Malta - Population





Malta: Population

Mnemonic POP.IMLT
Unit #
Annual 0.3 %
Data 2020 516,100
2019 514,564

Series Information

Source National Statistics Office (NSO) - Malta
Release Demographic Review
Frequency Annual
Start Date 12/31/1985
End Date 12/31/2020

Malta: Demographics

Reference Last Previous Units Frequency
Deaths 2022 4,230 4,163 #, NSA Annual
Population 2020 516,100 514,564 # Annual
Net Migration 2017 4,501 # Annual
Death Rate 2015 8 7.7 # per Ths. pop. Annual
Birth Rate 2013 9.5 # per Ths. pop. Annual

Release Information
  • Total Population figures include both Maltese and foreign residents.
  • Total fertility rate is the number of children that would be born to a woman if she were to live
    to the end of her child bearing years and bear children in accordance with current age-specific
    fertility rates.
  • Crude birth rate is the number of total live births per thousand mid-year population.
  • Crude death rate is the total number of deaths per thousand mid-year total population.

Figures published in the demographic review are based on Final figures of the Population and Housing Census. The Demographic Review 2010 was based on the Population and Housing Censes 2005.

Total Population figures include both Maltese and foreign residents. The total population at
the end of year t, is computed using the following equation:

       Pt = Pt-1 + Bt - Dt + It – Et , where

  • Pt is the total population at the end of year t,
  • Pt-1 is the total population at the end of year t-1,
  • Bt is the total number of births registered during year t,
  • Dt is the total number of deaths registered during year t,
  • It is the total immigration of both Maltese and foreign nationals registered during year t. This figure is measured by summing up the count of all new work permit and residence permit holders, their dependents, asylum seekers under protection, returned migrants and new adoptions of children from foreign countries.
  • Et is the total emigration of both Maltese and foreign nationals registered during year t. This figure is measured by summing up the counts of all work permit and residence permit holders who fail to extend their permits during the year under review, together with their dependents, resettled or repatriated asylum seekers who were previously given protection and other Maltese emigrants (i.e. persons who leave the country for a period of at least 12 months).

This data is subject to revisions.

For further information please visit the Demographic Review website.

• As from 2003, there has been a change in the method in which birth and death statistics are compiled. Prior to 2003, figures on births and deaths referred to Maltese persons only. In 2003 definitions were changed to include total births and deaths. Past data has been revised to reflect the new definitions and to ensure that the time series are consistent. In the case of annual deaths data classified by ICD Chapters of causes, revisions were not necessary since these figures have always referred to the total number of deaths.