Around 20,500 People In Malta Can’t Read And Write

Jan 20 2024

Malta and Gozo have made significant strides in literacy rates, with an impressive 96% literacy rate recorded in 2021. This positive development reflects a notable improvement from the 94% literacy rate reported in the 2011 census, indicating a 2% increase over the span of a decade.

Despite these strides, approximately 20,500 individuals in the region still face the challenge of illiteracy.

Swieqi emerges as the beacon of literacy, with an impressive 99% of its residents possessing the ability to read and write. Following closely behind are Balzan and Attard, both achieving a commendable 98% literacy rate.

On the flip side, challenges persist in areas such as Luqa, where the literacy rate is reported at 89%. Additionally, Cospicua and Marsa face their own struggles, with literacy rates standing at 90%.

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25% Of Maltese Under 10 Consider English 1st Language

Jan 19 2024

A significant demographic shift is evident in Maltese language preferences among children under 10, as around 25% consider English their first language, indicating a rise in English usage compared to previous generations.

Among those aged 10 to 19, approximately 15% view English as their primary language, a figure that decreases to about 9% for adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, declining further for seniors.

Despite Maltese remaining the predominant mother tongue across all age groups, the prevalence of English as the first language is more pronounced in areas like Swieqi, Sliema, and St Julian’s.

According to the 2021 Census of Population and Housing by Malta’s National Statistics Office (NSO), nearly 40% of Swieqi’s residents and around a quarter of those in Sliema and St Julian’s spoke English from early childhood. The census did not allow for a direct comparison with previous periods due to changes in questioning methods.

Additionally, the census highlighted a nearly 96% literacy rate in 2021, indicating improvement from the 2011 census. Swieqi boasted the highest literacy rate at almost 99%, while Luqa reported the lowest at just over 89%. Simultaneously, a survey revealed that while Maltese is perceived as easier to speak, English is considered easier to read and write.

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Maltese Twins With Debut Song In Tribute To Late Dad

Jan 19 2024

Adria Twins Celine and Shaian have released their debut song in tribute to their late father called ‘L-Isbaħ Stilla.’

Composed by Shaun Farrugia and a music video by Steven Levi Vella, the twins pay tribute to their late father throughout the video itself, with shots showing memories and photographs of their time with him.

Their debut song has made its mark on the local scene already, with those tuning in expressing how deeply the song touched them and how much more they want to hear from the girls.

Did you listen to ‘L-Isbaħ Stilla’ yet?

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5.1% Of Malta’s Population With No Religious Affiliation

Jan 19 2024

Residents aged 15 and above were surveyed on their religious affiliations, regardless of their religious practices or formal memberships.

Out of 451,501 respondents, 82.6% identified as Roman Catholic, 17,454 as Muslim, and 16,457 as Orthodox. Additionally, 5.1% or 23,243 declared no religious affiliation.

Analyzing gender distribution, Roman Catholic affiliations showed an even split, while over half (57.1%) of those with no religious affiliation were males. Males also constituted a significant portion among Muslims (78.3%) and Hindus (70.3%).

Over two-thirds of those not affiliated with Roman Catholicism or any religion lived in the Northern Harbour and Northern districts, with 42.9% and 24.1%, respectively. Notably, San Pawl Il-Baħar had the highest concentration.

Out of the non-affiliated population, 84% were non-Maltese citizens, with 7,685 British, 4,781 Indians, and 4,635 Serbians. Among those with no religious affiliation, 7,254 were Maltese citizens, illustrating diversity in the religious landscape and its connection to citizenship.

Find full census here.

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