Malta’s Fertility Rate to Continue Dropping Until 2050

Mar 25 2024

A recent study conducted by the Health Metrics and Evaluation Unit in the United States, and published in The Lancet, indicates a global trend towards declining fertility rates, with Malta expected to experience a continued decrease in fertility until the year 2050. The comprehensive research, which examined data from 204 countries, predicts that nearly every population worldwide will see a decrease by the end of the century due to insufficient numbers of newborns to offset death rates.

This decline in global fertility, which is not expected to balance the rate of deaths until the year 2100, places Malta among the majority of nations unable to produce enough newborn children to support both deaths and population growth. The study reveals that 97% of countries will be affected by this trend, with the global fertility rate projected to fall from 2.23 births per woman in 2021 to 1.68 in 2050, and even further to 1.57 by 2100.

For population stability, developed countries require a fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman. However, Malta’s fertility rate was 1.53 in 2021, and the study projects a decline to 1.39 by 2050 and 1.26 by 2100, underscoring a significant challenge. Japan and South Korea are identified as having the lowest fertility rates, highlighting a global issue that extends far beyond Malta’s borders. This anticipated demographic shift necessitates careful planning and policy adjustments to mitigate its impacts.

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Baking Underway at Malta’s Legendary ‘Forn Tal-Ħabs’

Mar 25 2024

Malta’s Ministry for Home Affairs has recently released a video showcasing the intricate process behind the making of the traditional ‘Qagħaq tal-Appostli’, a beloved Maltese delicacy, especially around Easter.

This special treat is prepared at the prison bakery, locally known as ‘Il-Forn tal-Ħabs’, which stands as one of the Malta Correctional Services Agency’s most esteemed projects.

The video offers viewers a rare glimpse into the bakery’s operations, highlighting the skill and dedication involved in crafting these traditional sweets. ‘Il-Forn tal-Ħabs’ is renowned for its production of ‘Qagħaq tal-Appostli’, attracting residents from all over Malta to its kiosk during this time of the year to purchase the sought-after baked goods.

The release of the video has sparked a positive reaction among locals, with many taking to the comments section to express their appreciation for the team’s effort in preserving and preparing traditional Maltese treats ahead of Easter.

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Threats & Violence Prompt Malta Rangers Unit Police Report

Mar 25 2024

The Malta Ranger Unit has recently brought to light a concerning situation where its rangers and vehicles have been targeted and singled out online, prompting the unit to report the incidents to the police.

Taking to Facebook, the unit shared distressing comments made against its rangers, including a particular post that featured a photo of a ranger, seemingly taken months ago, receiving threats of violence and insults directed at their family. The severity of the threats escalated to include harming the ranger by throwing stones and intentions to cause injury severe enough to result in the use of a wheelchair.

These alarming incidents underscore the risks faced by rangers as they carry out their duties, often involving the reporting of individuals in possession of firearms and sometimes those with a criminal background. The Malta Ranger Unit, committed to its mission of fighting environmental crime, finds its members in potentially dangerous situations while performing their statutory duties.

In light of these challenges, the organisation has called upon the public for support to continue its essential work safely. They have urged individuals to contribute by becoming members of the Malta Rangers Unit, offering options to donate between €1 and €20 per month via their Patreon page. This initiative aims to enable the unit to persist in their duties, ensuring the safety and protection of Malta’s environment and its dedicated rangers.

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On The Way! Track Your Bus In Real Time On The Tallinja App

Mar 25 2024

Public transport users in Malta will be happy to know that they will begin to experience a significant boost in efficiency with the latest update to the Tallinja app, via real-time tracking.

Transport Minister Chris Bonett recently announced what he described as “the next step in more efficient public transport” through a post that featured a video demonstrating how users can now track their upcoming bus in real-time using the Tallinja mobile application.

This new feature marks a pivotal improvement in the public transport service, offering passengers the ability to monitor the location of their bus. This capability not only enhances the user experience by providing accurate wait times but also aids in planning trips more effectively, reducing uncertainty and wait times at bus stops.

Minister Bonett emphasised the importance of this update in his announcement, stating, “With this change, we are helping anyone using Tallinja to plan their trip more effectively.”

The introduction of real-time bus tracking on the Tallinja app is expected to improve passenger satisfaction and encourage more people to use public transport.

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