Demographic Situation
Malta’s population structure and the ongoing changes in its population composition is gaining importance in the political economic, social and cultural importance. Population growth through migration is closely being monitored and acted upon by policy makers inclusive of those working within the educational scenario.
The estimated total population of Malta and Gozo as at the end of 2016 stood at 440,433[1]. The population of Malta accounts for 0.1 per cent of the total population of the EU.
Chart 1: Age Distribution of Malta’s Population[2]
Source: National Statistics Office Malta
Malta covers just over 316 km and for statistical purposes is divided into 6 districts, which are, in turn, grouped into 3 regions: Gozo, Malta Majjistral and Malta Xlokk. Each district consists of a number of localities. The Northern Harbour District, Western District and Northern District together form the North Western Region (Malta Majjistral). The South Eastern District and Southern Harbour District together form the South Eastern Region (Malta Xlokk). The Gozo and Comino District is a Region in its own right.
Chart 2: Malta's Demographic Distribution[3]
Source: National Statistics Office Malta
Chart 3: Malta’s Population and Immigration Flows[4]
Source: Eurostat
The upward shift in immigration is also reflected in increases of foreign nationals’ participation in education. During academic year 2014/2015, foreigners accounted for 6.7 per cent[5] of the total students enrolled in formal education. This resulted in an increase of 1.7 percentage points over the previous academic year. The majority of foreign students were EU nationals.
In 2016, the national employment rate was 69.6 per cent, only 0.4 percentage points away from the70 per cent national Europe 2020 target. Significant increases in activity rates were noted between 2012 and 2016, especially among females. The unemployment rate in 2016 stood at 4.7 per cent, well below the EU 28 average of 8.6 per cent.
Chart 4: Employment and Unemployment Rate (%) by Gender
