
In 2023, the number of individuals under 18 at risk of poverty and social exclusion in Malta increased by 2.1% compared to 2022, with the situation for young adults aged 18 to 24 worsening even more, showing a 3.3% rise.
Additionally, the number of unemployed individuals aged 18 to 64 at risk of poverty grew by 7.4%, while the rate for working men slightly decreased but rose by 1.3% for women.
Housing affordability remains a significant concern. The proportion of household income spent on housing costs surged from 2.9% in 2022 to 6% in 2023.
Property prices also rose, with the average price climbing from €209,000 in 2022 to €228,000 in 2023, while rental prices increased sharply by 38.3%.
Although more students are completing primary and secondary education, the number of individuals finishing post-secondary education has declined slightly, especially among men. Meanwhile, the number of foreign workers in Malta has grown significantly, from around 62,000 to nearly 95,000 in 2023.
Malta’s poverty rate has dropped by 2.4% since 2015, and severe material deprivation has decreased from 20% to 8%.
To continue these improvements, the National Strategy Against Poverty and for Social Inclusion has been launched, with a goal to reduce poverty by a further 3.1% by 2030.
This strategy aims to foster inclusivity, provide equal access to opportunities, and offer support to prevent social exclusion.
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