In 2021, Gżira in Malta emerged with the highest percentage of non-heterosexual individuals in its population, as 5.4% identified as gay, lesbian, or with other non-heterosexual orientations.
According to data provided to MaltaToday by the National Statistics Office, out of a total population of 9,442, this equates to 509 LGBTIQ+ people in Gżira, with 102 being Maltese citizens and 407 non-Maltese residents.
Following Gżira, other north harbour localities, namely St Julian’s (4.6%), Msida (4.2%), and Sliema (4.2%), also showed substantial percentages of non-heterosexual residents.
St Paul’s Bay had the largest overall LGBTIQ+ population in Malta, totalling 1,009, but this represented 3.6% of its total population, ranking it fifth in concentration.
Bormla, in the south harbour, had the highest percentage of Maltese LGBTIQ+ individuals, comprising 2.3% of its population. The census highlighted the concentration of foreign LGBTIQ+ people in affluent north harbour localities and a higher percentage of Maltese LGBTIQ+ individuals in less affluent harbour areas.
Overall, the census recorded 11,073 LGBTIQ+ people in Malta in 2021, with 5,349 being Maltese citizens and 5,724 from other countries. The Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) welcomed the results but suggested that the figures might only represent the “tip of the iceberg,” especially among older Maltese individuals who may be reluctant to declare their sexual orientation.
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