Malta sees the largest population increase in the EU

Malta’s population is growing faster than anywhere else in Europe, according to official figures.

There are almost 100,000 more people living in Malta now than there were in 2006.

The National Statistics Office in Valletta said the total population of Malta and Gozo at the end of 2018 stood at 493,559, up by 3.8% when compared to 2017.

The figures reveal that Malta’s population increase was by far the largest in the EU.

A total of 18 member states saw their numbers rise, with Malta in first place with 36.8 per 1,000 residents.

The total population of the EU now stands at 513.5 million, an increase of 1.1 million over the previous year.

Germany leads the way with 83 million residents, while France comes second with 67 million.

Britain is the third largest nation with a population of 66.6 million.

The statistics were released to mark World Population Day.