(Last updated: 10 Mar 2009)

Current business situation

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Malta. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

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
Head of Government:	Prime Minister The Hon Dr Lawrence Gonzi
Australian exports to Malta:	A$13 million
Australian imports from Malta:	$A17 million
Malta's principal export destinations:	Singapore, Germany, France
Malta's principal import sources:	Italy, UK, France

(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)

Economic climate

Since 1 May 2004, Malta has been a full member of the European Union. The local currency is the Euro since 1 January 2008.

For the latest key economic indicators and statistics, please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet.

Political climate

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.

Trade relations and statistics

Please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet for key trade statistics.