Malta - Population

The population of Malta in 2003 was estimated by the United Nations at 394,000, which placed it as number 165 in population among the 193 nations of the world. In that year approximately 12% of the population was over 65 years of age, with another 20% of the population under 15 years of age. There were 98 males for every 100 females in the country in 2003. According to the UN, the annual population growth rate for 2000–2005 is0.42%, with the projected population for the year 2015 at 411,000. The population density in 2002 was 1,188 per sq km (3,076 per sq mi), which makes it one of the most densely populated country in the world.

It was estimated by the Population Reference Bureau that 91% of the population lived in urban areas in 2001. Valletta, the capital and chief port, had a population of 102,000 in that year. Other major cities include Birkirkara (21,770), Qormi (19,525), and Sliema (13,541). According to the United Nations, the urban population growth rate for 2000–2005 was 0.7%.