The total area under cultivation was about 11,000 hectares (27,200 acres) in 2003. (31 December 2016 est. Market value of publicly traded shares: )country comparison to the world (CIA rank, may be based on non-current data): industry: 20.7% Market value of publicly traded shares: Malta has several catering firms that will provide the necessary number of workers needed for the type of entertaining that has been contracted for. Inflation rate (consumer prices): Troubleshooting a Stove's Thermostat or Selector, Wattage vs. Surge Wattage for a Window Air Conditioner, WaterHeaterTimer.org: How to Figure Volts-Amps-Watts for Residential Water Heater, How to Check an Electric Baseboard Element for Resistance & Continuity. Free health services are administered by the government-run polyclinics. 0.903 The Central Bank is responsible for the regulation of the banking system, the money supply, the issue of currency, and the administration of exchange control. After all, you don't drink salt water at home; you don't use it to water your tomatoes or brush your teeth; farmers don't usually irrigate with it; some industries can't use it without damaging their equipment; and, farmer Joe's cows won't drink it. Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone 1-888-407-4747. Compiled from the December 2004 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. Imports of certain items, such as toothpaste and shampoo, are restricted. In 1565 Suleiman the Magnificent laid siege to Malta. Services at Anglican churches are held in English. 0.903 Additional seats may be allocated until a majority of one seat is obtained. (31 December 2016 est.) (2015 est.) Religion is a required subject in all government schools. The service at the public hospitals is not always up to the standards of private hospitals. Mosquitoes and sand fleas are common during the summer months and, although they are not dangerous except to those with particular allergies, their stings are bothersome. In recent history, the two longest and most significant periods of occupation were by the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem from 1530 (after their ejection from Rhodes by the Turks) to 1798, and by the British from 1814 to 1964. University intake has been increased by around 200 percent, and the work/study concept has been made optional. Imports - commodities: mineral fuels, oils and products; electrical machinery; aircraft/spacecraft and parts thereof; machinery and mechanical appliances; plastic and other semi-manufactured goods; vehicles and parts (2015 est.) In the latter, the presiding judge sits with a jury of nine. Monaghan, Peter. 33.5% of GDP [see also: Imports country ranks ] )country comparison to the world (CIA rank, may be based on non-current data): 0.885 Stock of narrow money: (31 December 2016 est. Inflation rate (consumer prices): (31 June 2014 est. Because of the government programs, the construction industry has become a major economic sector in Malta. The Consular Section's telephone number is (356) 2156-4115, fax: (356) 2124-3229, website: http://usembassy.state.gov/malta/wwwhcons.html. Source: NSO About 63% of Malta’s workers were unionized in 2002. Inflation rate (consumer prices): Malta became a member of the European Union with nine other new member states on May 1, 2004. (September 30, 2020). In 2000 the population was estimated at 391,670, making the country one of the most densely populated nations in the world. 189 In these fora, Malta has frequently expressed its concern for the peace and economic development of the Mediterranean region. Single persons who have reached the age of thirty and have not attained the age of sixty. )country comparison to the world (CIA rank, may be based on non-current data): Voter turnout was 96%. (2017 est. (31 December 2014 est. The Maltese Government has pursued a policy of gradual economic liberalization, taking some steps to shift the emphasis in trade and financial policies from reliance on direct government intervention and control to policy regimes that allow a greater role for market mechanisms. [see also: Current account balance country ranks ] $833 million $14.28 billion (2013 est. In 1997 the decline was 10.3 percent, and in 1998 the decline was 11.6 percent. $166.1 million 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 fundscountry comparison to the world (CIA rank, may be based on non-current data):