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Country facts
| Capital city: |
Valletta |
| Surface area: |
316 sq km |
| Population: |
0.4 million |
| Official language(s): |
Maltese, English |
| Head of State: |
President HE Dr George Abela BA LLD |
| Head of Government: |
Prime Minister The Hon Dr Lawrence Gonzi KUOM LLD |
| Australian exports to Malta: |
A$7 million |
| Australian imports from Malta: |
$A13 million |
| Malta's principal export destinations: |
Singapore, Germany, France |
| Malta's principal import sources: |
Italy, United Kingdom, France | (Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet) |
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Economic climate
Key economic indicators and statistics for 2008:
- GDP – US$8.6 billion
- GDP per capita – US$20,744
- Real GDP growth – 2.8 per cent
- Inflation rate – 2.8 per cent
(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)
Since 1 May 2004, Malta has been a full member of the European Union. The local currency is the Euro since 1 January 2008. |
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In the last 20 years there has been no civil unrest and the political climate remains stable. The role of the military is mainly to safeguard the island’s territorial waters and rescue operations.
The legal system is based on English common law. Judges are appointed by the President, on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Malta has active diplomatic relations around the world, including in Australia, and is an active participant in a number of multilateral forums.
Malta is a parliamentary democracy, with universal suffrage and a separation of powers between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. The unicameral parliament consists of 65 members plus the Speaker, with members elected for five-year terms by proportional representation.
The President is the Head of State, and is appointed for a five-year term by the parliament. The President formally appoints the Prime Minister. On the Prime Minister's recommendation (based on election results and the control of parliament), the President also appoints the Cabinet. The Prime Minister and Cabinet form the Executive. The two main parties are the Malta Labour Party and the Nationalist Party. Elections results are always decided by the 6-10 per cent floating voters.
In the last few years local councils have been administering their districts independently however major decisions are still taken by the main government.
Malta gained independence from the UK in 1964, and became a republic in 1974. Malta is a member of the Commonwealth.
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Trade relations and statistics
Major Australian exports to Malta (2007-08):
- Cheese and curd – A$2 million
- Margarine – A$1 million
- Ship and boats (including hovercraft) – A$1 million
Major Australian imports from Malta (2007-08):
- Medicaments (including veterinary) – A$4 million
- Medical instruments (including veterinary) – A$3 million
- Electrical machines and parts – A$2 million
- Electronic integrated circuits – A$1 million
(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet) |
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