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Italy vs Malta Economy: GDP, Tax and Key Indicators 2026

Italy and Malta: A Side-by-Side EU Economic Analysis

0
Italy leads
7
Indicators
7
Malta leads
Malta leads overall

Analysis by Eunomist Research Team  •  Updated 2026

Executive Summary

How Does Italy Compare to Malta? The Key Economic Story

Italy and Malta represent two distinct economic models within the European Union. With Italy leading on 0 of 7 measured indicators and Malta ahead on 7, this comparison reveals important structural differences across growth, labour markets, and fiscal policy.

The GDP per capita gap — €36,330 for Italy versus €37,800 for Malta — tells one part of the story, but the full picture emerges from examining unemployment rates, debt levels, and productivity trends side by side.

For businesses and investors, understanding which country performs better on which dimensions is essential. The data presented here draws on Eurostat indicators across economy, labour, fiscal, and social domains.

Key Numbers

The Most Important Metrics at a Glance

GDP per Capita
€36,330
🇮🇹 Italy
€37,800
🇲🇹 Malta
Primary measure of living standards and productive output per person.
GDP Growth Rate
0.9%
🇮🇹 Italy
10.6%
🇲🇹 Malta
Annual real economic expansion — the pulse of short-term economic health.
Unemployment Rate
7.7%
🇮🇹 Italy
3.5%
🇲🇹 Malta
Percentage actively seeking but unable to find work. The EU average benchmark is around 6%.
Government Debt
133.9% GDP
🇮🇹 Italy
47.0% GDP
🇲🇹 Malta
Total accumulated government debt. The EU's Stability Pact reference target is below 60% of GDP.
Inflation (HICP)
120.9%
🇮🇹 Italy
120.0%
🇲🇹 Malta
The EU's harmonised measure of consumer price changes. The ECB targets 2% across the eurozone.
Employment Rate
66.3%
🇮🇹 Italy
81.3%
🇲🇹 Malta
Share of working-age population with a job — higher means more productive capacity being used.
All Indicators

Italy vs Malta: Full Indicator Comparison

All 7 available EU indicators compared side by side. Green highlights indicate the stronger performer on each metric. Each row includes a one-line interpretation of what the indicator measures.

Economy
Indicator 🇮🇹 Italy 🇲🇹 Malta Gap
GDP per Capita
Primary measure of living standards and productive output per person.
€36,330 €37,800 €1,470
GDP Growth Rate
Annual real economic expansion — the pulse of short-term economic health.
0.9% 10.6% 9.7%
Current Account Balance
A surplus means the economy earns more from abroad than it spends — a sign of competitiveness.
+0.2% +6.5% +6.3%
Labour
Indicator 🇮🇹 Italy 🇲🇹 Malta Gap
Unemployment Rate
Percentage actively seeking but unable to find work. The EU average benchmark is around 6%.
7.7% 3.5% 4.2%
Employment Rate
Share of working-age population with a job — higher means more productive capacity being used.
66.3% 81.3% 15.0%
Prices
Indicator 🇮🇹 Italy 🇲🇹 Malta Gap
Inflation (HICP)
The EU's harmonised measure of consumer price changes. The ECB targets 2% across the eurozone.
120.9% 120.0% 0.9%
Fiscal
Indicator 🇮🇹 Italy 🇲🇹 Malta Gap
Government Debt
Total accumulated government debt. The EU's Stability Pact reference target is below 60% of GDP.
133.9% GDP 47.0% GDP 86.9% GDP
Verdict

Choose Italy or Malta? The Bottom Line

🇮🇹
Choose Italy if...
  • you prioritise the indicators where it leads — including .
  • its economic structure aligns better with your sector.
  • market size and regional positioning in the EU matter for your strategy.
🇲🇹
Choose Malta if...
  • you prioritise the indicators where it leads — including GDP per Capita and GDP Growth Rate.
  • its fiscal and labour market profile suits your business model.
  • growth trajectory is your primary investment criterion.
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