Malta is an island strategically located in the heart of the Mediterranean. Malta became a full member of the European Union on the 1st May 2004.It joined the Eurozone as at the 1st of January 2008
Malta's strategic location allows instant access to all major global shipping routes through comprehensive port facilities - quick access to trans-European trucking routes allow delivery to central European locations within a week, on a door-to-door basis. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing (especially electronics and pharmaceuticals), and tourism.
Malta's GDP per capita (est 2006) lies at EUR21,000 per capita. The island's main insutries are tourism, electronics, ship building and repair, construction, printing, food and beverages and pharmaceuticals. Malta's main export partners are France 15.3%, Singapore 13.2%, US 13%, Germany 12.5%, UK 9.5%, Japan 4.9%, Hong Kong 4.2%.It's main import partners are Italy 28%, UK 10.5%, France 8.7%, Germany 7.6%, Singapore 6.8%, US 5.6%.