Topic: Photos of Andorra

Topic: Introduction
Background: The Moorish invasion of Spain in the 8th century and subsequent incursions into France were finally stemmed at the Pyrenees by Frankish King Charlemagne, who in 795 created the Hispanic March, a series of buffer states to keep the Muslim Moors from advancing into Christian France. The landlocked Principality of Andorra, one of the smallest states in Europe and nestled high in the Pyrenees between the French and Spanish borders, is the last independent survivor of these March states. For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique coprincipality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Bishop of Urgell). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the introduction of a modern constitution; the co-princes remained as titular heads of state, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. Andorra has become a popular tourist destination visited by approximately 8 million people each year drawn by the winter sports, summer climate, and duty-free shopping. Andorra has also become a wealthy international commercial center because of its mature banking sector and low taxes. As part of its effort to modernize its economy, Andorra has opened to foreign investment, and engaged in other reforms, such as advancing tax initiatives aimed at supporting a broader infrastructure. Although not a member of the EU, Andorra enjoys a special relationship with the bloc that is governed by various customs and cooperation agreements and uses the euro as its national currency.The Moorish invasion of Spain in the 8th century and subsequent incursions into France were finally stemmed at the Pyrenees by Frankish King Charlemagne, who in 795 created the Hispanic March, a series of buffer states to keep the Muslim Moors from advancing into Christian France. The landlocked Principality of Andorra, one of the smallest states in Europe and nestled high in the Pyrenees between the French and Spanish borders, is the last independent survivor of these March states. For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique coprincipality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Bishop of Urgell). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the introduction of a modern constitution; the co-princes remained as titular heads of state, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy.Andorra has become a popular tourist destination visited by approximately 8 million people each year drawn by the winter sports, summer climate, and duty-free shopping. Andorra has also become a wealthy international commercial center because of its mature banking sector and low taxes. As part of its effort to modernize its economy, Andorra has opened to foreign investment, and engaged in other reforms, such as advancing tax initiatives aimed at supporting a broader infrastructure. Although not a member of the EU, Andorra enjoys a special relationship with the bloc that is governed by various customs and cooperation agreements and uses the euro as its national currency.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Southwestern Europe, Pyrenees mountains, on the border between France and Spain
Geographic coordinates: 42 30 N, 1 30 E
Map references: Europe
Area: total: 468 sq km

land: 468 sq km

water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 118 km

border countries (2): France 55 km; Spain 63 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
Climate: temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers
Terrain: rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys
Elevation: highest point: Pic de Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m

lowest point: Riu Runer 840 m

mean elevation: 1,996 m
Natural resources: hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead
Land use: agricultural land: 40% (2018 est.)

arable land: 1.7% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 38.3% (2018 est.)

forest: 34% (2018 est.)

other: 26% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012)
Population distribution: population is unevenly distributed and is concentrated in the seven urbanized valleys that make up the country's parishes (political administrative divisions)
Natural hazards: avalanches
Geography - note: landlocked; straddles a number of important crossroads in the Pyrenees
Map description: Andorra map showing major towns as well as parts of neighboring France and Spain.Andorra map showing major towns as well as parts of neighboring France and Spain.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 85,560 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Andorran(s)

adjective: Andorran
Ethnic groups: Andorran 48.3%, Spanish 24.8%, Portuguese 11.2%, French 4.5%, Argentine 1.4%, other 9.8% (2021 est.)

note: data represent population by nationality
Languages: Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese
Religions: Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic) 89.5, other 8.8%, unaffiliated 1.7% (2020 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 13.37% (male 5,901/female 5,551)

15-24 years: 10.16% (male 4,474/female 4,227)

25-54 years: 43.19% (male 18,857/female 18,131)

55-64 years: 15.91% (male 7,184/female 6,443)

65 years and over: 17.36% (2020 est.) (male 7,544/female 7,323)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA

youth dependency ratio: NA

elderly dependency ratio: NA

potential support ratio: NA
Median age: total: 46.2 years

male: 46.3 years

female: 46.1 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: -0.1% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 6.88 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 7.92 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: population is unevenly distributed and is concentrated in the seven urbanized valleys that make up the country's parishes (political administrative divisions)
Urbanization: urban population: 87.8% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 23,000 ANDORRA LA VELLA (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth: 32.8 years (2019)
Infant mortality rate: total: 3.44 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 3.54 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 83.42 years

male: 81.2 years

female: 85.79 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.45 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 6.7% (2019)
Physicians density: 3.33 physicians/1,000 population (2015)
Hospital bed density: 2.5 beds/1,000 population
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 25.6% (2016)
Tobacco use: total: 31.8% (2020 est.)

male: 35.3% (2020 est.)

female: 28.3% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: 3.2% of GDP (2019 est.)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (2016)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil erosion; air pollution; wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 9.95 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 0.47 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 0.05 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers
Land use: agricultural land: 40% (2018 est.)

arable land: 1.7% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 38.3% (2018 est.)

forest: 34% (2018 est.)

other: 26% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 87.8% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 43,000 tons (2012 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 315.6 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Principality of Andorra

conventional short form: Andorra

local long form: Principat d'Andorra

local short form: Andorra

etymology: the origin of the country's name is obscure; the name may derive from the Arabic "ad-darra" meaning "the forest," a reference to its location as part of the Spanish March (defensive buffer zone) against the invading Moors in the 8th century; an alternate explanation is that the name originates from a Navarrese word "andurrial" meaning "shrub-covered land"
Government type: parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains its chiefs of state in the form of a co-principality; the two princes are the President of France and Bishop of Seu d'Urgell, Spain
Capital: name: Andorra la Vella

geographic coordinates: 42 30 N, 1 31 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

etymology: translates as "Andorra the Old" in Catalan
Administrative divisions: 7 parishes (parroquies, singular - parroquia); Andorra la Vella, Canillo, Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany, La Massana, Ordino, Sant Julia de Loria
Independence: 1278 (formed under the joint sovereignty of the French Count of Foix and the Spanish Bishop of Urgell)
National holiday: Our Lady of Meritxell Day, 8 September (1278)
Constitution: history: drafted 1991, approved by referendum 14 March 1993, effective 28 April 1993

amendments: proposed by the coprinces jointly or by the General Council; passage requires at least a two-thirds majority vote by the General Council, ratification in a referendum, and sanctioning by the coprinces
Legal system: mixed legal system of civil and customary law with the influence of canon (religious) law
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: the mother must be an Andorran citizen or the father must have been born in Andorra and both parents maintain permanent residence in Andorra

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 25 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: Co-prince Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017); represented by Patrick STROZDA (since 14 May 2017); and Co-prince Archbishop Joan-Enric VIVES i Sicilia (since 12 May 2003); represented by Josep Maria MAURI (since 20 July 2012)

head of government: Head of Government (or Cap de Govern) Xaviar Espot ZAMORA (since 16 May 2019)

cabinet: Executive Council of 12 ministers designated by the head of government

elections/appointments: head of government indirectly elected by the General Council (Andorran parliament), formally appointed by the coprinces for a 4-year term; election last held on 7 April 2019 (next to be held in April 2023); the leader of the majority party in the General Council is usually elected head of government

election results: Xaviar Espot ZAMORA (DA) elected head of government; percent of General Council vote - 60.7%
Legislative branch: description: unicameral General Council of the Valleys or Consell General de les Valls (a minimum of 28 seats; 14 members directly elected in two-seat constituencies (7 parishes) by simple majority vote and 14 directly elected in a single national constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms); note - voters cast two separate ballots - one for a national list and one for a parish list

elections: last held on 7 April 2019 (next to be held in April 2023)

election results: percent of vote by party - DA 35.1%, PS 30.6%, L'A 12.5%, Third Way/Lauredian Union 10.4%, other 11.4%; seats by party - DA 11, PS 7, L'A 4, Third Way/Lauredian Union 4, other 2; composition - men 15, women 13, percent of women 46.4%
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Justice of Andorra or Tribunal Superior de la Justicia d'Andorra (consists of the court president and 8 judges organized into civil, criminal, and administrative chambers); Constitutional Court or Tribunal Constitucional (consists of 4 magistrates)

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court president and judges appointed by the Supreme Council of Justice, a 5-member judicial policy and administrative body appointed 1 each by the coprinces, 1 by the General Council, 1 by the executive council president, and 1 by the courts; judges serve 6-year renewable terms; Constitutional magistrates - 2 appointed by the coprinces and 2 by the General Council; magistrates' appointments limited to 2 consecutive 8-year terms

subordinate courts: Tribunal of Judges or Tribunal de Batlles; Tribunal of the Courts or Tribunal de Corts
Political parties and leaders: Democrats for Andorra or DA [Xaviar ESPOT ZAMORA]
Liberals of Andorra or L'A [Jordi GALLARDO FERNANDEZ]
Social Democracy and Progress or SDP [Victor NAUDI ZAMORA]
Social Democratic Party or PS [Susanna VELA]
Third Way/Lauredian Union [Josep PINTAT FORNE]
United for the Progress of Andorra or UPA [Alfons CLAVERA ARIZTI]

note: Andorra has several smaller parties at the parish level (one is Lauredian Union)
International organization participation: CE, FAO, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, Union Latina, UNWTO, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WTO (observer)
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Elisenda VIVES BALMANA (since 2 March 2016)

chancery: 2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 750-8064; [1] (212) 750-8065

FAX: [1] (212) 750-6630

email address and website:
contact@andorraun.org
Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Andorra; the US ambassador to Spain is accredited to Andorra; US interests in Andorra are represented by the US Consulate General's office in Barcelona (Spain); mailing address: Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23, 08034 Barcelona, Espana; telephone: [34] (93) 280-22-27; FAX: [34] (93) 280-61-75; email address: Barcelonaacs@state.gov
Flag description: three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red, with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the latter band is slightly wider than the other 2 so that the ratio of band widths is 8:9:8; the coat of arms features a quartered shield with the emblems of (starting in the upper left and proceeding clockwise): Urgell, Foix, Bearn, and Catalonia; the motto reads VIRTUS UNITA FORTIOR (Strength United is Stronger); the flag combines the blue and red French colors with the red and yellow of Spain to show Franco-Spanish protection

note: similar to the flags of Chad and Romania, which do not have a national coat of arms in the center, and the flag of Moldova, which does bear a national emblem
National symbol(s): red cow (breed unspecified); national colors: blue, yellow, red
National anthem: name: "El Gran Carlemany" (The Great Charlemagne)

lyrics/music: Joan BENLLOCH i VIVO/Enric MARFANY BONS

note: adopted 1921; the anthem provides a brief history of Andorra in a first person narrative
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites:  1 (cultural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Andorra has a developed economy and a free market, with per capita income above the European average and above the level of its neighbors, Spain and France. The country has developed a sophisticated infrastructure including a one-of-a-kind micro-fiber-optic network for the entire country. Tourism, retail sales, and finance comprise more than three-quarters of GDP. Duty-free shopping for some products and the country’s summer and winter resorts attract millions of visitors annually. Andorra uses the euro and is effectively subject to the monetary policy of the European Central Bank. Andorra's comparative advantage as a tax haven eroded when the borders of neighboring France and Spain opened and the government eased bank secrecy laws under pressure from the EU and OECD.   Agricultural production is limited - only about 5% of the land is arable - and most food has to be imported, making the economy vulnerable to changes in fuel and food prices. The principal livestock is sheep. Manufacturing output and exports consist mainly of perfumes and cosmetic products, products of the printing industry, electrical machinery and equipment, clothing, tobacco products, and furniture. Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs) and as a non-EU member for agricultural products.   To provide incentives for growth and diversification in the economy, the Andorran government began sweeping economic reforms in 2006. The Parliament approved three laws to complement the first phase of economic openness: on companies (October 2007), on business accounting (December 2007), and on foreign investment (April 2008 and June 2012). From 2011 to 2015, the Parliament also approved direct taxes in the form of taxes on corporations, on individual incomes of residents and non-residents, and on capital gains, savings, and economic activities. These regulations aim to establish a transparent, modern, and internationally comparable regulatory framework, in order to attract foreign investment and businesses that offer higher value added.Andorra has a developed economy and a free market, with per capita income above the European average and above the level of its neighbors, Spain and France. The country has developed a sophisticated infrastructure including a one-of-a-kind micro-fiber-optic network for the entire country. Tourism, retail sales, and finance comprise more than three-quarters of GDP. Duty-free shopping for some products and the country’s summer and winter resorts attract millions of visitors annually. Andorra uses the euro and is effectively subject to the monetary policy of the European Central Bank. Andorra's comparative advantage as a tax haven eroded when the borders of neighboring France and Spain opened and the government eased bank secrecy laws under pressure from the EU and OECD. Agricultural production is limited - only about 5% of the land is arable - and most food has to be imported, making the economy vulnerable to changes in fuel and food prices. The principal livestock is sheep. Manufacturing output and exports consist mainly of perfumes and cosmetic products, products of the printing industry, electrical machinery and equipment, clothing, tobacco products, and furniture. Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs) and as a non-EU member for agricultural products. To provide incentives for growth and diversification in the economy, the Andorran government began sweeping economic reforms in 2006. The Parliament approved three laws to complement the first phase of economic openness: on companies (October 2007), on business accounting (December 2007), and on foreign investment (April 2008 and June 2012). From 2011 to 2015, the Parliament also approved direct taxes in the form of taxes on corporations, on individual incomes of residents and non-residents, and on capital gains, savings, and economic activities. These regulations aim to establish a transparent, modern, and internationally comparable regulatory framework, in order to attract foreign investment and businesses that offer higher value added.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $3.327 billion (2015 est.)

$3.363 billion (2014 est.)

$3.273 billion (2013 est.)

note: data are in 2012 US dollars
Real GDP growth rate: -1.1% (2015 est.)

1.4% (2014 est.)

-0.1% (2013 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $49,900 (2015 est.)

$51,300 (2014 est.)

$50,300 (2013 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate): $2.712 billion (2016 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.9% (2015 est.)

-0.1% (2014 est.)
Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB+ (2018)

Standard & Poors rating: BBB (2017)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 11.9% (2015 est.)

industry: 33.6% (2015 est.)

services: 54.5% (2015 est.)
Agricultural products: small quantities of rye, wheat, barley, oats, vegetables, tobacco; sheep, cattle
Industries: tourism (particularly skiing), banking, timber, furniture
Industrial production growth rate: NA
Labor force: 39,750 (2016)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 0.5%

industry: 4.4%

services: 95.1% (2015)
Unemployment rate: 3.7% (2016 est.)

4.1% (2015 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA
Budget: revenues: 1.872 billion (2016)

expenditures: 2.06 billion (2016)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -6.9% (of GDP) (2016)
Public debt: 41% of GDP (2014 est.)

41.4% of GDP (2013 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 69% (of GDP) (2016)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Exports: $78.71 million (2015 est.)

$79.57 million (2014 est.)
Exports - partners: Spain 40%, France 19%, United States 11%, Mauritania 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: integrated circuits, medical supplies, essential oils, cars, tanned hides (2019)
Imports: $1.257 billion (2015 est.)

$1.264 billion (2014 est.)
Imports - partners: Spain 71%, France 17% (2019)
Imports - commodities: cars, refined petroleum, perfumes, shaving products, liquors (2019)
Debt - external: $0 (2016)
Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar -

0.885 (2017 est.)

0.903 (2016 est.)

0.9214 (2015 est.)

0.885 (2014 est.)

0.7634 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2016)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 40,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 52 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 94,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 122 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: modern automatic telephone system; broadband Internet and LTE mobile lines for both consumer and enterprise customers available (2019)

domestic: about 51 per 100 fixed-line, 114 per 100 mobile-cellular (2019)

international: country code - 376; landline circuits to France and Spain; modern system with microwave radio relay connections between exchanges (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
Broadcast media: 1 public TV station and 2 public radio stations; about 10 commercial radio stations; good reception of radio and TV broadcasts from stations in France and Spain; upgraded to terrestrial digital TV broadcasting in 2007; roughly 25 international TV channels available (2019)
Internet country code: .ad
Internet users: total: 71,084 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 92% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 37,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 48 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: C3
Roadways: total: 320 km (2019)

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: no regular military forces; Police Corps of Andorra
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France and Spain

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: Andorra-France: none identified

Andorra-Spain: none identifiedAndorra-France: none identified

Andorra-Spain: none identified


Topic: Photos of Malta

Topic: Introduction
Background: With a civilization that dates back thousands of years, Malta boasts some of the oldest megalithic sites in the world. Situated in the center of the Mediterranean, Malta’s islands have long served as a strategic military asset, with the islands at various times having come under control of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Moors, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, Knights of St. John, and the French. Most recently a British colony (since 1814), Malta gained its independence in 1964 and declared itself a republic 10 years later. While under British rule, the island staunchly supported the UK through both world wars. Since about the mid-1980s, the island has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point, a financial center, and a tourist destination while its key industries moved toward more service-oriented activities. Malta became an EU member in May 2004 and began using the euro as currency in 2008.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy)
Geographic coordinates: 35 50 N, 14 35 E
Map references: Europe
Area: total: 316 sq km

land: 316 sq km

water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 0 km
Coastline: 196.8 km (excludes 56 km for the island of Gozo)
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm
Climate: Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers
Terrain: mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs
Elevation: highest point: Ta'Dmejrek on Dingli Cliffs 253 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
Natural resources: limestone, salt, arable land
Land use: agricultural land: 32.3% (2018 est.)

arable land: 28.4% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 3.9% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.)

forest: 0.9% (2018 est.)

other: 66.8% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 35 sq km (2012)
Population distribution: most of the population lives on the eastern half of Malta, the largest of the three inhabited islands
Natural hazards: occasional droughts
Geography - note: the country comprises an archipelago, with only the three largest islands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino) inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors; Malta and Tunisia are discussing oil exploration on the continental shelf between their countries, although no commercially viable reserves have been found as of 2017
Map description: Malta map showing the major population centers of this archipelagic country in the Mediterranean Sea.Malta map showing the major population centers of this archipelagic country in the Mediterranean Sea.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 464,186 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Maltese (singular and plural)

adjective: Maltese
Ethnic groups: Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)
Languages: Maltese (official) 90.1%, English (official) 6%, multilingual 3%, other 0.9% (2005 est.)
Religions: Roman Catholic (official) more than 90% (2006 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 14.38% (male 33,934/female 31,823)

15-24 years: 10.33% (male 24,445/female 22,811)

25-54 years: 41.1% (male 97,685/female 90,264)

55-64 years: 12.88% (male 29,533/female 29,353)

65 years and over: 21.3% (2020 est.) (male 44,644/female 52,775)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 55.5

youth dependency ratio: 22.4

elderly dependency ratio: 33.2

potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 42.3 years

male: 41.2 years

female: 43.5 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.67% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 9.73 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 8.48 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: 5.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: most of the population lives on the eastern half of Malta, the largest of the three inhabited islands
Urbanization: urban population: 94.9% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 213,000 VALLETTA (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth: 29.3 years (2020 est.)

note: data refer to the average of the different childbearing ages of first-order births
Maternal mortality ratio: 6 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 4.53 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.43 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.64 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 83.2 years

male: 81.11 years

female: 85.38 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.5 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 8.2% (2019)
Physicians density: 2.86 physicians/1,000 population (2015)
Hospital bed density: 4.5 beds/1,000 population (2017)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.1% (2016 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: (2016 est.) <500
HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2016 est.) <100
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 28.9% (2016)
Tobacco use: total: 24% (2020 est.)

male: 26.4% (2020 est.)

female: 21.6% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: 4.7% of GDP (2017 est.)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94.5%

male: 93%

female: 96% (2018)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 17 years

male: 16 years

female: 17 years (2019)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 10.7%

male: 13.1%

female: 8% (2020 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: limited natural freshwater resources; increasing reliance on desalination; deforestation; wildlife preservation
Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 13.97 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 1.34 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 0.2 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers
Land use: agricultural land: 32.3% (2018 est.)

arable land: 28.4% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 3.9% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.)

forest: 0.9% (2018 est.)

other: 66.8% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 94.9% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 269,000 tons (2015 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 17,996 tons (2015 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 6.7% (2015 est.)
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 37.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 1 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 25.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 50.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Malta

conventional short form: Malta

local long form: Repubblika ta' Malta

local short form: Malta

etymology: the ancient Greeks called the island "Melite" meaning "honey-sweet" from the Greek word "meli" meaning "honey" and referring to the island's honey production
Government type: parliamentary republic
Capital: name: Valletta

geographic coordinates: 35 53 N, 14 30 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

etymology: named in honor of Jean de Valette, the Grand Master of the Order of Saint John (crusader knights), who successfully led a defense of the island from an Ottoman invasion in 1565
Administrative divisions: 68 localities (Il-lokalita); Attard, Balzan, Birgu, Birkirkara, Birzebbuga, Bormla, Dingli, Fgura, Floriana, Fontana, Ghajnsielem, Gharb, Gharghur, Ghasri, Ghaxaq, Gudja, Gzira, Hamrun, Iklin, Imdina, Imgarr, Imqabba, Imsida, Imtarfa, Isla, Kalkara, Kercem, Kirkop, Lija, Luqa, Marsa, Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk, Mellieha, Mosta, Munxar, Nadur, Naxxar, Paola, Pembroke, Pieta, Qala, Qormi, Qrendi, Rabat, Rabat (Ghawdex), Safi, San Giljan/Saint Julian, San Gwann/Saint John, San Lawrenz/Saint Lawrence, Sannat, San Pawl il-Bahar/Saint Paul's Bay, Santa Lucija/Saint Lucia, Santa Venera/Saint Venera, Siggiewi, Sliema, Swieqi, Tarxien, Ta' Xbiex, Valletta, Xaghra, Xewkija, Xghajra, Zabbar, Zebbug, Zebbug (Ghawdex), Zejtun, Zurrieq
Independence: 21 September 1964 (from the UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September (1964); Republic Day, 13 December (1974)
Constitution: history: many previous; latest adopted 21 September 1964

amendments: proposals (Acts of Parliament) require at least two-thirds majority vote by the House of Representatives; passage of Acts requires majority vote by referendum, followed by final majority vote by the House and assent of the president of the republic; amended many times, last in 2020
Legal system: mixed legal system of English common law and civil law based on the Roman and Napoleonic civil codes; subject to European Union law
International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Malta

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age (16 in local council elections); universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President George VELLA (since 4 April 2019)

head of government: Prime Minister Robert ABELA (13 January 2020)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister

elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the House of Representatives for a single 5-year term; election last held on 2 April 2019 (next to be held by April 2024); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president for a 5-year term; deputy prime minister appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister

election results: George VELLA (PL) elected president; House of Representatives vote - unanimous; Robert ABELA (PL) appointed prime minister
Legislative branch: description: unicameral House of Representatives or Il-Kamra Tad-Deputati, a component of the Parliament of Malta (65 seats statutory, 79 for 2022-2027 term; members directly elected in 5 multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms)

elections: last held on 26 March 2022 (next to be held in 2027)

election results: percent of vote by party - PL 55.1%, PN 41.7%, other 3.2%; seats by party - PL 38, PN 29; composition - men 57, women 22, percent of women 27.8%; note - due to underrepresentation by women in the combined general on 26 March and two casual elections on 7 and 12 April (10 seats or 14.9%), an additional 12 seats were awarded because their percentage did not meet the 40% threshold required by the Malta Constitution or the General Elections Amendment Act 2021
Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Appeal (consists of either 1 or 3 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 3 judges); Court of Criminal Appeal (consists of either 1 or 3 judges)

judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the president, usually upon the advice of the prime minister; judges of both courts serve until age 65

subordinate courts: Civil Court (divided into the General Jurisdiction Section, Family Section, and Voluntary Section); Criminal Court; Court of Magistrates; Gozo Courts (for the islands of Gozo and Comino)
Political parties and leaders: Democratic Party (Partit Demokratiku) or PD [Godfrey FARRUGIA]
Labor Party (Partit Laburista) or PL [Robert ABELA]
Nationalist Party (Partit Nazzjonalista) or PN [Bernard GRECH]
International organization participation: Australia Group, C, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina (observer), UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Keith AZZOPARDI (since 17 September 2018)

chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611; [1] (202) 462-3612

FAX: [1] (202) 387-5470

email address and website:
maltaembassy.washington@gov.mt

https://foreignandeu.gov.mt/en/Embassies/ME_United_States/Pages/ME_United_States.aspx
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Gwendolyn "Wendy" GREEN (since August 2020)

embassy: Ta' Qali National Park, Attard, ATD 4000

mailing address: 5800 Valletta Place, Washington DC  20521-5800

telephone: [356] 2561-4000

email address and website:
ACSMalta@state.gov

https://mt.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red; according to legend, the colors are taken from the red and white checkered banner of Count Roger of Sicily who removed a bi-colored corner and granted it to Malta in 1091; an uncontested explanation is that the colors are those of the Knights of Saint John who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798; in 1942, King George VI of the UK awarded the George Cross to the islanders for their exceptional bravery and gallantry in World War II; since independence in 1964, the George Cross bordered in red has appeared directly on the white field
National symbol(s): Maltese eight-pointed cross; national colors: red, white
National anthem: name: "L-Innu Malti" (The Maltese Anthem)

lyrics/music: Dun Karm PSAILA/Robert SAMMUT

note: adopted 1945; written in the form of a prayer
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 3 (all cultural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: City of Valletta; Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum; Megalithic Temples of Malta

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Malta’s free market economy – the smallest economy in the euro-zone – relies heavily on trade in both goods and services, principally with Europe. Malta produces less than a quarter of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has few domestic energy sources. Malta's economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing, and tourism. Malta joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the euro on 1 January 2008.   Malta has weathered the euro-zone crisis better than most EU member states due to a low debt-to-GDP ratio and financially sound banking sector. It maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, and growth has fully recovered since the 2009 recession. In 2014 through 2016, Malta led the euro zone in growth, expanding more than 4.5% per year.   Malta’s services sector continues to grow, with sustained growth in the financial services and online gaming sectors. Advantageous tax schemes remained attractive to foreign investors, though EU discussions of anti-tax avoidance measures have raised concerns among Malta’s financial services and insurance providers, as the measures could have a significant impact on those sectors. The tourism sector also continued to grow, with 2016 showing record-breaking numbers of both air and cruise passenger arrivals.   Malta’s GDP growth remains strong and is supported by a strong labor market. The government has implemented new programs, including free childcare, to encourage increased labor participation. The high cost of borrowing and small labor market remain potential constraints to future economic growth. Increasingly, other EU and European migrants are relocating to Malta for employment, though wages have remained low compared to other European countries. Inflation remains low.Malta’s free market economy – the smallest economy in the euro-zone – relies heavily on trade in both goods and services, principally with Europe. Malta produces less than a quarter of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has few domestic energy sources. Malta's economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing, and tourism. Malta joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the euro on 1 January 2008. Malta has weathered the euro-zone crisis better than most EU member states due to a low debt-to-GDP ratio and financially sound banking sector. It maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, and growth has fully recovered since the 2009 recession. In 2014 through 2016, Malta led the euro zone in growth, expanding more than 4.5% per year. Malta’s services sector continues to grow, with sustained growth in the financial services and online gaming sectors. Advantageous tax schemes remained attractive to foreign investors, though EU discussions of anti-tax avoidance measures have raised concerns among Malta’s financial services and insurance providers, as the measures could have a significant impact on those sectors. The tourism sector also continued to grow, with 2016 showing record-breaking numbers of both air and cruise passenger arrivals. Malta’s GDP growth remains strong and is supported by a strong labor market. The government has implemented new programs, including free childcare, to encourage increased labor participation. The high cost of borrowing and small labor market remain potential constraints to future economic growth. Increasingly, other EU and European migrants are relocating to Malta for employment, though wages have remained low compared to other European countries. Inflation remains low.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $20.6 billion (2020 est.)

$22.15 billion (2019 est.)

$20.99 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 4.94% (2019 est.)

5.17% (2018 est.)

8.03% (2017 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $39,200 (2020 est.)

$44,000 (2019 est.)

$43,300 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $14.986 billion (2019 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.6% (2019 est.)

1.1% (2018 est.)

1.3% (2017 est.)
Credit ratings: Fitch rating: A+ (2017)

Moody's rating: A2 (2019)

Standard & Poors rating: A- (2016)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.1% (2017 est.)

industry: 10.2% (2017 est.)

services: 88.7% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 45.2% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 15.3% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 21.1% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 0.3% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 136.1% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -117.9% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: milk, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cauliflowers, broccoli, eggplants, pork, cabbages, poultry
Industries: tourism, electronics, ship building and repair, construction, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, footwear, clothing, tobacco, aviation services, financial services, information technology services
Industrial production growth rate: -3.3% (2016 est.)
Labor force: 223,000 (2019 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 1.6%

industry: 20.7%

services: 77.7% (2016 est.)
Unemployment rate: 0.78% (2019 est.)

0.89% (2018 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 10.7%

male: 13.1%

female: 8% (2020 est.)
Population below poverty line: 17.1% (2018 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 29.2 (2017 est.)

27.7 (2014)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA
Budget: revenues: 5.076 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 4.583 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 3.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 50.7% of GDP (2017 est.)

56.3% of GDP (2016 est.)

note: Malta reports public debt at nominal value outstanding at the end of the year, according to guidelines set out in the Maastricht Treaty for general government gross debt; the data include the following categories of government liabilities (as defined in ESA95): currency and deposits (AF.2), securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives (AF.3, excluding AF.34), and loans (AF.4); general government comprises the central, state, and local governments, and social security funds
Taxes and other revenues: 40.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Current account balance: $1.561 billion (2019 est.)

$1.55 billion (2018 est.)
Exports: $19.04 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$20.76 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$20.19 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: Germany 12%, France 9%, Italy 9% (2019)
Exports - commodities: integrated circuits, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, children's toys and stuffed animals, postage stamps  (2019)
Imports: $18.01 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$18.45 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$17.87 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: Russia 22%, Italy 12%, United Kingdom 11%, Germany 6%, Turkey 5%, France 5%, China 5%, South Korea 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, recreational boats, ships, aircraft, coal tar oil (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $833 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$677.1 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $98.179 billion (2019 est.)

$104.467 billion (2018 est.)
Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar -

0.82771 (2020 est.)

0.90338 (2019 est.)

0.87789 (2018 est.)

0.885 (2014 est.)

0.7634 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 784,000 kW (2020 est.)

consumption: 2,497,143,000 kWh (2019 est.)

exports: 4 million kWh (2020 est.)

imports: 420 million kWh (2020 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 158 million kWh (2019 est.)
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 88.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

solar: 11.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.)
Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 54,000 bbl/day (2019 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2017 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 10,400 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 52,290 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

consumption: 415.606 million cubic meters (2020 est.)

exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

imports: 415.606 million cubic meters (2020 est.)

proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 9.576 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 8.831 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 745,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 267.739 million Btu/person (2019 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 259,456 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 59 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 633,123 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 143 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Malta’s small telecom sector is among the most advanced in Europe; this has been helped by the topography, which has made it relatively easy for operators to expand the reach of their fiber infrastructure; with high mobile and broadband penetration rates, the government and regulator have effective strategies in place to capitalize on these infrastructure developments to ensure that the population has among the fastest data rates in Europe, and is well positioned to take advantage of emerging e-commerce opportunities; the sector has also been stimulated by regulatory measures designed to reduce consumer prices; Melita having been sold to EQT in late 2019 and Vodafone Malta having been sold to Monaco Telecom, and rebranded as Epic; the incumbent telco GO is investing in a sub sea cable to connect the islands to France and Egypt; expected to be ready for service in 2022, the cable will further enhance Malta’s internet bandwidth and lead to reduced prices for end-users; there has also been some encouragement to increase market competition; this led to the VULA agreement between GO and Epic Malta, by which Epic was able to enter the fixed broadband market using GO’s fibre infrastructure; in April 2021 Epic began offering FttP services directly, over its own fiber network; Melita provides a national gigabit service via its fiber and DOCSIS3.1 networks, while GO’s extensive FttP network covered about 150,000 premises by early 2021; the company is investing €100 million to develop LTE and fiber through to 2023. (2021)

domestic: fixed-line approximately 59 per 100  persons and mobile-cellular subscribership 143 per 100 persons; automatic system featuring submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islands (2020)

international: country code - 356; landing points for the Malta-Gozo Cable, VMSCS, GO-1 Mediterranean Cable System, Malta Italy Interconnector, Melita-1, and the Italy-Malta submarine cable connections to Italy; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
Broadcast media: 2 publicly owned TV stations, Television Malta broadcasting nationally plus an educational channel; several privately owned national television stations, 2 of which are owned by political parties; Italian and British broadcast programs are available; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are available; publicly owned radio broadcaster operates 3 stations; roughly 20 commercial radio stations (2019)
Internet country code: .mt
Internet users: total: 448,339 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 87% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 213,419 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 48 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 13 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 180

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,576,898 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 5.14 million (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 9H
Airports: total: 1 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2021)
Heliports: 2 (2021)
Roadways: total: 3,096 km (2008)

paved: 2,704 km (2008)

unpaved: 392 km (2008)

urban: 1,422 km (2001)

non-urban: 832 km (2001)
Merchant marine: total: 2,137

by type: bulk carrier 601, container ship 310, general cargo 218, oil tanker 412, other 596 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Marsaxlokk (Malta Freeport), Valletta

container port(s) (TEUs): Marsaxlokk (2,722,889) (2019)

LNG terminal(s) (import): Delimara

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: Armed Forces of Malta (AFM, includes land, maritime, and air elements, plus a Volunteer Reserve Force) (2022)
Military expenditures: 0.5% of GDP (2021 est.)

0.6% of GDP (2020)

0.5% of GDP (2019) (approximately $110 million)

0.5% of GDP (2018) (approximately $110 million)

0.5% of GDP (2017) (approximately $110 million)
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 2,000 active duty personnel (2021)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the small inventory of the Armed Forces of Malta consists of equipment from a mix of European countries, particularly Italy, and the US (2021)
Military service age and obligation: 18-30 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021)
Military - note: Malta maintains a security policy of neutrality, but contributes to EU and UN military missions and joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1995 (suspended in 1996, but reactivated in 2008); it also participates in various bilateral and multinational military exercises; Malta cooperates closely with Italy on defense matters; in 1973, Italy established a military mission in Malta to provide advice, training, and search and rescue assistance  Malta maintains a security policy of neutrality, but contributes to EU and UN military missions and joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1995 (suspended in 1996, but reactivated in 2008); it also participates in various bilateral and multinational military exercises; Malta cooperates closely with Italy on defense matters; in 1973, Italy established a military mission in Malta to provide advice, training, and search and rescue assistance

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified
Refugees and internally displaced persons: stateless persons: 11 (mid-year 2021)

note: 8,154 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals by sea (January 2015-July 2022)
Illicit drugs: minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Western Europe


This entry provides the identifying terms for citizens - noun and adjective.

Topic: Afghanistannoun: Afghan(s)

adjective: Afghan

Topic: Albanianoun: Albanian(s)

adjective: Albanian

Topic: Algerianoun: Algerian(s)

adjective: Algerian

Topic: American Samoanoun: American Samoan(s) (US nationals)

adjective: American Samoan

Topic: Andorranoun: Andorran(s)

adjective: Andorran

Topic: Angolanoun: Angolan(s)

adjective: Angolan

Topic: Anguillanoun: Anguillan(s)

adjective: Anguillan

Topic: Antigua and Barbudanoun: Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s)

adjective: Antiguan, Barbudan

Topic: Argentinanoun: Argentine(s)

adjective: Argentine

Topic: Armenianoun: Armenian(s)

adjective: Armenian

Topic: Arubanoun: Aruban(s)

adjective: Aruban; Dutch

Topic: Australianoun: Australian(s)

adjective: Australian

Topic: Austrianoun: Austrian(s)

adjective: Austrian

Topic: Azerbaijannoun: Azerbaijani(s)

adjective: Azerbaijani

Topic: Bahamas, Thenoun: Bahamian(s)

adjective: Bahamian

Topic: Bahrainnoun: Bahraini(s)

adjective: Bahraini

Topic: Bangladeshnoun: Bangladeshi(s)

adjective: Bangladeshi

Topic: Barbadosnoun: Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial)

adjective: Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial)

Topic: Belarusnoun: Belarusian(s)

adjective: Belarusian

Topic: Belgiumnoun: Belgian(s)

adjective: Belgian

Topic: Belizenoun: Belizean(s)

adjective: Belizean

Topic: Beninnoun: Beninese (singular and plural)

adjective: Beninese

Topic: Bermudanoun: Bermudian(s)

adjective: Bermudian

Topic: Bhutannoun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Bhutanese

Topic: Bolivianoun: Bolivian(s)

adjective: Bolivian

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinanoun: Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s)

adjective: Bosnian, Herzegovinian

Topic: Botswananoun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

Topic: Brazilnoun: Brazilian(s)

adjective: Brazilian

Topic: British Virgin Islandsnoun: British Virgin Islander(s)

adjective: British Virgin Islander

Topic: Bruneinoun: Bruneian(s)

adjective: Bruneian

Topic: Bulgarianoun: Bulgarian(s)

adjective: Bulgarian

Topic: Burkina Fasonoun: Burkinabe (singular and plural)

adjective: Burkinabe

Topic: Burmanoun: Burmese (singular and plural)

adjective: Burmese

Topic: Burundinoun: Burundian(s)

adjective: Burundian

Topic: Cabo Verdenoun: Cabo Verdean(s)

adjective: Cabo Verdean

Topic: Cambodianoun: Cambodian(s)

adjective: Cambodian

Topic: Cameroonnoun: Cameroonian(s)

adjective: Cameroonian

Topic: Canadanoun: Canadian(s)

adjective: Canadian

Topic: Cayman Islandsnoun: Caymanian(s)

adjective: Caymanian

Topic: Central African Republicnoun: Central African(s)

adjective: Central African

Topic: Chadnoun: Chadian(s)

adjective: Chadian

Topic: Chilenoun: Chilean(s)

adjective: Chilean

Topic: Chinanoun: Chinese (singular and plural)

adjective: Chinese

Topic: Christmas Islandnoun: Christmas Islander(s)

adjective: Christmas Island

Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandsnoun: Cocos Islander(s)

adjective: Cocos Islander

Topic: Colombianoun: Colombian(s)

adjective: Colombian

Topic: Comorosnoun: Comoran(s)

adjective: Comoran

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thenoun: Congolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Congolese or Congo

Topic: Congo, Republic of thenoun: Congolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Congolese or Congo

Topic: Cook Islandsnoun: Cook Islander(s)

adjective: Cook Islander

Topic: Costa Ricanoun: Costa Rican(s)

adjective: Costa Rican

Topic: Cote d'Ivoirenoun: Ivoirian(s)

adjective: Ivoirian

Topic: Croatianoun: Croat(s), Croatian(s)

adjective: Croatian

note: the French designation of "Croate" to Croatian mercenaries in the 17th century eventually became "Cravate" and later came to be applied to the soldiers' scarves - the cravat; Croatia celebrates Cravat Day every 18 October

Topic: Cubanoun: Cuban(s)

adjective: Cuban

Topic: Curacaonoun: Curacaoan

adjective: Curacaoan; Dutch

Topic: Cyprusnoun: Cypriot(s)

adjective: Cypriot

Topic: Czechianoun: Czech(s)

adjective: Czech

Topic: Denmarknoun: Dane(s)

adjective: Danish

Topic: Djiboutinoun: Djiboutian(s)

adjective: Djiboutian

Topic: Dominicanoun: Dominican(s)

adjective: Dominican

Topic: Dominican Republicnoun: Dominican(s)

adjective: Dominican

Topic: Ecuadornoun: Ecuadorian(s)

adjective: Ecuadorian

Topic: Egyptnoun: Egyptian(s)

adjective: Egyptian

Topic: El Salvadornoun: Salvadoran(s)

adjective: Salvadoran

Topic: Equatorial Guineanoun: Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s)

adjective: Equatorial Guinean or Equatoguinean

Topic: Eritreanoun: Eritrean(s)

adjective: Eritrean

Topic: Estonianoun: Estonian(s)

adjective: Estonian

Topic: Eswatininoun: liSwati (singular), emaSwati (plural); note - former term, Swazi(s), still used among English speakers

adjective: Swati; note - former term, Swazi, still used among English speakers

Topic: Ethiopianoun: Ethiopian(s)

adjective: Ethiopian

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)noun: Falkland Islander(s)

adjective: Falkland Island

Topic: Faroe Islandsnoun: Faroese (singular and plural)

adjective: Faroese

Topic: Fijinoun: Fijian(s)

adjective: Fijian

Topic: Finlandnoun: Finn(s)

adjective: Finnish

Topic: Francenoun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective: French

Topic: French Polynesianoun: French Polynesian(s)

adjective: French Polynesian

Topic: Gabonnoun: Gabonese (singular and plural)

adjective: Gabonese

Topic: Gambia, Thenoun: Gambian(s)

adjective: Gambian

Topic: Gaza Stripnoun: NA

adjective: NA

Topic: Georgianoun: Georgian(s)

adjective: Georgian

Topic: Germanynoun: German(s)

adjective: German

Topic: Ghananoun: Ghanaian(s)

adjective: Ghanaian

Topic: Gibraltarnoun: Gibraltarian(s)

adjective: Gibraltar

Topic: Greecenoun: Greek(s)

adjective: Greek

Topic: Greenlandnoun: Greenlander(s)

adjective: Greenlandic

Topic: Grenadanoun: Grenadian(s)

adjective: Grenadian

Topic: Guamnoun: Guamanian(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Guamanian

Topic: Guatemalanoun: Guatemalan(s)

adjective: Guatemalan

Topic: Guernseynoun: Channel Islander(s)

adjective: Channel Islander

Topic: Guineanoun: Guinean(s)

adjective: Guinean

Topic: Guinea-Bissaunoun: Bissau-Guinean(s)

adjective: Bissau-Guinean

Topic: Guyananoun: Guyanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Guyanese

Topic: Haitinoun: Haitian(s)

adjective: Haitian

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)noun: none

adjective: none

Topic: Hondurasnoun: Honduran(s)

adjective: Honduran

Topic: Hong Kongnoun: Chinese/Hong Konger

adjective: Chinese/Hong Kong

Topic: Hungarynoun: Hungarian(s)

adjective: Hungarian

Topic: Icelandnoun: Icelander(s)

adjective: Icelandic

Topic: Indianoun: Indian(s)

adjective: Indian

Topic: Indonesianoun: Indonesian(s)

adjective: Indonesian

Topic: Irannoun: Iranian(s)

adjective: Iranian

Topic: Iraqnoun: Iraqi(s)

adjective: Iraqi

Topic: Irelandnoun: Irishman(men), Irishwoman(women), Irish (collective plural)

adjective: Irish

Topic: Isle of Mannoun: Manxman(men), Manxwoman(women)

adjective: Manx

Topic: Israelnoun: Israeli(s)

adjective: Israeli

Topic: Italynoun: Italian(s)

adjective: Italian

Topic: Jamaicanoun: Jamaican(s)

adjective: Jamaican

Topic: Japannoun: Japanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Japanese

Topic: Jerseynoun: Channel Islander(s)

adjective: Channel Islander

Topic: Jordannoun: Jordanian(s)

adjective: Jordanian

Topic: Kazakhstannoun: Kazakhstani(s)

adjective: Kazakhstani

Topic: Kenyanoun: Kenyan(s)

adjective: Kenyan

Topic: Kiribatinoun: I-Kiribati (singular and plural)

adjective: I-Kiribati

Topic: Korea, Northnoun: Korean(s)

adjective: Korean

Topic: Korea, Southnoun: Korean(s)

adjective: Korean

Topic: Kosovonoun: Kosovan

adjective: Kosovan

note: Kosovo, a neutral term, is sometimes also used as a noun or adjective as in Kosovo Albanian, Kosovo Serb, Kosovo minority, or Kosovo citizen

Topic: Kuwaitnoun: Kuwaiti(s)

adjective: Kuwaiti

Topic: Kyrgyzstannoun: Kyrgyzstani(s)

adjective: Kyrgyzstani

Topic: Laosnoun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s)

adjective: Lao or Laotian

Topic: Latvianoun: Latvian(s)

adjective: Latvian

Topic: Lebanonnoun: Lebanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Lebanese

Topic: Lesothonoun: Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural)

adjective: Basotho

Topic: Liberianoun: Liberian(s)

adjective: Liberian

Topic: Libyanoun: Libyan(s)

adjective: Libyan

Topic: Liechtensteinnoun: Liechtensteiner(s)

adjective: Liechtenstein

Topic: Lithuanianoun: Lithuanian(s)

adjective: Lithuanian

Topic: Luxembourgnoun: Luxembourger(s)

adjective: Luxembourg

Topic: Macaunoun: Chinese

adjective: Chinese

Topic: Madagascarnoun: Malagasy (singular and plural)

adjective: Malagasy

Topic: Malawinoun: Malawian(s)

adjective: Malawian

Topic: Malaysianoun: Malaysian(s)

adjective: Malaysian

Topic: Maldivesnoun: Maldivian(s)

adjective: Maldivian

Topic: Malinoun: Malian(s)

adjective: Malian

Topic: Maltanoun: Maltese (singular and plural)

adjective: Maltese

Topic: Marshall Islandsnoun: Marshallese (singular and plural)

adjective: Marshallese

Topic: Mauritanianoun: Mauritanian(s)

adjective: Mauritanian

Topic: Mauritiusnoun: Mauritian(s)

adjective: Mauritian

Topic: Mexiconoun: Mexican(s)

adjective: Mexican

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofnoun: Micronesian(s)

adjective: Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese

Topic: Moldovanoun: Moldovan(s)

adjective: Moldovan

Topic: Monaconoun: Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s)

adjective: Monegasque or Monacan

Topic: Mongolianoun: Mongolian(s)

adjective: Mongolian

Topic: Montenegronoun: Montenegrin(s)

adjective: Montenegrin

Topic: Montserratnoun: Montserratian(s)

adjective: Montserratian

Topic: Morocconoun: Moroccan(s)

adjective: Moroccan

Topic: Mozambiquenoun: Mozambican(s)

adjective: Mozambican

Topic: Namibianoun: Namibian(s)

adjective: Namibian

Topic: Naurunoun: Nauruan(s)

adjective: Nauruan

Topic: Nepalnoun: Nepali (singular and plural)

adjective: Nepali

Topic: Netherlandsnoun: Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women)

adjective: Dutch

Topic: New Caledonianoun: New Caledonian(s)

adjective: New Caledonian

Topic: New Zealandnoun: New Zealander(s)

adjective: New Zealand

Topic: Nicaraguanoun: Nicaraguan(s)

adjective: Nicaraguan

Topic: Nigernoun: Nigerien(s)

adjective: Nigerien

Topic: Nigerianoun: Nigerian(s)

adjective: Nigerian

Topic: Niuenoun: Niuean(s)

adjective: Niuean

Topic: Norfolk Islandnoun: Norfolk Islander(s)

adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)

Topic: North Macedonianoun: Macedonian(s)

adjective: Macedonian

Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsnoun: NA (US citizens)

adjective: NA

Topic: Norwaynoun: Norwegian(s)

adjective: Norwegian

Topic: Omannoun: Omani(s)

adjective: Omani

Topic: Pakistannoun: Pakistani(s)

adjective: Pakistani

Topic: Palaunoun: Palauan(s)

adjective: Palauan

Topic: Panamanoun: Panamanian(s)

adjective: Panamanian

Topic: Papua New Guineanoun: Papua New Guinean(s)

adjective: Papua New Guinean

Topic: Paraguaynoun: Paraguayan(s)

adjective: Paraguayan

Topic: Perunoun: Peruvian(s)

adjective: Peruvian

Topic: Philippinesnoun: Filipino(s)

adjective: Philippine

Topic: Pitcairn Islandsnoun: Pitcairn Islander(s)

adjective: Pitcairn Islander

Topic: Polandnoun: Pole(s)

adjective: Polish

Topic: Portugalnoun: Portuguese (singular and plural)

adjective: Portuguese

Topic: Puerto Riconoun: Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Puerto Rican

Topic: Qatarnoun: Qatari(s)

adjective: Qatari

Topic: Romanianoun: Romanian(s)

adjective: Romanian

Topic: Russianoun: Russian(s)

adjective: Russian

Topic: Rwandanoun: Rwandan(s)

adjective: Rwandan

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhanoun: Saint Helenian(s)

adjective: Saint Helenian

note: referred to locally as "Saints"

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisnoun: Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s)

adjective: Kittitian, Nevisian

Topic: Saint Lucianoun: Saint Lucian(s)

adjective: Saint Lucian

Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonnoun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective: French

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesnoun: Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s)

adjective: Saint Vincentian or Vincentian

Topic: Samoanoun: Samoan(s)

adjective: Samoan

Topic: San Marinonoun: Sammarinese (singular and plural)

adjective: Sammarinese

Topic: Sao Tome and Principenoun: Sao Tomean(s)

adjective: Sao Tomean

Topic: Saudi Arabianoun: Saudi(s)

adjective: Saudi or Saudi Arabian

Topic: Senegalnoun: Senegalese (singular and plural)

adjective: Senegalese

Topic: Serbianoun: Serb(s)

adjective: Serbian

Topic: Seychellesnoun: Seychellois (singular and plural)

adjective: Seychellois

Topic: Sierra Leonenoun: Sierra Leonean(s)

adjective: Sierra Leonean

Topic: Singaporenoun: Singaporean(s)

adjective: Singapore

Topic: Slovakianoun: Slovak(s)

adjective: Slovak

Topic: Slovenianoun: Slovene(s)

adjective: Slovenian

Topic: Solomon Islandsnoun: Solomon Islander(s)

adjective: Solomon Islander

Topic: Somalianoun: Somali(s)

adjective: Somali

Topic: South Africanoun: South African(s)

adjective: South African

Topic: South Sudannoun: South Sudanese (singular and plural)

adjective: South Sudanese

Topic: Spainnoun: Spaniard(s)

adjective: Spanish

Topic: Sri Lankanoun: Sri Lankan(s)

adjective: Sri Lankan

Topic: Sudannoun: Sudanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Sudanese

Topic: Surinamenoun: Surinamer(s)

adjective: Surinamese

Topic: Swedennoun: Swede(s)

adjective: Swedish

Topic: Switzerlandnoun: Swiss (singular and plural)

adjective: Swiss

Topic: Syrianoun: Syrian(s)

adjective: Syrian

Topic: Taiwannoun: Taiwan (singular and plural)

adjective: Taiwan (or Taiwanese)

note: example - he or she is from Taiwan; they are from Taiwan

Topic: Tajikistannoun: Tajikistani(s)

adjective: Tajikistani

Topic: Tanzanianoun: Tanzanian(s)

adjective: Tanzanian

Topic: Thailandnoun: Thai (singular and plural)

adjective: Thai

Topic: Timor-Lestenoun: Timorese

adjective: Timorese

Topic: Togonoun: Togolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Togolese

Topic: Tokelaunoun: Tokelauan(s)

adjective: Tokelauan

Topic: Tonganoun: Tongan(s)

adjective: Tongan

Topic: Trinidad and Tobagonoun: Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s)

adjective: Trinidadian, Tobagonian

note: Trinbagonian is used on occasion to describe a citizen of the country without specifying the island of origin

Topic: Tunisianoun: Tunisian(s)

adjective: Tunisian

Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)noun: Turk(s)

adjective: Turkish

Topic: Turkmenistannoun: Turkmenistani(s)

adjective: Turkmenistani

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsnoun: none

adjective: none

Topic: Tuvalunoun: Tuvaluan(s)

adjective: Tuvaluan

Topic: Ugandanoun: Ugandan(s)

adjective: Ugandan

Topic: Ukrainenoun: Ukrainian(s)

adjective: Ukrainian

Topic: United Arab Emiratesnoun: Emirati(s)

adjective: Emirati

Topic: United Kingdomnoun: Briton(s), British (collective plural)

adjective: British

Topic: United Statesnoun: American(s)

adjective: American

Topic: Uruguaynoun: Uruguayan(s)

adjective: Uruguayan

Topic: Uzbekistannoun: Uzbekistani

adjective: Uzbekistani

Topic: Vanuatunoun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)

adjective: Ni-Vanuatu

Topic: Venezuelanoun: Venezuelan(s)

adjective: Venezuelan

Topic: Vietnamnoun: Vietnamese (singular and plural)

adjective: Vietnamese

Topic: Virgin Islandsnoun: Virgin Islander(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Virgin Islander

Topic: Wallis and Futunanoun: Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders

adjective: Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna Islander

Topic: West Banknoun: NA

adjective: NA

Topic: Yemennoun: Yemeni(s)

adjective: Yemeni

Topic: Zambianoun: Zambian(s)

adjective: Zambian

Topic: Zimbabwenoun: Zimbabwean(s)

adjective: Zimbabwean


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Croatia. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 3 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required.
US Embassy/Consulate: [385] (1) 661-2200; US Embassy in Zagreb, Ulica Thomasa Jeffersona 2, 10010 Zagreb, Croatia; https://hr.usembassy.gov/; ZagrebACS@state.gov
Telephone Code: 385
Local Emergency Phone: 112
Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast
Currency (Code): Kuna (HRK)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages: Croatian 95.6%, Serbian 1.2%, other 3% (including Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and Albanian)
Major Religions: Roman Catholic 86.3%, Orthodox 4.4%, Muslim 1.5%
Time Difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water: Yes
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Zagreb; Plitvice Lakes National Park; Kornati National Park; Split; Zadar's Romanesque churches; Zlatni Rat Beach; Kor?ula Town; Mljet National Park; Dubrovnik; Osijek; Stecci Medieval tombstones
Major Sports: Soccer, basketball, tennis
Cultural Practices: When eating, be sure to accept second helpings if offered. Refusal is considered impolite.
Tipping Guidelines: Tips are often included in restaurant bills, but, if not, add 10%; loose change or rounding up to the next convenient number is acceptable at bars. A tip of 15-20 kuna per bag for a hotel porter to deliver luggage to your room is appreciated. A daily tip of 15-20 kuna for housekeeping is considered to be good. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Monday, April 25, 2022