Capital City
Valletta
Head of State
George Vella
Religion
Predominantly Roman Catholic
Population
Head of Government
Robert Abela
Currency
Euro
Land Area
%
GDP Growth
Credit Rating
Creditreform Rating A+ (stable)
DBRS A (high) (stable)
Fitch Ratings A+ (stable)
Moody’s A2 (stable)
Standard & Poor’s A-/A-2 (stable)
%
Unemployment Rate
Unparalleled History
Malta is a forward-looking microstate steeped in tradition, with a strong history of outreach and trade that has seen it pass from early civilisation in 5,000 BC to become a strategic stronghold under the Romans, the Arabs, Normans, French, the Knights of St. John, the British, finally emerging as an Independent state. The lasting influence of its foreign rulers has left Malta with a rich heritage, including the capital city of Valletta which, apart from garnering UNESCO’s world heritage status in 1980, has also been named European City of Culture for 2018.
The country boasts a wealth of architectural treasures stretching back centuries, from the Ġgantija Temples of Gozo to the Mosta Dome; from the medieval alleyways of Ċittadella to the Baroque delights of Mdina; from the 18th-Century classical-style delights of the Barraka Gardens to the superb, inspiring lines of the new Parliament building, designed by Renzo Piano.
Investing in Malta
In the world of business and commerce, the smallest EU Member State is recognised as a rising star for successfully weathering the global turmoil in becoming one of Europe’s fastest growing economies. As a matter of fact, Malta’s growing reputation for being one of the best countries to do business which stems from our competitive tax regime and well-developed legal system, apart from having low operating costs, as well as a highly-skilled yet versatile workforce that speaks proficient English.
Nonetheless, Malta’s robust economic performance can also be attributed to the government’s pro-business stance as it seeks to further foster favourable conditions in attracting foreign direct investment to its shores.
Over the past decades, the Maltese economy, backed by the necessary legislation, has diversified well in the high-end manufacturing and services industry, establishing itself as a sound financial jurisdiction, a popular tourist destination and a hub for the ICT, blockchain and gaming industries. Most certainly, the government’s growth-friendly measures, coupled with its sound fiscal policy, has transpired into a thriving economy which is expected to remain above the EU average in terms of growth, securing its public finance surplus and low unemployment.
Malta’s position in the international scene is one that sees this tiny nation state sought out for its geographical and cultural positioning, able to bridge the divide between Europe and other continents, particularly the Arab world and the Maghreb.
