MaltaFrance
Malta has a population of 574K, compared to France's 66.4M. France is 115.5 times more populous than Malta. Economically, France ($3.16T) has a GDP 126.6 times larger than Malta's ($25.0B). France covers 543,908 km², 1721.2 times larger than Malta's 316 km². Life expectancy in Malta stands at 83.5 years, 0.6 years higher than France's 82.9 years.
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Malta wins
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France wins
Metric
MaltaFrance| Population | 574K | 66.4M |
| Area | 316 km² | 543,908 km² |
| GDP | $25.0B | $3.16T |
| GDP Per Capita | $43,898.578 | $46,103.084 |
| Life Expectancy | 83.5 yrs | 82.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 4.8 | 3.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.9% | 7.5% |
| Capital | Valletta | Paris |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | English, Maltese | French |
| 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
France is 115.5 times more populous than Malta, with 66.4M residents compared to 574K. Malta is a nation of 574K people, while France is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Malta averages 1,817 people per km² (dense), while France averages 122 people per km² (moderate). Malta has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for France.
Economy Comparison
Malta is classified as a high-income economy, while France is classified as a high-income economy. The France economy ($3.16T) is 126.6 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. France's GDP per capita of $46,103.084 is 65% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of France are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Malta.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Malta is 83.5 years, compared to 82.9 years in France, a gap of 0.6 years. Malta (83.5 years) is 11.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while France (82.9 years) is 10.9 years above the global average of 72 years. At 4.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Malta's infant mortality is 41% higher than France's 3.4.
Geographic Comparison
France (543,908 km²) is 1721.2 times larger by land area than Malta (316 km²). Malta shares borders with 0 countries, while France borders 8 countries. Malta spans 1 timezone, compared to France's 14 timezones. Both Malta and France 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 France is in land area: Malta's 316 km² compared to France's 543,908 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Malta and France is in GDP: Malta's $25.0B compared to France's $3.16T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Malta and France is in population: Malta's 574K compared to France's 66.4M represents a 99% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Malta's high-income economy and France's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
France has a GDP per capita of $46,103.084, which is 1.1x 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 France is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Malta is 14.9x more densely populated than France (1817 vs 122 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. France's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Malta live an average of 0.6 years longer than those of France (83.5 vs 82.9 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 France's 1.2%. Malta's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Malta vs France for Families
For family travel, France generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.4 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 France's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Malta vs France 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 France. However, France 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 France for Retirees
Malta's life expectancy of 83.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. France 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 France Cost of Living
France's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Malta, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in France, 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 France's smaller cities.
Malta vs France for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Malta and France, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malta spans 1 timezone while France covers 14. 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 France by population?
France is larger by population, with 66.4M residents compared to Malta's 574K. France is 115.5 times more populous than Malta.
Which country has a higher GDP, Malta or France?
France has the higher GDP at $3.16T, compared to Malta's $25.0B. France's economy is 126.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Malta and France?
Malta has a higher life expectancy at 83.5 years, compared to France's 82.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.6 years. Malta's life expectancy is 11.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while France's is 10.9 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Malta or France?
France is larger by land area, covering 543,908 km² compared to Malta's 316 km². France is 1721.2 times larger than Malta.
What languages are spoken in Malta and France?
Malta recognizes the following languages: English, Maltese. France recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Malta or France?
Malta has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to France's 2.0%. Malta's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while France's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Malta or France better for a family holiday?
For family travel, France generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.4 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 h...
Is Malta or France 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 France. However, France may offer better value in s...
Is Malta or France better for retirement?
Malta's life expectancy of 83.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. France 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 France more expensive to live in?
France's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Malta, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in France, while Malta offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Malta or France better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Malta and France, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malta spans 1 timezone while France covers 14. Malta's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...