MaltaGermany
Malta has a population of 574K, compared to Germany's 83.5M. Germany is 145.4 times more populous than Malta. Economically, Germany ($4.69T) has a GDP 187.6 times larger than Malta's ($25.0B). Germany covers 357,114 km², 1130.1 times larger than Malta's 316 km². Life expectancy in Malta stands at 83.5 years, 3.0 years higher than Germany's 80.5 years.
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Malta wins
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Germany wins
Metric
MaltaGermany| Population | 574K | 83.5M |
| Area | 316 km² | 357,114 km² |
| GDP | $25.0B | $4.69T |
| GDP Per Capita | $43,898.578 | $56,103.732 |
| Life Expectancy | 83.5 yrs | 80.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 4.8 | 3.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.9% | 3.7% |
| Capital | Valletta | Berlin |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | English, Maltese | German |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | EUR (€) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Germany is 145.4 times more populous than Malta, with 83.5M residents compared to 574K. Malta is a nation of 574K people, while Germany is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Malta averages 1,817 people per km² (dense), while Germany averages 234 people per km² (dense). While Malta has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Germany has grown at 0.32% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Malta is classified as a high-income economy, while Germany is classified as a high-income economy. The Germany economy ($4.69T) is 187.6 times larger than Malta's ($25.0B). Malta's GDP per capita of $43,898.578 is 57% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Germany's GDP per capita of $56,103.732 is 100% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Germany are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Malta.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Malta is 83.5 years, compared to 80.5 years in Germany, a gap of 3.0 years. Malta (83.5 years) is 11.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Germany (80.5 years) is 8.5 years above the global average of 72 years. At 4.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Malta's infant mortality is 55% higher than Germany's 3.1.
Geographic Comparison
Germany (357,114 km²) is 1130.1 times larger by land area than Malta (316 km²). Malta shares borders with 0 countries, while Germany borders 9 countries. Malta spans 1 timezone, compared to Germany's 1 timezone. Both Malta and Germany are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Europe and Western Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Malta and Germany is in land area: Malta's 316 km² compared to Germany's 357,114 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Malta and Germany is in GDP: Malta's $25.0B compared to Germany's $4.69T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Malta and Germany is in population: Malta's 574K compared to Germany's 83.5M represents a 99% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Malta's high-income economy and Germany's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Germany has a GDP per capita of $56,103.732, which is 1.3x that of Malta ($43,898.578). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Germany is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Malta is 7.8x more densely populated than Germany (1817 vs 234 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Germany's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Malta live an average of 3.0 years longer than those of Germany (83.5 vs 80.5 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Malta's economy grew at 6.8% compared to Germany's -0.5%. Malta's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Germany's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Malta vs Germany for Families
For family travel, Germany generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.1 vs 4.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malta offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Germany's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Malta vs Germany for Budget Travelers
Malta is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $43,898.578 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malta can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Germany. However, Germany may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Malta vs Germany for Retirees
Malta's life expectancy of 83.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Germany may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Malta vs Germany Cost of Living
Germany's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Malta, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Germany, while Malta offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Malta can approach or exceed average costs in Germany's smaller cities.
Malta vs Germany for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Malta and Germany, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malta spans 1 timezone while Germany covers 1. Malta's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Malta or Germany by population?
Germany is larger by population, with 83.5M residents compared to Malta's 574K. Germany is 145.4 times more populous than Malta.
Which country has a higher GDP, Malta or Germany?
Germany has the higher GDP at $4.69T, compared to Malta's $25.0B. Germany's economy is 187.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Malta and Germany?
Malta has a higher life expectancy at 83.5 years, compared to Germany's 80.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.0 years. Malta's life expectancy is 11.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Germany's is 8.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Malta or Germany?
Germany is larger by land area, covering 357,114 km² compared to Malta's 316 km². Germany is 1130.1 times larger than Malta.
What languages are spoken in Malta and Germany?
Malta recognizes the following languages: English, Maltese. Germany recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Malta or Germany?
Malta has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to Germany's 2.3%. Malta's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Germany's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Malta or Germany better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Germany generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.1 vs 4.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malta offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Malta or Germany cheaper to visit?
Malta is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $43,898.578 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malta can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Germany. However, Germany may offer better value in...
Is Malta or Germany better for retirement?
Malta's life expectancy of 83.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Germany may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Malta or Germany more expensive to live in?
Germany's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Malta, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Germany, while Malta offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Malta or Germany better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Malta and Germany, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malta spans 1 timezone while Germany covers 1. Malta's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...
Population Growth
Malta, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Germany, 1994 to 2023