Malta

The Republic of Malta is a small and densely-populated island nation in southern Europe. It consists of an archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea directly south of Italy and north of Africa. These strategically-located islands have been ruled and fought over by various powers over the centuries.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Malta

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According to the last demographic survey (2003) the estimated population of the Malta at the end of that year (including non-Maltese residents) was 399,867 of whom 198,099 were males and 201,768 were females. This makes Malta the European country with the highest population density with 1,265 persons per square kilometre.

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In the same year there was a net natural increase of 872 persons and a net inflow of 1,699 persons in the total population. Fertility rate has stabilised but with a crude birth rate of 10.06 Malta remains one of the "youngest" European populations (the 0-14 age group represents 18.2% of the total population).

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Education

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Education is compulsary between the ages of 5 and 16 years. Whilst the state provides education free of charge, the church and the private sector run a number of schools in Malta and Gozo.

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Education in Malta is as follows:

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• Kindergarten - up to 5 years (not compulsary)
• Primary education is between 6-11
• Secondary education up to 16 years
• Post-Secondary Education (sixth form, vocational college) up to 18 years
• Tertiary education is provided by the University of Malta and also by MCAST.