Full name: Republic of Malta
Size: 320 km²
Population: 418,366 (2012)
Capital: Valletta (7,000 inhabitants)
Inhabitants: Maltese
Languages: Maltese and English (official languages)
Religion: Roman-Catholic (93%)
Government: Parliamentary democracy
President: Marie Louise Coleiro Preca
Prime minister: Robert Abela
GDP: 8.722 billion USD (2012)
GDP per capita: 20,847.59 USD (2012)
Growth: 4%
Inflation: 3.2 %
Health risks: none
Time zone: GMT/UTC plus 1 hour
Electricity: 240V, 50 Hz. Adapters are available on Malta. Sockets have three rectangular plug connections (Anglo-Saxon system).
Weights and measurements: metric
Currency: Euro since January 1st 2008
Main industries: Tourism, finance, electronics, shipbuilding
Main trading partners: Italy, Germany, Great Britain
EU member since: 2004
Waiters and cab drivers expect a tip of about 10%. All major credit cards are being accepted almost everywhere in Malta. Haggling is a necessity on Maltese markets while shops usually have fixed prices for their goods. A VAT of 18% is levied on all goods, 7% on accommodation. Education is exempt from VAT.
(+356) 2742 7570
