KEY FACTS Joined Commonwealth: 1964 Population: 418,000 (2011) GDP p.c.: US$21,209 (2011) UN HDI 2011: world ranking 36 Geography Area: 316 sq km Coastline: 253 km Capital: Valletta The Republic of Malta comprises an archipelago of six islands and islets in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, 93 km south of Sicily and 290 km from the coast of North Africa. Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited; the other islands are Cominotto, Filfla and St Paul’s Island. Constitution Status: Republic Legislature: Parliament of Malta Independence: 21 September 1964 Under the 1964 constitution – amended in 1974 and 1987 – Malta is a democratic republic with a unicameral House of Representatives of at least 65 members. The country has proportional representation using the single transferable vote system. A party which obtains a majority of votes but minority of seats is allocated additional seats to give it an overall majority of one. The House may not sit for longer than five years. The President is the Head of State and is elected for a fiveyear period of office by the House of Representatives. The incumbent has executive authority but must act on the cabinet’s advice and the position is therefore largely ceremonial. The Prime Minister and leader of the opposition are both appointed by the President. The cabinet is appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. All appointees must be members of parliament. Under the constitution, Roman Catholic Christianity is the state religion and must be taught in state schools. Commonwealth Governance 206 Handbook 2013/14 Judicial system Supreme court: Constitutional Court Ministry: Office of the Attorney-General The judiciary is independent. The Constitutional Court has jurisdiction in matters relating to elections and membership of the House of Representatives, and hears appeals involving human rights, the constitution and the integrity of laws. The Court of Appeal receives appeals regarding civil cases from the civil or magistrates’ courts, or from the several administrative tribunals. The Court of Criminal Appeal deals with appeals arising from criminal cases in the criminal or magistrates’ courts. Criminal courts generally sit with a judge and jury. Government and politics Last elections: 9 March 2013 (parliamentary), April 2009 (presidential) Next elections: 2018 (parliamentary), 2014 (presidential) Head of State: President Dr George Abela (2009–) Head of Government: Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat Ruling party: Labour Party Malta
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