As of 2023, Malta's population stands at 535,064, reflecting a 0.33% rise from the previous year. In 2022, the population was 533,286, showing a 1.24% increase from 2021.
Population of Malta: density, growth rate, aging
The population density in Malta is 1672 people per square kilometer (4,331 people per square mile). Malta's population is growing annually at a rate of 0.6%. Regarding age distribution, 13.2% of the population falls within the 0-14 years age group, and 18.84% comprises individuals aged 65 years and older. The percentage of the population aged 15-64 is 67.96%.
Population of Malta: ethnicity
Roughly 95% of Malta's population identifies as Maltese, indicating the historical and cultural homogeneity of the Maltese people. The remaining 5% consists of individuals from diverse national backgrounds.
Cities population of Malta: 2023
Birkirkara: 21,676 residents
Qormi: 18,230 residents
Mosta: 17,789 residents
Zabbar: 15,030 residents
San Pawl il-Bahar: 14,057 residents
Saint John: 12,346 residents
Fgura: 11,676 residents
Zejtun: 11,549 residents
Sliema: 11,318 residents
Haz-Zebbug: 11,063 residents
Hamrun: 10,680 residents
Naxxar: 10,378 residents
Marsaskala: 10,024 residents
Attard: 9,510 residents
Paola: 9,257 residents
Zurrieq: 9,149 residents
Birzebbuga: 8,668 residents
Tarxien: 7,761 residents
Siggiewi: 7,676 residents
Gzira: 7,513 residents
Population of Malta by religion
Census data for the overall population, inclusive of both Maltese and non-Maltese residents, reveals that 82.6%, corresponding to 373,304 individuals, identify with the Roman Catholic faith. Islam is reported by 3.9% (17,454 individuals), Christian Orthodoxy by 3.6% (16,457 individuals), and Hinduism by 1.4% (6,411 individuals).
Muslim population of Malta
Malta's history reflects a complex interplay of cultures, with Eastern Christianity prevailing during Greek-Byzantine rule before the advent of Muslim influence. Islam is believed to have arrived during the Aghlabid period (870–1091), introducing a distinctive legacy that shaped Malta's linguistic and agricultural landscape. The Maltese language's continuity, surviving the Arab conquest, is attributed to widespread conversions to Christianity and the subsequent influence on Maltese Catholicism.
During the Knights of St. John period (1530–1798), Malta experienced an influx of Muslim slaves, with notable remnants like the Turkish Military Cemetery and the Mosque in Marsa. However, strict laws were enforced, restricting the movement of slaves. Historical distortions downplayed Malta's connections with Islam, fostering a persistent Islamophobia. In modern times, Malta's unique culture has facilitated connections with Arab cultures, emphasizing North African ties. The establishment of the Islamic Centre of Paola and the Mariam Al-Batool Mosque signifies the enduring presence of Islam, with the Muslim population estimated to include foreigners, naturalized citizens, and native-born Maltese.
Catholic population of Malta
Malta, consisting of separate dioceses in the Maltese and Gozitan islands, boasts a rich ecclesiastical landscape with a total of 359 Catholic churches, distributed across 313 in Malta and 46 in Gozo. Of these, 78 hold the status of parishes, with 63 in Malta and 15 in Gozo, while six enjoy national parish recognition. This results in a notable "church density" of slightly over one church per square kilometer. Nearly every locality in Malta is home to its parish church, exceptions notwithstanding in two or three small areas. Certain localities, such as Sliema and Birkirkara, even feature multiple parish churches, each with four parishes.
In addition to its vibrant church network, Malta hosts the Catholic youth organization Zghazagh Azzjoni Kattolika, affiliated with Fimcap, catering to the spiritual needs of children and young individuals.
The papal history in Malta is marked by significant visits. Pope John Paul II made three pastoral visits, twice in 1990 and once in 2001, during which he beatified three Maltese individuals: George Preca (later canonized in 2007), Nazju Falzon, and Adeodata Pisani. In April 2010, Pope Benedict XVI visited Malta to commemorate the 1,950th anniversary of the shipwreck of St. Paul on the island. More recently, in April 2022, Pope Francis undertook a visit to Malta, commemorating the historic event of St. Paul's Shipwreck on the island.
Asian population of Malta
5.2% of Malta's non-Maltese residents were of Asian origin.
Lebanese population in Malta
The estimated Lebanese population in Malta is around 2000.
Black population in Malta
The estimated black population in Malta is roughly a few thousand.
Monaco vs Malta population
In 2023, Monaco's population stands at 1,214 people, notably smaller than Malta's population. The difference between Monaco and Malta is significant, with Monaco having 498,765 fewer inhabitants than Malta as of July 1, 2023.
Examining current population trends, Monaco has experienced an 83.98% increase since the 1950s, while Malta's population has grown by 83.32% over the same period.
Looking ahead to the year 2100, projections indicate that Monaco's population is already at 50,858 people, whereas Malta is projected to have a population of 386,366 people. During the period from 2023 to 2100, Monaco's population is anticipated to increase by 14,559 people. In contrast, Malta is projected to experience a decrease of 148,697 people during the same timeframe.