Major resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location, and a productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited freshwater supplies, and has no domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing (especially electronics and textiles), and tourism. Malta is privatizing state-controlled firms and liberalizing markets in order to prepare for membership in the European Union. However, the island is divided politically over the question of joining the EU. The sizable budget deficit remains a key concern.
Industry:
tourism; electronics, ship building and repair, construction; food and beverages, textiles, footwear, clothing, tobacco
Ethnicgroups:
Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)
Yellow fever:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 9 months of age coming from infected areas. If indicated on epidemiological grounds, infants under 9 months of age are subject to isolation or surveillance if coming from an infected area.
