Sliema now most densely populated locality, census shows

Malta’s population has shot up to 519,562, up by 25% in just ten years, with Sliema now the most densely populated locality. A preliminary report on the 2021 population and housing census shows the population grew from 417,432 in 2011 to more than half a million in 2021. This was a result of a consistent population increase of 10,000 people per year since 2011, the highest growth ever recorded between censuses to date.  The National Statistics Office said this “unprecedented growth” contrasted with an average annual increase of just under 1,000 people observed during the 19th century.  

This means that over a century, the population, Malta’s population has more than doubled. In announcing preliminary results of the census held late last year, the officials said population growth was fast, with migration contributing substantially to the increase.
The rise of the non-Maltese  
The statistics show the number of non-Maltese living in Malta has increased fivefold since 2011, from 20,289 to 115,449.  This means that 22.2% of the population are non-Maltese.
Birkirkara is no longer the biggest locality in population terms and has been superseded by St Paul’s Bay with 32,042...