT
- Domain · dialling
- .mt · +356
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Malta’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
6thof 177
From 3 of 3 key statistics
20thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
24thof 194
From 2 of 3 key statistics
20thof 150
From 2 of 3 key statistics
36thof 201
From 4 of 4 key statistics
27thof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
35thof 191
From 3 of 3 key statistics
39thof 193
From 4 of 5 key statistics
42ndof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
39thof 178
From 3 of 3 key statistics
71stof 182
From 2 of 4 key statistics
136thof 161
From 3 of 3 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Malta’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Malta in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Malta stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Malta sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Malta does best10
In the top third of all countries measured. 10 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 1st
Position · derived 104th of 104 · 1 = worst · 2.5 · 2023
world median 5.2 (better) · ▼ 3 pts since 2013
- 2nd
Rank 148th of 149 · 1 = worst · 27.55 · 2023
world median 100.66 (better)
- 3rd
Position · derived 3rd of 132 · 2.29 · 2024
world median 0.305 (better) · ▲ 6 pts since 2014
- 6thICT Goods Exportstop 4%
Position · derived 6th of 119 · 24.26 · 2024
world median 0.975 (better) · ▲ 10 pts since 2014
- 8th
Position · derived 8th of 156 · 0.799 · 2023
world median 0.678 (better) · ▲ 7 pts since 2013
- 9thPoverty Gap at $3.00 a Daytop 17%
Position · derived 61st of 69 · 1 = worst · 0.06 · 2022
world median 0.42 (better) · ▲ 4 pts since 2012
- 10thGNI per Capita (PPP)top 9%
Position · derived 10th of 102 · 56,504 · 2025
world median 14,273 (better) · ▲ 11 pts since 2015
- 10thINFORM Risk Indextop 4%
Position · derived 182nd of 191 · 1 = worst · 1.7 · 2025
world median 3.7 (better)
- 10th
Position · derived 62nd of 71 · 1 = worst · 0.11 · 2022
world median 1.05 (better) · ▲ 5 pts since 2012
Where Malta struggles most5
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 3 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stCrop Production Indexbottom 1%
Position · derived 195th of 195 · 53.79 · 2022
world median 106.23 (worse) · ▼ 69 pts since 2012
- 5thFood Production Indexbottom 2%
Position · derived 191st of 195 · 75.95 · 2022
world median 106.08 (worse) · ▼ 75 pts since 2012
- 10thEcological Footprintbottom 7%
Position · derived 10th of 126 · 1 = worst · 5.659 · 2025
world median 2.296 (worse) · ▼ 4 pts since 2015
Position · derived 170th of 181 · 95.08 · 2022
world median 2,528 (worse)
- Livestock Production Indexbottom 20%
Position · derived 155th of 194 · 96.32 · 2022
world median 107.06 (worse) · ▼ 55 pts since 2012
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Malta can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
37th
of 141 · 1990
24th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
42nd
of 173 · 2012
60th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
29th
of 79 · 1990
36th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
21st
of 132 · 2022
27th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
30th
of 172 · 2020
39th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Malta has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Employment-to-Population Ratio+37 pts since 2015
- Female Labour Force Participation Rate+36 pts since 2015
- Labour Force Participation Rate+33 pts since 2015
Losing ground
Where Malta has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
Nothing further moved meaningfully in this direction.
05In context
Malta and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 174, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Malta has no land border with another country.
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Southern Europe
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 174 placed).
- 15
Slovenia - 24
Portugal - 26
Italy - 28
Spain - 29Malta
- 30
Croatia - 38
Greece - 44
Montenegro - 45
Serbia - =46
North Macedonia - 56
Bosnia and Herzegovina - 57
Albania - —
Andorranot placed - —
Gibraltarnot placed - —
Kosovonot placed - —
San Marinonot placed - —
Vatican Citynot placed
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Malta
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions18
Agriculture Orientation Index3rd of 132position · derived2.29Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
Top fifth · top 2% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Malta 2.29 · world median 0.305 (better)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
Civic Space Ratings48th of 198position · derived77.99Civic space score (0–100)2025
Upper middle · top 24% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Malta 77.99 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Completeness of Birth Registrationtop 14%100Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
Top fifth · top 14% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Malta 100 · world median 98.4 (better)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Corruption Perceptions Index60th of 181rank49CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
Upper middle · top 33% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Malta 49 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
General Government Consumption58th of 132position · derived17.53General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
Middle · top 44% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Malta 17.53 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index39th of 195rank61.48AI readiness score (0–100)2025
Top fifth · top 20% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Malta 61.48 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness61st of 209position · derived0.622Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2024
Upper middle · top 29% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Malta 0.622 · world median 0.01 (better)
Best in the world 2.28 (Singapore)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2014
Government Funding per Primary Student33rd of 68position · derived18.29Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)2022
Middle · top 48% of 68 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)
Malta 18.29 · world median 17.81 (better)
Best in the world 34.57 (South Korea)
▼ -39 percentile points since 2012
Public Sector Employment21st of 135position · derived28.6Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
Top fifth · top 15% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Malta 28.6 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill27th of 168position · derived12.05Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
Top fifth · top 16% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Malta 12.05 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality60th of 209position · derived0.492Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Upper middle · top 28% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Malta 0.492 · world median -0.09 (better)
Best in the world 2.132 (Singapore)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2014
Rule of Law55th of 211position · derived0.727Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Upper middle · top 26% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Malta 0.727 · world median -0.1 (better)
Best in the world 2.021 (Finland)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2014
Statistical Performance Indicators45th of 188position · derived83.85SPI overall score (0–100)2024
Upper middle · top 24% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Malta 83.85 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density12th of 139position · derived41.89Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
Top fifth · top 8% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Malta 41.89 · world median 16.68 (better)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index33rd of 176position · derived0.783Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
Top fifth · top 19% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Malta 0.783 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability45th of 208position · derived0.922Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Upper middle · top 21% of 208 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Malta 0.922 · world median -0.02 (better)
Best in the world 1.929 (Norway)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Women, Business and the Law41st of 190position · derived91.25WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
Upper middle · top 22% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Malta 91.25 · world median 81.25 (better)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation34
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution27th of 139position · derived96.56Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
Top fifth · top 19% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Malta 96.56 · world median 72.83 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Agricultural Land135th of 209position · derived25.91Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
Lower middle · bottom 36% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Malta 25.91 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2013
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)154th of 158position · derived0.469Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 3% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Malta 0.469 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2015
Container Port Traffic44th of 103position · derived2,967,924Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
Middle · top 42% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
Malta 2,967,924 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
▼ -20 percentile points since 2014
Crop Production Index195th of 195position · derived53.79Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 1% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Malta 53.79 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -69 percentile points since 2012
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)5th of 138position · derived119.11Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
Top fifth · top 3% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Malta 119.11 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
No real change since 2015
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare77th of 188position · derived111.78Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
Upper middle · top 40% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Malta 111.78 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2013
Food Production Index191st of 195position · derived75.95Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 2% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Malta 75.95 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -75 percentile points since 2012
GDP Growth72nd of 186position · derived3.962GDP growth (annual %)2025
Upper middle · top 38% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Malta 3.962 · world median 3.396 (better)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -36 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)17th of 185position · derived63,656GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
Top fifth · top 9% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Malta 63,656 · world median 17,265 (better)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Gini Index34th of 73position · derived · 1 = worst34.59Gini index (0 = perfect equality, 100 = perfect inequality)2022
Middle · bottom 46% of 73 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gini index (0 = perfect equality, 100 = perfect inequality)
Malta 34.59 · world median 33.91 (worse)
Best in the world 24.08 (Slovakia)
▼ -33 percentile points since 2012
Global Innovation Index27th of 139rank45.35GII score (0–100)2025
Top fifth · top 19% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Malta 45.35 · world median 28.52 (better)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2022
GNI per Capita (PPP)10th of 102position · derived56,504GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
Top fifth · top 9% of 102 countries measured
World Bank Group · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Malta 56,504 · world median 14,273 (better)
Best in the world 116,633 (Singapore)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2015
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)101st of 131position · derived18.71Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 23% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
Malta 18.71 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▼ -24 percentile points since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)51st of 146position · derived25.89Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
Upper middle · top 34% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Malta 25.89 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2014
Household Consumption120th of 131position · derived44.56Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 8% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Malta 44.56 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
ICT Goods Exports6th of 119position · derived24.26ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
Top fifth · top 4% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
Malta 24.26 · world median 0.975 (better)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2014
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)6th of 138position · derived99.9Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
Top fifth · top 4% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Malta 99.9 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
No real change since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)153rd of 158position · derived10.08Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 3% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Malta 10.08 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index21st of 169position · derived0.843IHDI (0–1)2023
Top fifth · top 12% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Malta 0.843 · world median 0.609 (better)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index46th of 175rank117.86LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
Upper middle · top 27% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Malta 117.86 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2016
Livestock Density18th of 188position · derived2.14Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
Top fifth · top 9% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Malta 2.14 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Production Index155th of 194position · derived96.32Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Lower middle · bottom 20% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Malta 96.32 · world median 107.06 (worse)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▼ -55 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index43rd of 139rank3.3LPI score (1–5)2023
Upper middle · top 33% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Malta 3.3 · world median 2.9 (better)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)112th of 132position · derived5.342Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 15% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Malta 5.342 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2015
Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day61st of 69position · derived · 1 = worst0.06Poverty gap at $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)2022
Top fifth · top 17% of 73 countries measured · 73 share 69 positions
World Bank Group · Poverty gap at $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)
Malta 0.06 · world median 0.42 (better)
Best in the world 0 (5 countries tied)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2012
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day62nd of 71position · derived · 1 = worst0.11Population below $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)2022
Top fifth · top 15% of 73 countries measured · 73 share 71 positions
World Bank Group · Population below $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)
Malta 0.11 · world median 1.05 (better)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2012
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day62nd of 73position · derived · 1 = worst0.72Population below $8.30 a day, 2021 PPP (%)2022
Top fifth · top 15% of 73 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population below $8.30 a day, 2021 PPP (%)
Malta 0.72 · world median 10.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.04 (Cyprus)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2012
Prosperity Gap63rd of 73position · derived · 1 = worst0.684Average factor incomes must rise by to reach $28 a day2022
Top fifth · top 14% of 73 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average factor incomes must rise by to reach $28 a day
Malta 0.684 · world median 2.118 (better)
Best in the world 0.43 (Luxembourg)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2012
Research and Development Spending48th of 84position · derived0.648Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)2023
Middle · bottom 43% of 84 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)
Malta 0.648 · world median 0.814 (worse)
Best in the world 6.346 (Israel)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2013
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)180th of 180position · derived0Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Malta 0 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
No real change since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)5th of 138position · derived219.01Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
Top fifth · top 3% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
Malta 219.01 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
No real change since 2015
World Energy Trilemma Index29th of 99rank70.4Trilemma score (0–100)2023
Upper middle · top 29% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Malta 70.4 · world median 63.8 (better)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour17
Average Weekly Hours Worked146th of 182position · derived33.75Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 20% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Malta 33.75 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture175th of 182position · derived0.877Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Malta 0.877 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Industry110th of 182position · derived17.74Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
Lower middle · bottom 40% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Malta 17.74 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services17th of 182position · derived81.39Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
Top fifth · top 9% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Malta 81.39 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
No real change since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio56th of 182position · derived62.13Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
Upper middle · top 30% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Malta 62.13 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▲ +37 percentile points since 2015
Fatal Occupational Injuriestop 49%2Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers2023
Middle · top 49% of 52 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers
Malta 2 · world median 2.005 (better)
Best in the world 0.12 (Belgium)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2013
Female Labour Force Participation Rate76th of 182position · derived55.8Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Middle · top 41% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Malta 55.8 · world median 53.36 (better)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▲ +36 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager138th of 179position · derived10.59Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
Lower middle · bottom 23% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Malta 10.59 · world median 19.16 (worse)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed23rd of 168position · derived117,634GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
Top fifth · top 13% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Malta 117,634 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Labour Force Participation Rate75th of 182position · derived63.98Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Middle · top 41% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Malta 63.98 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +33 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked20th of 182position · derived71.49Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
Top fifth · top 10% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Malta 71.49 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Self-Employment Rate144th of 182position · derived13.9Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Malta 13.9 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Unemployment Rate146th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst2.896Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
Top fifth · top 20% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Malta 2.896 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▲ +22 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment144th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst10.07Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
Upper middle · top 21% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Malta 10.07 · world median 28.67 (better)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training84th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst7.845Youth not in education, employment or training (%)2024
Top fifth · top 14% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Youth not in education, employment or training (%)
Malta 7.845 · world median 14.31 (better)
Best in the world 3.975 (Iceland)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2014
Youth Unemployment Rate130th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst8.431Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
Upper middle · top 29% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Malta 8.431 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge9
Adult Literacy Rate92nd of 172position · derived93.31Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
Middle · bottom 47% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Malta 93.31 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling48th of 195position · derived15.91Expected years of schooling2023
Upper middle · top 24% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Malta 15.91 · world median 13.34 (better)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Mean Years of Schooling33rd of 193position · derived12.42Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
Top fifth · top 17% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Malta 12.42 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
PISA Mathematics Performance33rd of 79position · derived466.02Mean mathematics score2022
Middle · top 41% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
Malta 466.02 · world median 442.09 (better)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
PISA Reading Performance39th of 79position · derived445.3Mean reading score2022
Middle · top 49% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
Malta 445.3 · world median 440.35 (better)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2015
PISA Science Performance36th of 79position · derived465.59Mean science score2022
Middle · top 45% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
Malta 465.59 · world median 446.93 (better)
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2015
Primary Completion Rate77th of 165position · derived98.14Primary completion rate (%)2025
Middle · top 46% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Malta 98.14 · world median 97.43 (better)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Upper Secondary Completion Rate53rd of 164position · derived83.98Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
Upper middle · top 32% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Malta 83.98 · world median 64.87 (better)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratetop 42%98.8815–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
Middle · top 42% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Malta 98.88 · world median 98.22 (better)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing13
Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff26th of 86position · derived99.7Births attended by skilled health staff (%)2019
Upper middle · top 31% of 86 countries measured
UNICEF · Births attended by skilled health staff (%)
Malta 99.7 · world median 98.8 (better)
Best in the world 100 (11 countries tied)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2009
Dietary Energy Supply35th of 155position · derived3,405Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
Upper middle · top 22% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Malta 3,405 · world median 2,982 (better)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2014
Gender Inequality Index36th of 172rank0.111GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
Upper middle · top 20% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Malta 0.111 · world median 0.351 (better)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Global Violent Deaths187th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst0.57Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
Top fifth · top 11% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Malta 0.57 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
No real change since 2011
Human Capital Index32nd of 172position · derived0.709HCI score (0–1)2020
Top fifth · top 18% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Malta 0.709 · world median 0.564 (better)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2010
Human Development Index24th of 193rank0.924HDI score (0–1)2023
Top fifth · top 12% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Malta 0.924 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth17th of 222position · derived83.3Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
Top fifth · top 7% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Malta 83.3 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio152nd of 195position · derived · 1 = worst8.39Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
Upper middle · top 22% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Malta 8.39 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare22nd of 178position · derived13.75Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
Top fifth · top 12% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Malta 13.75 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
No real change since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity95th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst2.1Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
Upper middle · top 28% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Malta 2.1 · world median 4.7 (better)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Prevalence of Undernourishment104th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst2.5Population undernourished (%)2023
Top fifth · top 19% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Malta 2.5 · world median 5.2 (better)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five142nd of 162position · derived · 1 = worst3.281Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
Top fifth · top 12% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Malta 3.281 · world median 13.8 (better)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate159th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst5.335Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
Upper middle · top 21% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Malta 5.335 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Development & Human Capital10
Access to Electricitytop 28%100Population with electricity access (%)2024
Upper middle · top 28% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Malta 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Agricultural Irrigated Land7th of 121position · derived33.87Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
Top fifth · top 5% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
Malta 33.87 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Arable Land per Person186th of 206position · derived0.013Arable land (hectares per person)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 10% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Malta 0.013 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 5%100Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
Top fifth · top 5% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Malta 100 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2012
Coefficient of Human Inequality135th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst8.626Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
Upper middle · top 20% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Malta 8.626 · world median 17.05 (better)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2013
Gender Development Index71st of 184position · derived0.977Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
Upper middle · top 39% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Malta 0.977 · world median 0.971 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2013
Land Under Cereal Production179th of 179position · derived0Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 1% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Malta 0 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2013
Organic Agricultural Area68th of 150position · derived0.99Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
Middle · top 43% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Malta 0.99 · world median 0.725 (better)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▲ +30 percentile points since 2014
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI8th of 156position · derived0.799PHDI (0–1)2023
Top fifth · top 5% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Malta 0.799 · world median 0.678 (better)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector117th of 171position · derived34.53Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
Lower middle · bottom 33% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Malta 34.53 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2012
Environment & Sustainability7
Agricultural Emissions164th of 193position · derived158.3Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 17% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Malta 158.3 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Ecological Footprint10th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst5.659Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 7% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Malta 5.659 · world median 2.296 (worse)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Forest Area191st of 210position · derived1.438Forest area (% of land area)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 10% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Malta 1.438 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita170th of 181position · derived95.08Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 6% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Malta 95.08 · world median 2,528 (worse)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation136th of 190position · derived15.53Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
Lower middle · bottom 30% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Malta 15.53 · world median 31.14 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Water Stress38th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst45.51Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Malta 45.51 · world median 10 (worse)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
World Risk Index179th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst1.04WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
Top fifth · top 7% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Malta 1.04 · world median 4.17 (better)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
No real change since 2015
Gender & Equality1
Social Institutions and Gender Index89th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst19.4SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
Upper middle · top 36% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Malta 19.4 · world median 25.2 (better)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Peace & Security5
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
Upper middle · top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Malta 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Global Militarisation Index148th of 149rank · 1 = worst27.55GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
Top fifth · top 1% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Malta 27.55 · world median 100.66 (better)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
No real change since 2013
INFORM Risk Index182nd of 191position · derived · 1 = worst1.7INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
Top fifth · top 4% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Malta 1.7 · world median 3.7 (better)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
No real change since 2016
Physical Violence Index36th of 176position · derived0.941Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
Upper middle · top 20% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Malta 0.941 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Political Stability and Absence of Violence53rd of 211position · derived0.805Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Upper middle · top 25% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Malta 0.805 · world median 0.04 (better)
Best in the world 1.582 (Liechtenstein)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Malta. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Adjusted Net Savings
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Cereal Yield · last seen 2017
- Child Marriage
- Children with Functional Difficulties
- Cost of Sending Remittances
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Debt Service on External Debt
- Economic Complexity Index
- Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management
- Gender Social Norms Index
- Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- Government Spending on Education · last seen 2022
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2023
- INFORM Severity Index
- Informal Employment Rate
- Internal Displacements by Disaster
- Net Official Development Assistance Received · last seen 2002
- Open Data Inventory
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary · last seen 2023
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate · last seen 2023
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2023
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2023
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2023
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2021
- Violent Discipline of Children
- Working Poverty Rate
07Keep reading
Explore further
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Malta can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 25 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Malta on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Malta: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/malta