Lifestyle
Malta — Living: Major Cities
The 2021 census put San Pawl il-Baħar as Malta largest locality with 32,042 residents, followed by Birkirkara and Il-Mosta; Valletta, the capital, had 5,157 residents.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceNational Statistics Office Malta — Census of Population and Housing 2021Last reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- San Pawl il-Bahar was the largest locality in 2021 with 32,042 residents, followed by Birkirkara (25,807) and Il-Mosta (23,482); a 2022 revision puts San Pawl il-Bahar at 35,419.
- Malta national density was 1,649 residents per km2, the highest in the EU; the Malta region is 1,948 per km2 against 572 in Gozo.
- Tas-Sliema is the densest locality at 15,167 persons per square kilometre.
- Valletta, the capital, had 5,157 residents in 2021.
Steps
- Understanding Malta's Urban Areas — While Malta does not have a strict classification of cities and towns, some areas are generally considered urban centers due to their population density, infrastructure, and economic activity.
- Exploring Major Cities — Each of Malta's major cities has its own unique character and attractions, making them worth visiting for those relocating to the country.