More than half the Maltese population read newspapers in a foreign language – English in our case – according to the latest cultural statistics published in Brussels.
At 56 per cent, this is the second highest percentage in the EU following Luxembourg (71 per cent).
The figure contrasts sharply with other member states where on average just nine per cent of newspaper readers prefer to read in a language which is not their mother tongue.
The EU’s publication, Cultural Statistics, tries to measure the cultural level of EU societies through a number of indicators, including employment and studies in the arts, imports and exports of reading material, music and films, and attendance at cultural activities.
While Malta scores well when it comes to the number of students following cultural subjects at tertiary level, it is one of the worst performers when it comes to participation in the arts sector.
According to the latest available data, during the 2007/08 academic year, 15.1 per cent of students at the University of Malta were following a course in the humanities, 2.8 per cent in the arts and 0.4 per cent in journalism and information media. Malta’s figures are higher than the EU averages in this area.
On the other hand, relatively few Maltese go to the cinema or attend live performances, such as the theatre, opera or concerts.
The publication states that, according to a recent Eurobarometer survey, 65 per cent of Maltese respondents said they never watched a film at the cinema. This is the lowest level in the EU, where the average of those staying away from cinema screens stands at only 30 per cent.
A total of 82 per cent said they never attended live performances, compared to 23 per cent in the EU, while 85 per cent admitted they never went on cultural visits, such as to a museum or historical site, compared to 55 per cent in the EU.
However, it seems the Maltese are avid readers of newspapers and magazines. In 2009 imports of books reached the value of €5 million, while that of newspapers and magazines reached another €5 million.
Malta’s own publishing sector also seems to be healthy, with the country exporting more than €6 million worth of books and other publications in the same year.
When it comes to employment, Malta is on a par with the EU average, with 1.7 per cent of the working population engaged in cultural activities, including publishing, media, television, art and writing.
The cost of culture is also measured in the Eurostat publication. In the EU, the price of newspapers rose by 17.5 per cent and that of cultural services like museums, cinema and concerts by 13.3 per cent.
In Malta, the price of books fell by six per cent during the same period while that of newspapers and magazines increased by 20.1 per cent.
Culture by numbers
56 per cent of Maltese respondents read newspapers in English.
65 per cent never watch a film at the cinema.
82 per cent never attend live performances.
1.7 per cent work in the cultural sector.
€10 million worth of books, newspapers and magazines were imported in 2009.