One World - An Indication on the State of our Environment (01)
Driving Forces for Environmental Change: Population changes
What impact is population change having on the environment?
Malta's population is estimated to have reached 410,290 by end 2007.11 NSO provisional figure. [The 2005 Census provides a detailed snapshot of population change and internal migration. It indicates that overall, Malta's population grew by 26,830 or seven per cent between 1995 and 2005, which represents a slowdown from the 9.5 per cent growth rate of the 1985-1995 intercensal period.
In terms of internal migration, the census indicates a continued trend for population to move out of Malta's older settlements. In addition, the population growth of 27.5 per cent in the Northern District that comprises Għargħur, Mellieħa, Mġarr, Mosta, Naxxar and St Paul's Bay indicates a preference for northern locations.
The Southern Harbour District registered the largest population loss (2,187 or 2.63 per cent) during the intercensal period. The localities that lost population were primarily Ħamrun, Qormi, Valletta, Gżira and Paola, which all lost over 500 persons. This movement of population from older urban areas into newer coastal settlements contributes to the decline of Malta's historic areas, and the inefficient use of land. Malta remains the most densely populated EU country, with an average of 1,291 persons per square kilometre in 2006. NSO (National Statistics Office). 2007. Demographic Review 2006, NSO, Valletta.