🇲🇹map Malta [Overview]

Malta, known locally as Malta in both Maltese and English, sits in the heart of the Mediterranean between Sicily and North Africa. This small island nation punches well above its weight, with a population a little over half a million spread across the main island of Malta, the quieter Gozo, and tiny Comino. The capital, Valletta, is a compact UNESCO-listed gem built by the Knights of St. John, and it’s one of Europe’s smallest capital cities by area. Despite its size, Malta is one of the world’s most densely populated countries, which gives its harbor towns a lively, urban feel set against dramatic coastal scenery.

Malta’s location has shaped its role as a crossroads for centuries, and you feel that mix of influences in everything from architecture to food. English is widely spoken alongside Maltese, and road signs, official documents, and daily business are very accessible to English speakers. The climate is classically Mediterranean—long, sunny summers and mild winters—so the outdoor lifestyle is a real draw for remote workers and families alike. You’ll find good flight connections into Malta International Airport, efficient ferries between the islands, and a pace of life that balances European convenience with island charm.

Economy

Malta’s economy is heavily service-based, with tourism, financial services, iGaming, and professional services all playing major roles. Maritime activity is another pillar—the country runs one of the world’s larger ship registries, and the Malta Freeport links Europe with North Africa and the Middle East. Manufacturing exists on a smaller scale, including pharmaceuticals and electronics, while agriculture is limited by land and water but adds local character through produce like tomatoes, olives, and honey. For independent professionals, coworking spaces are easy to find, broadband coverage is solid in urban areas, and English-language business services are well established.

Internationally, Malta is tightly connected: it is a member of the European Union, the eurozone, and the Schengen Area, using the euro as its currency. That membership underpins its legal and regulatory alignment with the EU and provides frictionless travel within Schengen for residents. Airlines link Malta to major European hubs, and regional ferry links add options to Sicily. For companies and contractors, the island’s professional ecosystem—law, accounting, relocation, and tech services—caters well to cross-border work.

Culture

Maltese and English are the official languages, and you’ll hear both everywhere—from government offices to cafes. Malta’s people reflect centuries of Mediterranean exchange, with deep Maltese roots influenced by Phoenician, Arab, Norman, Italian, and British chapters in its history. That blend shows up in the cuisine—think fresh seafood, rabbit stew, ftira bread, and Italian flavors—alongside baroque churches, fortifications, and colorful village cores. Sports like football and water polo are big, and locals love a good festa, where fireworks and band marches light up summer nights.

Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion, shaping many community events and the island’s festive calendar. National holidays include Freedom Day on 31 March, Victory Day on 8 September, Independence Day on 21 September, and Republic Day on 13 December, each marking milestones in Malta’s modern story. Summer village festas, tied to patron saints, are some of the most engaging cultural experiences for newcomers—equal parts social gathering and community pride. Art, film, and music festivals round out the year, giving the islands a steady rhythm of events that make it easy to meet people and settle in.

Liam
Liam is an international business advisor and expatriate consultant originally from Dublin, Ireland, with over 16 years of experience in European, Middle Eastern, and Asia-Pacific markets. Having worked for major global consulting firms and managed corporate relocations across the UK, Ireland, UAE, and Oceania, Liam has extensive experience helping professionals navigate international assignments in English-speaking markets and key business hubs. His background includes facilitating moves for both European professionals expanding globally and international talent relocating to the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and the Gulf region.